Working part-time while studying abroad: hour limits by country
Student work abroad: approximate hour limits by country, suitable job types and rules to avoid risking your visa.
Short answer: In most countries a student visa allows roughly 16–24 hours of work per week during term and full-time work during official breaks. Rules differ by country and breaking them can lead to visa cancellation, so always check the official website of the country you choose.
Many students want to earn part of their living costs while studying abroad. This article summarizes the general rules and approximate hour limits by country. Rules change often; recheck the figures below with an official source before deciding.
Approximate limits by country
| Country | Approximate rule |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | About 20 hours per week in term (degree level), full-time in holidays |
| Germany | 120 full or 240 half days per year |
| Netherlands | 16 hours per week or full-time in summer |
| France | About 964 hours per year |
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight during study periods |
| Canada | Limited off-campus hours per week (limit changes) |
| United States | F-1: first year on campus only, up to 20 hours per week |
Work rights always depend on your program type and visa; some short or preparatory programs may not allow work at all.
Suitable jobs
- On campus: library, café, research assistant, student offices. The safest and most flexible option.
- Service sector: cafés, shops, restaurants.
- Online and freelance work: must be checked against local employment rules.
- Internships: field-related and the most valuable for your career.
Things to remember
- Do not exceed the hour limit. It can lead to visa cancellation and future refusals.
- Have a lawful contract. Get a written contract and proper payslips.
- Put studies first. Attendance and grades are part of visa conditions.
- Tax and social registration. Some countries require a tax or social insurance number.
Can you build a budget around part-time income?
In most cases part-time earnings cover only part of living costs and not tuition. Proof of funds for the visa also cannot rely on future work income.
FAQ
Can I always work on a student visa?
No. It depends on the visa type, program and country.
Can I work if I have a full scholarship?
The scholarship may have its own conditions; read the agreement.
Help choosing a country and program
To pick a country that fits your budget and work plans, book a free consultation.
Note: general information only; rules may change. This is not legal advice; check official visa authority and university websites.
More articles
Study in Ireland 2026: universities, visa, work and staying on
Studying in Ireland: universities, admission requirements, language proof, the student visa, working while studying and staying after graduation.
MBA Abroad: types, admission requirements and how to choose
MBA study abroad: full-time, executive and online formats, admission requirements, GMAT/GRE, work experience, accreditation and choosing the right pr…
GRE vs GMAT: who needs them and which should you take?
What the GRE and GMAT are, who requires them, structure and scoring, which to choose for an MBA or master's, and how to prepare.
Contact
Have questions?
Enter your details — our advisor will contact you and answer all your questions.