Jan 07, 2025
The experience of studying abroad comes with numerous perks like world-class education at a leading university, opportunities for professional growth, and cultural enrichment. But living in a foreign country can come with a considerable price tag as tuition fees, rent, groceries, and other essentials quickly add up. Fortunately, many leading study destinations recognize the importance of financial self-sufficiency and offer international students the chance to work part-time during their study tenure. They offer ample of work opportunities on and off campus that help to contribute towards the living expenses.
This article discusses the countries that allow international students to work the most hours, and the regulations tied to their part-time work permits. If you are planning to study abroad, then it will help you identify if your preferred study destination suits your academic goals as well as financial obligations. Scroll down to know everything about these generous part-time work-hour policies for international students.
When choosing a study destination, it is vital to understand the rules surrounding part-time work. Different countries have different limits on how many hours international students can work, both during the academic year and during semester breaks. Let’s have a look at the specifics for each country.
Part-time Work Limit: 48 hours per fortnight during semesters & unlimited hours during the semester break
Minimum Hourly Wages: AU$24.13
Australia is a dream destination for many international students, not only for its prestigious universities but also for its favourable work policies. It provides the highest part-time working hours limit for international students on a valid student visa than any other study destination.
Additionally, the country had revised its minimum wage to $24.13 from 1 July 2024. Retail, food, hospitality, and healthcare sectors offer ample of part-time job opportunities to students.
Part-time Work Limit: 24 hours per week during semesters & full-time during semester breaks like summer vacation or winter holidays.
Minimum Hourly Wages: CA$15 to CA$19
Canada is another favourite among international students and for all good reasons. Its excellent education system and welcoming immigration policies make it a top study destination.
Recently, the Canadian government introduced a policy allowing students to work 24 hours off-campus instead of 20. Addressing labour shortages in key sectors, Sales Assistant, Barista, Server and Dog Walker, are some of the key job roles available.
Part-time Work Limit: 20 hours per week when classes are in session & 40 hours per week when classes are not happening.
Minimum Hourly Wages: Starts at $12 - $18
International students on an F-1 visa can work on-campus as per the limits specified above during academic terms. While off-campus employment is restricted, students can apply for work opportunities under Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allow full-time work in certain conditions.
Although on-campus roles may seem limited, they often include positions like teaching assistants, library aides, and research assistants, providing both income and relevant skills.
Part-time Work Limit: 20 hours per week during semesters & 40 hours during semester holidays.
Minimum Hourly Wages: For students aged 21 and over it is £11.44; for 18 to 20 it is £8.60; for students aged Under 18 it is £6.40
The UK offers a vibrant student experience, complete with opportunities to work while studying. International students enrolled in degree-level programs or higher with substantial hourly wages making it one of the top countries to study abroad.
Customer Service Representative, Sales Assistant, Warehouse Worker, Retail Worker, Tutor, Babysitter, and Translator are some of the popular part-time job roles available.
Part-time Work Limit: 20 hours per week during semesters & full-time during semester holidays. Students pursuing a Master’s by Research or a PhD are allowed to work full-time throughout the duration of their studies.
Minimum Hourly Wages: Starts at NZ$23.15
New Zealand offers a unique mix of high-quality education and a balanced lifestyle. With numerous job roles, international students can work part-time in different sectors during their study tenure. Beyond campus jobs, students can also explore job roles as Tutors, Delivery Drivers, Baristas, Retail Assistants, Receptionists, etc.
Part-time Work Limit: 20 hours per week during the academic term (Equating to 120 full days or 240 half days per year).
Minimum Hourly Wages: Starts at € 12.41 (It is set to rise to €12.82 at the beginning of 2025)
Germany is a powerhouse when it comes to both education and employment. During semester holidays, international students can work full-time for up to 40 hours. One of the biggest advantages of studying here is its low tuition fees making it easier to manage expenses. Moreover, Germany’s booming job market ensures plenty of part-time job opportunities.
Part-time Work Limit: 20 hours per week during academic sessions and 40 hours per week during official semester holidays.
Minimum Hourly Wages: Starts at €12.70 for students above the age of 20 (It is set to increase to €13.50 per hour for employees aged 20 and over on January 1, 2025)
Ireland is a leading European study destination with booming tech and pharmaceutical sectors. The country provides fantastic options for those looking to take up part-time jobs during their study tenure. Tutors, Administrative Assistants, Call Center Agents, Retail Jobs, and Jobs at Restaurants or Cafes are the most popular job roles and have the most vacancies in Ireland.
Knowing how much you can earn is equally important and with the hourly salary range for part-time jobs abroad, we are certain that you now have a tentative idea of your earnings during your study period. Make note of the fact that these figures vary widely based on job type, location, and industry. For instance, specialized roles in sectors like IT or healthcare may offer higher wages, even for part-time work.
On a concluding note, the opportunity to work part-time while studying abroad provides a dual advantage: financial support and time management skills. Choosing the right study destination involves weighing factors like university rankings, course availability and student visa norms. But you should also consider work-hour flexibility, hourly wages, and long-term career opportunities post-study.
To get more information about the post-study visas, and choosing the perfect destination, reach out to our Team of Country Experts at KC today. Being among the top 10 Study Abroad Consultants in India, we offer comprehensive assistance to all aspirants. Your dream destination is just a step away with KC’s professional expertise, see you virtually or in person at one of our offices!