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Part-time Jobs while studying abroad

Ever wondered about part-time work for international students- minimum pay & its perks?

When it comes to studying abroad, each international student has wondered about the minimum pay they’d get along with the perks of it. The thought of working part-time to either cover some living expenses or gain some work experience in a foreign land has at least once crossed their minds.

But is it even legal to work when you are on your study visa?

As a matter of fact, it is very much legal. Although working part-time while studying has become the new normal, there are some restrictions involved. So, it becomes quite important to get acquainted with the rules pertaining to part-time work in the respective countries.

Apart from the rules, it’s equally important to know how well you’d be paid while working part-time. In this blog, you’ll find the minimum wage you could expect for working part-time in different countries, along with some other useful information, all in one place.

UK

  • The students on Tier 4 Visa or Graduate Immigrant Route (GIR) are allowed to work
  • A maximum of 20 hours per week are permitted
  • During university holidays, full-time work can be taken-up
  • Both paid and unpaid work is covered under the cap of maximum hours
  • No self-employment work is allowed such as freelancing and consultation

Minimum Wage According to Age

  • Between 18 to 20 years- GBP 6.56 per hour
  • Between 21 to 22 years- GBP 8.36 per hour
  • Over 23 years- GBP 8.91 per hour

USA

  • The students on F-1 Visa can work on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week
  • During summers, when there are no classes, a maximum of 40 hours per week
  • On campus, one has an option to either go for Operations Position or Assistantship

Minimum Wage

Depending on different states, a federal minimum wage of USD 7.25 per hour is applicable.

Canada

  • Canadian Student Visa holders are permitted a maximum of 20 hours per week
  • The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) has lifted restrictions on working hours for students, hence no limit until the end of 2023

Minimum Wage

Depending on the province you are in, the minimum payment can be an average of CAD 15.50 on an hourly basis.

Australia

  • As on 1st July 2023, the revised regulations allow the student visa holders to work for 48 hours per week per fortnight (a period of two weeks)
  • No restrictions on working hours during holidays
  • The only condition here is, the student can’t work until his enrolled course commences
  • You can refer to Best Job Search Platforms in Australia here

Minimum Wage

For the year 2023, the national minimum wage is AUD 812.60 per week or AUD 21.38 per hour.

New Zealand

If you are enrolled for a full-time course, as per your visa conditions, you’ll be eligible to work up to 20 hours a week.

Minimum Wage According to Age

  • Up to 16 years- No minimum wage
  • Over 16 years- NZD 21.20 per hour (before taxes)
  • As on April 2023, the adult minimum wage rate will go up to NZD 22.70 per hour

Germany

Alongside their studies, international students are allowed to work for not more than 20 hours a week during their term.

Minimum Wage

Since October 2022, the rate stands at EUR 12.00 per hour.

After the information on Pay, let’s focus on the Perks of working part-time- 

  • Earn an extra buck

If you are someone living the dream of studying abroad with the assistance of a loan, then this might be a chance for you to manage your loan and your living expenses. 

  • Enhance your social skills 

    Not only will the part-time work make you fluent in English, but it will also allow you to understand the locals and their culture deeply.

  • Know the work culture

While working with the residents, you’ll get a hands-on experience with their best practices at work. Also, you’ll gain independence and confidence to combat real-world issues firsthand.

  • Build your network

This is a great opportunity for you to connect with people other than your peers. With a better cultural understanding, you’ll be able to connect better with people. Also, you can leverage your network for the job of your dreams someday.

How to find a Part-time Job?

Usually, newspapers, notice boards, online job sites, inquiries with universities or peers and recruitment agencies are the main sources where you’d easily be able to find a suitable job for yourself. You even have an option of working on campus. 

Some websites to make your search easy- LinkedIn, Indeed, Grabjobs

Yes, your academics will always come first as a student, but juggling your studies and job is a part of life. So, which country are you flying to this intake?