Work while you study abroad
A part-time job while studying abroad can help you gain skills that a university or college degree may not teach you. It can broaden your study abroad experience, improve your self-confidence, develop your language, interpersonal and social skills, and help cover some living expenses.
Most universities and colleges abroad have a careers office that regularly posts employment vacancies. Local businesses and employers often recruit students through these offices. Careers offices may also help students develop résumé-writing skills and learn where to find job opportunities.
Other ways to find part-time jobs include local community newspapers and networking. Students can meet people and personally submit résumés to local service stations, fast-food outlets, restaurants, supermarkets and other businesses.
Before searching for jobs, consider the laws in your destination country and whether your visa limits the number of hours you can work. Regulations vary by country, so check the applicable rules before applying. You should also ensure that your part-time job has minimal impact on your studies and lifestyle.
Part-Time Jobs in Australia
International students in Australia may be subject to limits on the number of hours they can work during their studies. The rules depend on their visa conditions, so students should check the latest requirements before commencing employment.
Tax File Number (TFN)
People working in Australia generally need a Tax File Number (TFN). This is a personal reference number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and is used for tax reporting and other government-related documents.
Minimum Wage and Superannuation
Minimum-wage requirements apply to eligible employees, including international students. The original article lists a minimum wage of $18.93 per hour; this is historical information and should be checked against current Australian wage rates.
Safe and Healthy Work Environment
Under Australian work health and safety laws, employers must provide a safe workplace and comply with applicable occupational health and safety requirements.
For more details, visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website .
Part-Time Jobs in Canada
Eligible international students may be allowed to work on or off campus without a separate work permit, subject to the conditions of their study permit and current immigration rules.
Eligibility conditions described in the original article include:
- Holding a valid Canadian study permit and being enrolled in a full-time course.
- Studying at an authorized designated learning institution in Canada.
- Studying at a qualifying post-secondary institution or an eligible vocational program in Quebec.
- Being enrolled in a program that awards a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Studying in a program that meets the applicable duration requirements.
Canada offers work and career opportunities for students. Some institutions provide co-operative education programs, in which students alternate between periods of academic study and practical work experience through partnerships between educational institutions and industry.
For current eligibility and work-hour rules, visit the Government of Canada website .
Part-Time Jobs in New Zealand
International students in New Zealand may be permitted to work part-time or full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their visa conditions and course eligibility. The original article describes a limit of 20 hours per week for certain students, but current visa conditions should be checked before starting work.
Students enrolled in eligible master's by research or doctoral programs at New Zealand tertiary institutions may have different work rights, subject to their visa conditions.
The original article states that international students cannot be self-employed and must work for an employer under an employment agreement.
Students generally need an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number for tax purposes. Workers in New Zealand are also entitled to applicable employment protections.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide a written employment agreement.
- Pay at least the applicable minimum wage.
- Provide required paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks.
- Provide public holidays off or applicable compensation for working on those days.
- Make wage deductions only where legally permitted.
- Provide a safe workplace.
For more details, visit the New Zealand Government website .
Part-Time Jobs in the United Kingdom
International students studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level may be allowed to work during term time and university holidays, depending on their visa conditions and course level. The original article mentions a limit of 20 hours per week for some degree-level students and 10 hours per week for certain below-degree-level courses. These limits should be verified against current immigration rules.
Student visa holders may face restrictions on permanent employment, self-employment, running a business, professional sports and entertainment work. The restrictions applicable to each student depend on their visa conditions.
For more details, visit UKCISA .
Part-Time Jobs in the United States of America (USA)
Employment opportunities for international students in the USA are subject to specific immigration regulations. Students should not rely on part-time employment as their primary source of funding for tuition and living expenses.
F-1 students generally have restrictions on off-campus employment, particularly during their first academic year. Eligible students may be able to work on campus, subject to applicable rules. Off-campus employment requires an eligible authorization or immigration category before work begins.
The original article identifies three types of off-campus employment or practical training:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT), including pre-completion and post-completion OPT
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extension
Practical training must meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Students should obtain the required authorization before starting employment.
For more details, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website .
Part-Time Jobs in Ireland
International students with Stamp 2 immigration permission may be allowed to take up casual employment, subject to the conditions of their permission. The original article describes working up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during specified holiday periods. Students should verify the current rules before accepting employment.
The original article lists the following eligibility requirements for part-time work:
- Registration with the relevant Irish immigration authorities, where required.
- Acceptance onto a course recognized by the relevant education authorities.
- Enrollment in an eligible full-time course at the required qualification level.
- Enrollment in a course that meets the applicable duration requirements.
- Obtaining a Personal Public Service (PPS) Number for employment and tax purposes, where required.
- Complying with Irish tax and employment laws and the applicable payment requirements.
For more details, visit Education in Ireland .
Work rights, permitted hours and eligibility requirements can change and vary by country, visa type and course. Always check the official immigration and employment guidance for your destination before accepting a job.
Plan your work schedule around your classes, assignments and exams so that employment does not interfere with your education.