Best Countries for Part-Time Work While Studying Abroad in 2025: Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but managing expenses can be challenging. Working part-time while studying is an excellent way to support yourself financially, gain valuable work experience, and enhance your resume. However, each country has different rules regarding part-time work for international students.
If you’re planning to study abroad in 2025, knowing where you can legally work part-time while pursuing your education is crucial. This guide provides a list of the best countries that allow international students to work, their work regulations, and the best job opportunities available.
Best Countries for Part-Time Work While Studying Abroad in 2025
| Country | Weekly Work Hours | Minimum Wage (2025 est.) | Post-Study Work Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 20 (on-campus), off-campus via CPT/OPT | $7.25 – $15 per hour | OPT (1-3 years), H-1B visa opportunities |
| Canada | 20 (during term), full-time during breaks | $16 – $17 per hour | PGWP (up to 3 years) |
| United Kingdom | 20 (during term), full-time during holidays | £10.42 per hour | Graduate Route Visa (2-3 years) |
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight | AUD 23.23 per hour | Temporary Graduate Visa (2-4 years) |
| New Zealand | 20 (during term), full-time during holidays | NZD 22.70 per hour | Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years) |
| Germany | 120 full days or 240 half days per year | €12 per hour | 18-month post-study work visa |
| Ireland | 20 (during term), 40 during holidays | €11.30 per hour | Third Level Graduate Scheme (up to 2 years) |
| France | 18.5 per week (964 hours per year) | €11.52 per hour | Temporary residence permit for job search |
| Netherlands | 16 during term, full-time in summer | €11 per hour | Orientation Year Visa (1 year) |
| Switzerland | 15 during term, full-time in breaks | CHF 24 per hour | 6-month post-study job search permit |
Finding the right country for part-time work while studying abroad depends on work regulations, wages, and post-study opportunities. Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the UK offer excellent job prospects for international students, helping them gain work experience, manage expenses, and secure a future career.
For official work and study guidelines, visit government websites such as South African Mint, UK Visa & Immigration, or Study in Canada.
Top Countries to Work While Studying Abroad
1. United States – Work Experience Through CPT & OPT
Work Regulations:
- F-1 visa students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week.
- Off-campus jobs are available through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the first academic year.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Library assistants, research assistants, baristas, and internships related to your field.
2. Canada – High Wages and Easy Work Permits
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks.
- No separate work permit is required.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Retail workers, servers, call center agents, and research assistants.
3. United Kingdom – Graduate Route for Post-Study Work
Work Regulations:
- Students on a Tier 4 visa can work 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks.
- Graduate Route visa allows work for up to two years after graduation (three years for PhD students).
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Hospitality, retail, tutoring, and administrative roles.
4. Australia – No Work Limits During Breaks
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during holidays.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Cafe workers, warehouse assistants, and on-campus positions.
5. Germany – Work While Studying & Stay After Graduation
Work Regulations:
- International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- University jobs, translation work, tutoring, and service industry jobs.
6. Ireland – Strong Job Market for Graduates
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours per week during scheduled breaks.
- The Third Level Graduate Scheme allows two years of post-study work.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Retail, food service, and university roles.
7. France – Work & Live in a European Hub
Work Regulations:
- Students can work up to 964 hours per year (about 18.5 hours per week).
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Café jobs, babysitting, tutoring English.
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8. Netherlands – Growing Tech & Business Opportunities
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 16 hours per week during academic terms and full-time during summer with a work permit.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- IT jobs, digital marketing, and customer service roles.
9. New Zealand – High Wages & Easy Work Rules
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 20 hours per week during terms and full-time during breaks.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Hospitality, agriculture, and on-campus jobs.
10. Switzerland – High Wages, But Work Permits Needed
Work Regulations:
- Students can work 15 hours per week and full-time during vacations after residing in Switzerland for six months.
Best Part-Time Jobs:
- Hospitality, retail, and research assistant roles.
FAQs On Best Countries for Part-Time Work While Studying Abroad in 2025
1. Which country is best for earning while studying?
Countries like Australia, Switzerland, and Canada offer higher wages, making them great for students looking to support themselves.
2. Can I work full-time while studying abroad?
Most countries restrict students to 20 hours per week, but allow full-time work during breaks.
3. Which country has the easiest post-study work visa?
- Canada (PGWP up to 3 years)
- UK (Graduate Route 2 years, PhD 3 years)
- Australia (Temporary Graduate Visa 2-4 years)
4. Are language skills necessary to work part-time?
In English-speaking countries (UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand), language barriers are minimal. However, in France, Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland, learning the local language improves job opportunities.
5. What is the best job for students while studying?
The best part-time jobs include research assistant, barista, customer service, tutoring, or retail.
