Working while studying abroad: salary, regulations & is it enough?

Working part-time while studying abroad is not only a way for international students to cover their living expenses, but also an opportunity to experience culture, practice skills and improve foreign languages. However, how much can you earn from working part-time while studying abroad? Is the salary enough to cover the expensive cost of living in a foreign land?

I. Why do many international students choose to work part-time?

• Reduce financial burden

Studying abroad means having to pay many expenses such as tuition, housing, living expenses, transportation, insurance... These expenses sometimes become a burden for both students and their families. Working part-time helps international students cover some of those expenses, reducing financial dependence on their families, especially in cases where scholarships are not enough.

• Gain practical experience

Not only limited to earning money, part-time jobs also help international students accumulate practical work experience. Participating in the local working environment helps to better understand office culture, professional work processes, and at the same time practice important skills such as time management, teamwork, and situation handling.

• Improve language skills

For those studying in countries that use English, French, German, Finnish, etc., working part-time is a "free language learning" environment. Regular communication with colleagues and customers will improve your speaking, reflexes, and practical language usage, thereby helping you become more confident in your studies and life.

• Expand social relationships

One of the less talked about but extremely important benefits of a part time job while studying abroad is that you can expand your network. Relationships with managers, colleagues, and customers can help you learn, develop skills, and even open up career opportunities after graduation.

II. Regulations on part-time work while studying abroad in popular countries

1. Work part-time while studying in Germany

• Clear time limit

International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 120 full-time or 240 part-time days per year. If you exceed this limit, you must apply for permission from the Labor Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) and the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde). This control ensures that students do not become so absorbed in earning money that they neglect their studies.

• Work allowed

International students often choose jobs such as restaurant servers, supermarket cashiers, warehouse staff, shippers, library assistants or administrative support in schools. University jobs such as teaching assistants and researchers (Hiwi) are also good choices that are both relevant to their major and provide opportunities for practice.

• Salary and income tax

The basic salary in Germany is currently approx 12.41 EUR/hour (2025). If you work over the tax-free limit (520 EUR/month or 6,240 EUR/year), you will be deducted for things like income tax and social insurance. However, students can still claim a tax refund at the end of the year if their income is not too high. This encourages international students to work legally and file properly.

• Risks of violating labor laws

If you work more than the prescribed hours, work without declaration or do illegal work, you may be warned, fined, or worse, deported and banned from re-entering Germany. Therefore, although the need to work part-time while studying in Germany is real, you still need to put your studies first and absolutely obey the law.

2. Work part-time while studying in Finland

• Reasonable overtime limit

Finland allows international students to work part-time a maximum of 30 hours/week during semesters. During vacations, you are allowed to work full-time without any restrictions. This is considered a reasonable regulation, helping students balance work and study. If you are found to be working more than the required hours, your right to extend your residence permit may be affected.

• Residence permit requirements

International students in Finland must have a valid residence permit that includes a work permit. If it does not state this, you must update it with the Migration Agency (Migri) before you start working. A residence permit is not only an identification document, but also a legal basis to ensure that international students are treated fairly when they go to work.

• Salary and related costs

Overtime wages in Finland average from 9-13 EUR/hour, depending on the industry and location. Jobs such as kitchen assistant, supermarket clerk, receptionist, or delivery person are common. If you have Finnish skills, your job opportunities are wider and the salary is significantly higher. Students are required to file tax returns and can get a refund if their income is below a threshold.

• Learning and Career Management

If students focus too much on part-time work while studying in Finland and neglect their studies, their residence permit may not be renewed. This is checked very carefully by Migri through the accumulated credits each year. Therefore, you need to manage your time effectively so as not to affect your study path.

3. Work part-time while studying in Australia

• Strict working hours limit

According to regulations from July 2023, international students are allowed to work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks during the semester, and unlimited during the holidays. The adjustment from 40 to 48 hours/2 weeks allows students to have an additional source of income, while still ensuring study time. If you work beyond the limit, your visa may be cancelled immediately.

• Clear visa conditions

The Subclass 500 student visa requires a work permit before you can work. Schools also regularly monitor students to ensure they do not breach their visa conditions. Therefore, before looking for a part-time job while studying in Australia, you should check your visa and seek advice from your school's international student office.

• Tax code & declaration obligations

To work legally, international students are required to register a Tax File Number (TFN). When you receive your salary, you will also have temporary tax deducted. If your income is low, you can apply for a tax refund at the end of the financial year. Full disclosure helps you build a good credit history, which is beneficial if you want to stay and work or settle down later.

• Labor protection law

As an international student, you are entitled to the same employment rights as Australian citizens: minimum wage, breaks, on-time payment, and a safe work environment. Working while studying in Australia not only helps you earn extra income, but also increases your understanding of local labor laws and culture.

4. Work part-time while studying in the US

• Limitations in the first year

During the first year, international students on an F-1 visa are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours/week tron-campus. The jobs are usually library assistant, lab assistant, cafeteria assistant... After the first year, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for extra work off-campus through the CPT or OPT program.

• CPT and OPT Program

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows students to work off-campus during their studies, but must be related to their major and have school approval.

OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows you to work after graduation for up to 12 months (or 24 months if you study STEM). Failure to comply, such as accepting pay before approval, can result in OPT denial or loss of residency status.

• Tax and legal control

Students working part-time while studying in the US must have a tax identification number (SSN or ITIN), and declare it fully and legally. Even if your income is low, you still need to file a tax return (Form 8843 or 1040NR). The US is very strict about law enforcement, even for students, so absolutely avoid working illegally or through shady intermediaries.

• Be careful when applying for a job

Many students are lured into undocumented “off-campus” work, often with low pay, no benefits, and even trouble with the authorities. You should look for work through your school or official platforms to ensure safety and legality.

5. Work part-time while studying in Canada

• Allows off-campus work

Canada facilitates international students legal overtime 20 hours/week during the semester. During vacations, you can work full-time. The condition is that you are studying full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and your study permit clearly states that you are allowed to work.

• No need to apply for separate work permit

Just study permit (study permit) if your study permit is still valid, you are eligible to work part-time while studying in Canada, as long as you comply with the regulations. However, you need to carefully check the terms of your study permit before starting to work part-time.

• Request a SIN Tax Identification Number

All part-time students are required to haveSIN (Social Insurance Number) to be paid legally. The SIN is also required for tax purposes and for employment insurance benefits. If you work without a SIN, you will be considered an illegal worker.

• Labor rights and wages

The minimum wage in Canada ranges from CAD 14 to 20/hour, depending on the province. Jobs such as receptionist, supermarket staff, customer service, office assistant are very popular. You enjoy full benefits as a native citizen: on-time payment, vacation, overtime with allowance...

III. Part-time salary when studying abroad in each country

1. Salary for part-time work while studying in Germany

Overtime wages in Germany range from 12-15 EUR/hour, depending on the job and area. Students can earn 600-1,000 EUR/month if working up to 20 hours/week. Common jobs include warehouse, restaurant, administrative assistant.Part-time work while studying in Germany help cover living expenses, but pay attention to tax-free income levels to avoid tax and insurance deductions.

2. Part-time salary when studying abroad in Finland

In Finland, students often receive 9-13 EUR/hour, or higher if you know Finnish. Working up to 30 hours/week can earn1,000-1,400 EUR/monthCommon jobs include kitchen assistant, cleaning, hotel receptionist.Part-time work while studying in Finland help with living expenses and quickly integrate into local life.

3. Part-time salary when studying abroad in the US

Salary for a part- time job while studying in the US(on-campus) from 10-15 USD/hour, jobs such as teaching assistants or technicians can get up to 20 USD/hour. After the first year, if you are eligible for CPT/OPT, your income will be even higher, especially in your field of expertise. However, students must comply with F-1 visa regulations to avoid violations.

4. Part-time salary when studying abroad in Australia

Part-time work in Australia brings attractive income with a level of 24-26 AUD/hour. With a limit of 48 hours every 2 weeks, students can earn approx 1,000-1,300 AUD/monthCommon jobs include serving, selling, and teaching assistants.Part-time work while studying in Australia improves your finances and improves your English skills.

5. Part-time salary when studying abroad in Canada

In Canada, part-time students earn income from 15-20 CAD/hour, equivalent to 1,200-1,600 CAD/month if working 20 hours/week. Common jobs include serving, selling, teaching assistant.Part-time work while studying in Canada is a practical option to ease financial pressures in high-cost cities like Toronto or Vancouver.

IV. Popular part-time jobs for international students

• Personal financial support

The cost of studying abroad includes not only tuition fees but also many other expenses such as housing, food, insurance, transportation, books, entertainment. For students who do not have full scholarships or only receive partial support from their families, working part-time is a solution to cover their living expenses abroad more proactively.

• Improve soft skills

Working part-time while studying abroad means you have to interact with customers, colleagues, and managers – in a multicultural, multinational environment. Skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, and time management will be continuously practiced. These are key factors that help you adapt better to the international study and work environment later on.

• Experience the local culture

One of the greatest benefits of studying abroad is the cultural exchange. Working in restaurants, retail stores, local companies... allows you to directly access the lifestyle, code of conduct, and way of thinking of the local people, things that would be difficult to fully experience if you were only in the classroom.

• Improve foreign language quickly

Communicating in the work environment requires you to use foreign languages ​​regularly, from simple communication sentences to complex situations. This is a practical way of learning, much more effective than traditional learning methods, helping you improve your listening and speaking skills quickly and naturally.

V. Compare part-time income and living expenses

VI. Important notes when working part-time while studying abroad

• Restaurant/cafe service

This is the most popular job among international students because it is easy to apply for, flexible in terms of hours, and does not require experience. You can work as a waiter, barista, cashier, or kitchen assistant. The average salary is 10-18 units/hour, depending on the country. Some places also offer tips, which can significantly increase your income.

• Supermarket/convenience store sales

Chain stores such as 7-Eleven, Coles, Walmart… often hire students to work part-time. The work includes: displaying products, consulting customers, managing inventory and payment. The advantage is a stable working environment, and you can be trained in basic professional skills.

• Teaching assistant/research assistant

Students with good academic performance often have the opportunity to work as a lecturer's assistant, helping to prepare documents, grade papers or participate in research. This is a dream job because of its high income, flexible hours and is very beneficial for scholarship applications and future employment.

• Delivery/shipper part-time

If you have a bicycle or motorbike, delivery work on platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Foodora will bring good income. However, you need to pay attention to insurance, traffic safety and weather conditions, especially in winter in cold countries.

Conclusion

Working part-time while studying abroad is a practical and rewarding option if you know how to balance work and study. Although it is not always enough to cover all living expenses, the income from part-time work still helps reduce financial pressure and expand practical skills.