New Zealand

Usually just a walk away from campus, halls of residence offer fully furnished single or twin-share rooms with a shared dining hall, lounge and laundry. Meals are often included and you’ll find a lively programme of social activities. A number of the larger institutions also provide private hostels that run in a similar way, and some have self-contained apartments (which we call ‘flats’).

Homestay

With a homestay you live with a New Zealand family in their home, usually in a fully furnished room of your own. They’ll provide you with meals and help you to settle in to day-to-day life in New Zealand. A homestay is a great way to get to know some friendly New Zealanders, develop your English skills and get a close-up look at New Zealand’s way of life and culture.

Working on a student visa

You may be allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours a week and full-time during all scheduled holidays and the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Check your visa conditions

If you are allowed to work, your work rights will be recorded in your eVisa or the visa label in your passport, or explained to you in a letter.

If you work when you are not allowed to, you will be in breach of your visa conditions. If this happens you may have to leave New Zealand. If you have questions about your work rights, contact us.

Work you cannot do

International students are not allowed to be self-employed. You must work for an employer and have an employment agreement.

You cannot provide commercial sexual services. This means you cannot:

• work as a prostitute
• operate a New Zealand prostitution business
• invest in a prostitution business.