Part-Time Jobs for International Students: Rules by Country & How Much You Can Earn
How many hours can international students work while studying — rules for USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany — and realistic earnings.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsWork rights vary significantly by country
USA, UK, Canada, Australia and Germany all allow international students to work — but the rules differ. Some allow 20 hours/week during studies, others are more restrictive. Check the exact country's rules before committing to your study destination.
USA (F-1 visa)
Up to 20 hours/week during the academic term on-campus (work-study jobs, teaching assistant positions). Off-campus work requires specific authorisation and is generally not available first year. After graduation, OPT allows full-time work — the longest runway globally.
UK (Student visa)
International students can usually work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during official breaks (summer, winter, holidays). Popular jobs: university library, retail, hospitality. The UK national minimum/living wage is around £12 an hour (it rises each April, so check the current rate) — typical student earnings: £250–400/month.
Canada (Study permit)
As of November 2024, eligible students can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during studies (up from the old 20-hour cap), and full-time during scheduled breaks. After graduation, a PGWP allows full-time work. Minimum wage is around CAD 15–17/hour depending on province — confirm the current off-campus limit on the IRCC site before you rely on it.
Australia (Student visa)
Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (about 24 hours/week on average) while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during official course breaks. The national minimum wage is around AUD 24/hour — part-time earnings are typically AUD 300–500/month.
Germany (Student visa)
Under the 2024 rules, students can generally work about 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. Work earnings average €450–600/month. Jobs are plentiful in major cities, though German language ability helps for many roles. Confirm the current day limit, as the rules were recently updated.
Realistic earnings impact
Part-time earnings offset 20–30% of annual living costs in developed countries. Work reduces study time but improves language/cultural integration. Factor work into your cost model to be realistic about self-funding.