Students Struggle to Find Jobs as Applications Reach Record Highs

Many students across New Zealand are facing unprecedented challenges in securing summer employment, with record numbers of applications leading to fierce competition and little opportunity. As student allowances and loan payments near their end for the year, a growing number of students are grappling with financial uncertainty, prompting some to consider moving back home or even dropping out of university.

At the University of Auckland, the completion of exams has brought a stark realization for many students: finding work this summer may be more difficult than anticipated. Namrata, a student who has two years of her undergraduate studies remaining, has struggled to secure a job despite applying consistently since last year. She expressed frustration over the lack of available positions, stating, “I’m looking for a job and it’s so difficult… I’ve been looking since last year for any, any job, seriously just working in the mall or just being a part-time salesperson, just anything.”

The sentiment is echoed by fellow students like Sara Szulakowski, who has also faced hurdles in finding work. After months of searching, Szulakowski has decided to move back to the Bay of Plenty, believing it may offer better opportunities. “I don’t have a job, I’ve been looking for one but there’s too much competition in the market,” she said. Despite having some work experience, she feels inadequate compared to more seasoned applicants.

Erelyn Lunjevich, another student, has opted to return home to Waipu after a challenging job hunt. She remarked, “It was really hard, because I was looking for one since the start of the year and I’ve been applying, but all of these casual jobs have over hundreds of applicants.”

A particularly striking case is that of Lexa Kathro, a 23-year-old student in Wellington, who has applied for over 100 jobs within the last six months without securing a single interview. “I can’t afford to live in Wellington off $60 a week for groceries and every other life thing after my rent is paid, so I have to leave,” Kathro explained. After abandoning a hairdressing qualification due to a lack of available apprenticeships, she pursued a degree in Anthropology, only to face dwindling job opportunities in that field as well.

The increase in application numbers reflects a broader trend affecting students nationwide. According to Student Job Search, applications surged to over 360,000 between January and November 2025, marking a remarkable 21.2 percent increase from the previous year. Over the past five years, applications have risen by 52 percent. Though exact figures on successful applications remain unclear, the overwhelming numbers highlight the struggles many students face.

Employers who traditionally hire large numbers of students are also feeling the strain. Foodstuffs, which operates New World and Pak n Save, reported a staggering 117 percent year-on-year increase in applications for summer and part-time jobs in the South Island, with nearly 55,000 applications received from August 2024 to August 2025, compared to just over 14,300 in the previous year. A similar pattern is evident in the North Island.

Additionally, fast-food giant McDonald’s has noted a significant rise in applications, according to spokesperson Simon Kenny. While the chain employs 11,000 people nationwide, it also has 10,000 applications currently in its hiring platform. This rising tide of applicants, combined with a decreased turnover rate, indicates a troubling job market for students.

The current situation raises concerns about the future workforce. Kathro cautioned, “We’re going to end up with an entire generation of people who haven’t been able to do what they need to do with their lives.” She highlighted the potential for a significant skill gap as students are unable to find their niche or specialty due to the lack of job opportunities.

As students navigate this challenging landscape, many are left to ponder their next steps, hoping for a more favorable job market in the coming months. Without immediate solutions, the impact on their education and future careers could be profound.