Bachelor's student

International students often ask – how do I find a job while studying and when I graduate?

My job search tips for international students in New Zealand 

A student in a hard hat and high-vis vest works on a laptop at a construction site. 

If you study in New Zealand, you may be able to stay on to gain valuable work experience after you graduate.

Working in New Zealand after studying

Communications Advisor

A student in a supermarket participating in a volunteer grocery delivery service during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Read about students Jess and Jingjing's experience volunteering in New Zealand during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Volunteering with the Student Volunteer Army

Chinese graduate

Pengbo Jiang talks to international students about volunteering

Tēnā koutou, greetings everyone, my name is Pengbo Jiang. I am an ex-international student with a passion for helping people.

The value of being an international student volunteer

Graduate Diploma in Business Studies

It might have been luck or I may be blessed by God but I started my first job in February and it was like a dream come true. I’m going to tell you how this happened and how everything fell into place.

How I got my first part-time job in New Zealand

Two people in a meeting on opposite sides of an office desk

After you finish your studies, you may be able to stay and work in New Zealand for up to three years.

Top tips for finding work after studying in New Zealand

Student wearing a suit and carrying a shoulder bag.

Getting a part-time job while you study can help you pay your living expenses, meet new people and learn about the New Zealand workplace. It’s also a great way to practice your English.

Working while studying

Engineering graduate

Two students standing in front of a laptop at a service desk. One is explaining something to the other. 

Volunteering can be one of the most important things you do to help you find a job.

How volunteering can boost your employability

Career Development Consultant

Careers, Internships and Employment Manager for the University of Canterbury

Career Development Services Manager for the University of Waikato

A student talks one on one with his teacher in New Zealand

We asked careers advisers from several of New Zealand’s world-ranked universities for advice on ways students can boost their job prospects while they study.

5 insider tips to prepare for your future career

Project Manager – Charging Infrastructure, Tesla

David (3rd from left) stands with a group of fellow students, graduation in New Zealand.

Now a project manager for electric car pioneer Tesla, David Campbell spent two years studying for his master’s in New Zealand. 

How studying abroad led to a job at Tesla

Engineering students working on solar panels with their supervisor in New Zealand

What can you do to prepare yourself for a rapidly changing future?

The 5 top skills for the future – how to get them

Education Futurist

An interview with Frances Valintine

Frances Valintine is an “Education Futurist”. She has worked for the New Zealand Government developing education strategies and is the founder of two innovative education providers, The Mind Lab, and Tech Futures Lab. Frances has spent the past 25 years thinking about the future of work, and thinking about the skills and capabilities that people need to have to prepare themselves for a long, successful and rewarding career.  

Prepare for the future of work

Filipino College Student

Filipino student outdoors near Auckland city in New Zealand

Maria, from the Philippines, shares her New Zealand study abroad journey with us. From her arrival in New Zealand, through her search for jobs, to her travels and adventures in nature.

My work and study experience in New Zealand

International students in New Zealand browsing clothes at a store

Finding part-time work as an international student

Indonesian graduate

group of students celebrating in graduation gowns in New Zealand

Having recently graduated, I was overcome with a feeling of excitement and fear of not knowing what’s next (i.e. a permanent job offer) at the end of this amazing phase of my life.

My job search journey

Chinese Graduate

Landing the perfect new job is always challenging and job hunting is never fun.

How to land the perfect job

Jessica’s studies in New Zealand have assisted her to lead her own cross-cultural marketing company, United Media Solutions, to success.

Becoming an international marketer and global citizen

Close up view of a work station, showing keyboard, pen, notebooks and keep cup.

An international graduate in New Zealand shares her top job hunting tips.

5 tips on how to get a job in New Zealand after graduation

As President of Unilever Europe, Jan Zijderveld has had a truly global business career.

Setting the foundations for a global career

For Naresh Perinpanayagam, studying in New Zealand has given him the skills, values and confidence to succeed on the international stage.

Kiwi education leads to United Nations career

Min Jin’s New Zealand education has helped her take the first step towards achieving her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur studies pay off for Chinese student

New Zealand’s practical, real-world style of learning helped Lucia Sohn land her dream job.

Business degree makes graduate ready for work

Thai graduate

Thichakorn holding a trophy for her National Geographic Thailand (NGT) Explorer Award. 

Wherever I am in the world, I still consider New Zealand home. It is where I found myself.

My journey to becoming a travel journalist

Accounting student

When you apply for a job in New Zealand, most employers are likely to ask for referees.

How to choose your referees

Thai English language student

I’d like to share my own personal tips on how to balance a part-time job while study. 

5 tips on how to balance a part-time job while studying

Filipino postgraduate diploma student

A graduate presents at an office meeting in New Zealand.

I am very fortunate that I got a job as an academic lecturer in Toi Ohomai while I’m still studying. I’m truly blessed that my school has really supported me to achieve my dream.

Work etiquette in New Zealand – will you fit in?

Have you heard of the hidden job market? 
 
It’s a phrase used to describe all the jobs that are filled without being advertised.

6 ways to network before you graduate

No work experience? Don’t panic!

Career development consultant John Dorado says international students shouldn’t feel stressed if they start applying for jobs and realise they don’t have any work experience.

How to identify your job skills and abilities

Thai Hospitality Student

I would like to explain how I used the skills that I gained from volunteer jobs to hunt for part time work.