Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities for International Students in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a wide range of career opportunities for international students during and after their studies. Here’s what you need to know about work opportunities as a student and pathways after graduation.

Part-Time Work While Studying

International students are allowed to work part-time while studying, which can help cover living expenses and gain valuable work experience. Key points to consider:

• Work Limitations: 
  Most student visas allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., holidays).
• Minimum Wage: 
  As of 2024, the minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD $23.15 per hour, though wages can be higher depending on the industry.

For more detailed information, please visit Minimum wage rates and types | Employment New Zealand

Popular Student Jobs:

• Retail (e.g., clothing stores, supermarkets)
• Hospitality (e.g., cafes, restaurants, bars)
• Tutoring or assisting at educational institutions
• Administration and office work
• Customer service roles

Internships and Work Experience

Many international students choose to undertake internships or volunteer opportunities to gain work experience relevant to their field of study. Some programmes at Whitecliffe have internship components, or students can find internships independently.

Benefits of internships include:

• Gaining practical, hands-on experience in your area of study.
• Networking with potential employers.
• Enhancing your resume or CV for future employment opportunities.

Post-Study Work Visa

After completing your qualification, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows you to remain in New Zealand and work full-time. This is a great opportunity to gain work experience in your field of study and possibly transition into permanent employment.

• Eligibility: 
  Graduates of level 7 or higher qualifications (such as bachelor’s or master’s degrees) are generally eligible for a post-study work visa for up to 3 years, depending on the qualification and duration of study.
• Industries in Demand: 
  New Zealand has a high demand for skills in IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction. Graduates in these fields often find good employment opportunities.

For more detailed information and assistance with your Post-Study Work Visa application:

Please visit the Immigration New Zealand website or contact our International Student Support team at international@whitecliffe.ac.nz.

Career Support Services

Whitecliffe provides career support to help international students transition into the workforce:

• Workshops on resume/CV writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
• Career Counselling: One-on-one guidance to help students explore potential career paths.
• Job Fairs: Events where students can meet potential employers and learn about job openings in various industries.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

For students interested in starting their own business, New Zealand offers a supportive environment for entrepreneurs. The country is ranked as one of the best places in the world to do business, with accessible resources for startups and small businesses.

Networking and Job Searching

Building a professional network is essential for finding job opportunities in New Zealand. You can connect with industry professionals through:

• Professional Associations: 
  Many industries have professional organisations that offer memberships to students.
• LinkedIn: 
  Building a strong LinkedIn profile is key to showcasing your qualifications and connecting with potential employers.
• Job Portals: 
  Websites like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Indeed are popular platforms to search for jobs in New Zealand.

By understanding the work opportunities available to international students, you can maximize your time in New Zealand, both academically and professionally, and set yourself up for future success.