Bachelor's, postgraduate or Master's degree at a public university. Upon graduation, up to a 3-year open work permit to stay.
Practical certificates and diplomas in hospitality, business, IT, or early childhood education. Automatic work permit from level 4.
Learn English surrounded by nature and with fewer Spanish speakers around. With a long-term course, you can work while you study.
hospitality, skiing and adventure tourism.
Keep in mind that Queenstown is a special case: big-city rent in a small town, with high demand during ski season. It is best to have your accommodation secured before landing and to have some financial cushion for the first few months. We will plan it with you on the call.
With the minimum wage at 23.95 NZD per hour, the 25 hours per week allowed by the student visa amount to about 599 NZD gross per week. With Queenstown at 350 NZD for a room in the center, the math is tight: that is why many people choose Frankton or Arrowtown. Check out the complete expense breakdown at living in New Zealand.
Average temperature year-round
Weekly housing + food
WHERE TO LIVE
Queenstown is tiny: the three student zones are a short trip from each other. Where you land depends on your budget and how often you want to walk into town.
Brecon Street · Beach Street · Fernhill. From NZD $350/week. Lake, bars, gondola and English schools on your doorstep. The liveliest area.
Frankton Flats · Quail Rise · Lake Hayes Estate. From NZD $300/week. 10 minutes by bus, near the airport and more affordable.
Arrowtown village · Lake Hayes. From NZD $280/week. Historic town 20 minutes out. Lowest rents, close to Coronet Peak and stunning autumn colours.
Study, work, or both: we guide you every step of the way, from your visa and throughout your stay.
TESTIMONIALS
One of my best discoveries in recent years. An agency that responds immediately, effective at resolving any situation, with a highly coordinated team of professionals that ensures top-quality support throughout your experience. Australia without Australian Way wouldn't have been nearly as amazing. THANKS 🫂
Ana Urrutia
2 years ago
I had issues with my WHV in Australia and ended up moving to New Zealand, and honestly, the support has been incredible. Eduardo gives you all the confidence and the push you need to start the adventure, and it's absolutely worth it. To anyone who's on the fence, the answer is YES!
Ana Calleja
7 months ago
What started as a temporary experience became a profound, wonderful life change. My daughter now lives in Melbourne, has obtained Australian citizenship, and has recently been offered a place to study Medicine.
Paula Barata
6 months ago
We were already at check-in, just over an hour before the flight, when they spotted an issue with the visa. We contacted them and within minutes they told us exactly what to do and had it all sorted.
Jose Luis Mora
1 month ago
They applied for my visa on July 1st and got it approved on the first try. When I arrived in Sydney, they kept supporting and guiding me throughout my entire stay.
Leticia Almodovar
7 months ago
Work
Queenstown runs on tourism: hotels, bars, restaurants, ski operators and adventure guides. Ski season (June to October) is peak hiring time, and in summer the adventure tours open up. People who land for one season tend to stay for the next.
We tell you how much you get paid and how taxes work in our guide to working in New Zealand.
LIFESTYLE
Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona and Treble Cone, all under an hour from town in winter. In summer life revolves around Lake Wakatipu: paddleboarding, jet boats, hiking up Ben Lomond. Milford Sound is doable in a day, and Wanaka, its sister town, is an hour north.
Community
Queenstown works because of its international staff: Argentinians, Chileans, Brazilians and Spaniards fill a big share of the seasonal hospitality jobs. Plans in Spanish (asados, football, mate) are easy to find, and you'll make friends fast.
Do you prefer to compare before deciding? Here are all the cities of New Zealand.
READ OUR GUIDES
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