Part-Time Jobs for International Students — Rules by Country
Working part-time during your studies is essential for many international students — both for income and for building local work experience. But the rules vary dramatically. Some countries let you work 20 hours per week off-campus; others restrict you to on-campus jobs only. Here is the exact breakdown for the most popular study destinations.
Part-time work rules by country
| Country | Hours allowed | Restrictions | Typical hourly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 240 half-days/year | No restrictions on job type | €12.82 (minimum wage) |
| UK | 20 hrs/week (term) | Off-campus allowed, full-time during breaks | £11.44 (minimum wage) |
| Canada | 20 hrs/week (term) | Off-campus allowed, full-time during breaks | CAD 16–17 (varies by province) |
| Australia | 48 hrs/fortnight | Off-campus allowed | AUD 23.23 (minimum wage) |
| USA | 20 hrs/week | On-campus only (first year) | $7.25–15+ (varies by state) |
| France | 964 hrs/year (~20 hrs/wk) | Off-campus allowed | €11.88 (SMIC) |
| Netherlands | 16 hrs/week | Work permit required (employer applies) | €13.27 (minimum wage) |
| Ireland | 20 hrs/week (term) | Off-campus allowed, 40 hrs during breaks | €12.70 (minimum wage) |
| Japan | 28 hrs/week | Permission from immigration required | ¥1,100+ (~€6.80) |
| South Korea | 20 hrs/week | Permission required, job type restrictions | ₩9,860/hr (~€6.50) |
| New Zealand | 20 hrs/week | Off-campus allowed, full-time during breaks | NZD 23.15 (minimum wage) |
| Spain | 20 hrs/week | Work permit required, must relate to studies | €8.45/hr (approx) |
| Italy | 20 hrs/week | Annual income cap of €5,500 | €7–9/hr (varies) |
| Poland | No limit | No work permit needed for students | PLN 28.10/hr (~€6.50) |
| Malaysia | 20 hrs/week | Semester breaks only in some cases | MYR 6–10/hr (~€1.20–2) |
Highest earning potential
If maximising income during studies is your goal, Australia stands out. At AUD 23.23/hour minimum wage and 48 hours per fortnight, students can earn AUD 1,100+/month — enough to cover a significant portion of living costs. UK and Canada follow, with realistic monthly earnings of £800–1,000 and CAD 1,200–1,500 respectively.
Most flexible rules
Poland stands out — international students can work unlimited hours without a work permit. Germany is also generous at 240 half-days/year (roughly 20 hours/week), with no restrictions on job type. Australia recently increased from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight.
Most restrictive rules
The USA is the most restrictive — first-year students are limited to on-campus employment only. Off-campus work (CPT/OPT) becomes available later but requires authorisation. Netherlands requires employers to obtain a work permit for you, which limits options. Spain requires work to relate to your field of study.
Where to find part-time work
University career centres and job boards are the best starting point. Beyond that: tutoring (especially language tutoring), hospitality (cafes, restaurants), retail, translation services, and freelance work in your field. For CS students, freelance coding and teaching assistant positions are particularly accessible.
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