Top 10: Countries To Work While Studying Abroad

Many top-rated countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and others, offer flexible part-time work options for international students, making them the best countries to work in while studying. Full-time university students can work anywhere between 20 hours per week to 60 hours a month, depending on the specific country.

Working Hours for International Students in Each Country

Each country has a set number of hours permitted for international students to work while studying. While some countries offer 20 hours per week, others allow students to work for 60 hours a month. In some cases, students may not be able to extend their working hours beyond 20 hours while studying, like in Germany. However, there are other countries where students can work beyond 20 hours. The following countries and their rules pertaining to working while studying are elaborated below:

Best Countries for Work While Studying

USA Work While Study Options

The USA allows international students to work part-time while studying if they hold an F-1 visa to obtain an on-campus job. With this visa, students can work up to 20 hours per week while their college is in session and full-time during the holiday season. Additionally, international students can opt for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) to work off-campus. Students are allowed to work for 20 hours per week while in OPT or CPT.

Canada Work While Study Working Hours

Canada is another top country where international students are attracted to study and work. International students studying in Canada are permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week. Students who work for more than 20 hours per week may not be permitted to work or study in the future as this is considered a violation of the rules. International students in Canada are allowed to work full-time during official breaks and can opt for two part-time work options while the semester break is going on.

Australia Work While Study Opportunities

Australia’s top-ranking universities and their renowned accreditations attract international students. Part-time work options are available for international students, and they are allowed to work for up to 40 hours a fortnight. These working hours increased by 20 more hours to bridge the labour force gap witnessed by Australia after the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

United Kingdom (UK) Working While Studying Rules

International students holding a Tier 4 student visa in the UK are eligible to work while studying. Students are permitted to work for 10 to 20 hours a week. These hours are strict and permanent and should not exceed the given number of working hours. Students can opt for a full-time work opportunity while there is a vacation at their respective UK universities and work for as many hours as they find feasible for themselves.

France Work While Study Options 

France is a popular study destination for international students. Students studying in France are allowed to work part-time for up to 964 hours a year or 20 hours a week. International students who have a long-stay visa (VLS-TS) or a student residence permit are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in France, which is called a convention de stage. The duration of the internship is limited to 6 months, and students can work for up to 35 hours per week.

Switzerland Work While Study Rules 

Switzerland is a popular study destination for international students because of its high-quality education system. International students studying in Switzerland can work for up to 15 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students who have a Swiss student visa are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in Switzerland, which is called a stage. The duration of the internship is limited to 6 months, and students can work for up to 42 hours per week.

New Zealand Work While Study Opportunities 

New Zealand is a popular study destination for international students because of its safe and friendly environment. International students studying in New Zealand can work for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students who have a student visa are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in New Zealand, which is called a work placement. The duration of the work placement is limited to 12 months, and students can work for up to 20 hours per week.

Singapore Work While Study Permission 

Singapore is a popular study destination for international students because of its excellent education system. International students studying in Singapore can work for up to 16 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students who have a student visa are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in Singapore, which is called a work attachment. The duration of the work attachment is limited to 6 months, and students can work for up to 16 hours per week.

The Netherlands Work While Study Opportunities 

The Netherlands is a popular study destination for international students because of its multicultural environment. International students studying in the Netherlands can work for up to 16 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students who have a student visa are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in the Netherlands, which is called a stage. The duration of the stage is limited to 6 months, and students can work for up to 40 hours per week.

Ireland Work While Study Permission 

Ireland is a popular study destination for international students because of its friendly environment and excellent education system. International students studying in Ireland can work for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students who have a student visa are eligible to work while studying. Students can also opt for an internship in Ireland, which is called a work placement. The duration of the work placement is limited to 50% of the course duration, and students can work for up to 20 hours per week.