Navigating Work Regulations: A Guide for International Students 

 Imagine embarking on a journey to a foreign land, not only to pursue an education but also to experience a new culture, make lifelong friends, and build a foundation for your future career. For many international students, studying abroad represents the culmination of years of hard work and dreams. However, amidst the excitement of new beginnings, there lies a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of this adventure: the working hours policy for international students. These regulations, which vary widely from one country to another, can significantly impact a student's financial stability, academic performance, and overall well-being.  

Studies indicate that the proportion of students engaged in paid employment has risen from 45% a year ago to 55% currently. A survey involving more than 10,000 students revealed that 76% of them believe their studies have been adversely affected by the cost of living. These insights, provided by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), contribute to a broader understanding of the student experience in UK universities. 

As we delve into the complexities and nuances of working hours policies around the globe, it becomes clear that understanding these rules is not just a bureaucratic necessity but a vital component of ensuring a successful and enriching study abroad experience. 

Which Countries Allow International Students to Work Full-Time? 

When moving abroad to study, it's essential to consider the work regulations of your host country. Many developed nations impose limitations on work hours for international students, which can affect your ability to support yourself financially. However, some countries offer more flexibility. Let’s explore a few of them: 

Estonia

Estonia takes the top spot for its flexible work policies. International students can work as much as they want, provided it doesn’t interfere with their studies. There’s no specific limit on work hours, which is excellent news for self-sponsored students. During school sessions, you can work full-time during holidays. After graduation, you'll need a work permit if you wish to stay in Estonia. 

Sweden

In Sweden, students can work unlimited hours as long as they hold a valid student visa. While there’s no official limit, it's expected that working students dedicate at least 40 hours a week to their studies. The balance between work and study is essential to ensure academic success. 

Slovenia

Students in Slovenia can work up to 40 hours a week. It’s a country with relaxed rules, allowing you to manage your expenses more effectively while pursuing your education. 

Germany

Germany allows international students with a residence permit under Section 16b of the Residence Act to work for 140 full or 280 half working days per year. This flexibility ensures that students can gain practical experience without compromising their studies. 

Turkey

In Turkey, you can work up to 24 hours a week. However, you’ll need an official work permit in addition to your study permit. 

Remember that these policies can change over time, so always check the most up-to-date information from official government sources or educational institutions. Balancing work and studies is essential for a successful academic journey. 

Countries with Part-Time Work Limitations 

Let’s delve into the limitations of working part-time hours for international students in various countries. Understanding these restrictions is crucial for students who want to balance work and studies effectively: 

1. Canada

• Until recently, Canada allowed international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus. However, this temporary policy ended on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. Starting this fall, the new limit will be 24 hours per week. 
• The rationale behind this change is to ensure that students primarily focus on their studies while still having the option to work if necessary. During academic breaks, students can continue working unlimited hours. 
• Research shows that academic outcomes suffer when students work excessively while studying. Striking the right balance is essential to avoid compromising their education. 

2. Australia

• Australia recently changed its policy to allow international students to work up to 48 hours every 2 weeks. This flexibility provides students with more opportunities to gain work experience and offset expenses. 
• However, students should still prioritize their studies over work commitments. 

3. United States

• In the US, international students can legally work a maximum of 20 hours per week. This restriction ensures that students maintain focus on their academic pursuits. 
• Students must meet additional criteria before being permitted to work off-campus. 

4. Japan

• Foreign students in Japan can be employed part-time for up to 28 hours per week. However, this limit applies to the total hours worked across all jobs, not separately for each workplace. 
• Balancing work and studies is crucial to avoid negative impacts on academic performance. 

Remember that these policies can vary over time, so it’s essential to stay informed about the latest regulations in your host country. While work experience is valuable, maintaining academic success remains the top priority for international students. 

Consequences of Exceeding Work Hours 

• Violation of Legal Status: International students who exceed the allowed work hours are in violation of the regulations governing their legal status. This violation can result in the loss of their right to work in the host country. 
• Visa Revocation: Exceeding the allowed work hours may lead to potential revocation of their visa. 
• Study Permit Violation: Working more than 20 hours per week is a violation of study permit conditions in Canada. Students who violate this rule risk losing their student status and may not be approved for a study or work permit in the future. They may also have to leave the country. 
• Academic Impact: Recent studies in both the US and Canada show that academic performance declines significantly when students work more than 28 hours per week. Working over 24 hours per week increases the chances of dropping out of their program3. 

It's crucial for international students to adhere to the rules to maintain their legal status and academic progress. Always stay informed about the latest regulations in your host country. While work experience is valuable, maintaining academic success should remain the top priority. 

Ideal Part-Time Jobs for International Students: Ranked from Most Liked to Least Liked 

1. Campus Jobs

Popularity: High 

Estimated salary:  

• The average wage for a Campus Ambassador is around $13 per hour.  
• Teaching Assistant: The average wage for a Teaching Assistant is around $13.94 per hour. 
• Research Assistant: The average wage for a Research Assistant is around $15 per hour. 

Campus jobs are often the most popular choice for international students due to their convenience and relevance to student life. These positions include roles such as library assistants, research assistants, tutors, and administrative support. Campus jobs are usually more flexible with hours, making it easier for students to balance work and study. Additionally, working on campus helps students integrate into the university community, build networks, and gain valuable experience that can be directly related to their academic pursuits. 

Regarding campus ambassador job: it is the one in charge of promoting the university and showing prospective students why they should apply. This is a great job for someone who likes interacting with new people and working in a team. You may also be asked to give guided tours of the university campus on open days, sharing your own knowledge and other interesting facts about the university. 

Meanwhile, a research assistant is one of the most well-paid part-time jobs for international students on-campus. What the job entails will depend on which department you work for, but expect to work on various projects, carry out research, maintain lab equipment, and collate results. 

Another ideal option can be mentioned to the on-campus teaching assistant, who is expected to supervise classroom activities and work closely with students, help reinforce the student's own knowledge and skills. Teaching assistant (TA) positions and private tutoring jobs are favored by many students, especially those who excel in their subjects. Tutoring positions can often be flexible, allowing students to set their own schedules. The interpersonal and communication skills gained from teaching and tutoring are also highly valuable. 

2. Internships

Popularity: High 

Internships, whether paid or unpaid, are highly sought after because they offer practical experience in a student’s field of study. These positions provide a great opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, build professional networks, and enhance resumes. Many internships also come with the possibility of future full-time employment, making them an ideal choice for students looking to kickstart their careers. The only downside is that internships can sometimes be competitive and demanding. 

3. Retail Jobs

Popularity: Moderate 

Retail jobs, such as working in clothing stores, supermarkets, or cafes, are common among international students. These jobs typically offer flexible hours and the opportunity to develop customer service skills. While retail jobs might not always be related to a student’s field of study, they provide essential soft skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. The downside is that these jobs can be physically demanding and sometimes involve long hours. 

4. Freelance Work

Popularity: Moderate 

Freelance work, including writing, graphic design, and web development, is gaining popularity among tech-savvy students. These jobs offer the flexibility to work from anywhere and often allow students to set their own schedules. Freelancing can also lead to a diverse portfolio and valuable industry connections. However, it can be challenging to secure consistent work and income, and students must be disciplined to manage their time effectively. 

Freelancing allows students to work on a project basis, which can be particularly advantageous for those with specific skills in areas such as writing, graphic design, programming, digital marketing, tutoring and coaching, etc. 

Freelance jobs offer international students the flexibility to choose their own hours and work from any location, making it easier to balance studies and work. They provide opportunities to develop valuable professional skills and build a diverse portfolio, which can enhance job prospects after graduation. Freelancing can also be lucrative, especially for those with in-demand skills like web development or digital marketing. Additionally, freelancing platforms connect students with clients globally, expanding their professional network. 

However, freelancing comes with challenges such as inconsistent income, which can make financial planning difficult. It requires strong self-discipline and time management, as there is no structured work environment. Freelance jobs typically lack benefits such as health insurance and job security. Building a client base can be tough for newcomers, and international students must ensure their visa permits freelance work and be aware of tax implications. Balancing freelance work with academic responsibilities requires careful planning and prioritization to avoid overcommitting and affecting academic performance. 

5. Hospitality Industry

Popularity: Moderate 

Jobs in the hospitality industry, such as waitstaff, baristas, or hotel attendants, are popular due to their flexible schedules and social environments. These positions can be especially appealing in tourist-heavy areas where tips can supplement wages. Working in hospitality can improve communication skills and provide experience in a fast-paced environment. However, the hours can be irregular, including late nights and weekends, which might interfere with academic responsibilities. 

6. Delivery and Ride-Sharing Services

Popularity: Low 

Jobs with delivery services (like food delivery) or ride-sharing (such as driving for Uber or Lyft) are often considered a last resort. These roles offer flexibility in terms of working hours, which can be tailored around a student's schedule. However, they may require a significant time commitment to make a reasonable income, and they come with the added responsibility of vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. These jobs also pose safety concerns and lack professional development opportunities. 

7. Manual Labor

Popularity: Low 

Manual labor jobs, such as landscaping, construction, or warehouse work, are typically the least popular among international students. While these jobs can offer decent pay and do not usually require specific qualifications, they are physically demanding and may involve long, irregular hours. They also offer little in terms of career advancement or skill development relevant to most students' academic and professional goals. 

In conclusion, the ideal part-time job for an international student is one that balances flexibility, relevance to their field of study, and the development of useful skills. While preferences and opportunities can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and locations, campus jobs, internships, and teaching roles generally stand out as the most beneficial and preferred options. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the working hours policy for international students is crucial for navigating the financial and academic challenges of studying abroad. From flexible campus jobs to lucrative freelance opportunities, students have various options to support themselves while pursuing their education. Each type of job comes with its own set of pros and cons, from the convenience and community of campus positions to the flexibility and potential income of freelancing. However, it’s essential for students to balance work commitments with their academic responsibilities to ensure success. 

For Vietnamese students studying abroad, managing finances can be particularly daunting. EzyRemit’s Education Payment service offers a solution with great support tailored to their needs. With a 0% fee and an exclusive exchange rate, EzyRemit ensures that transferring funds is both cost-effective and efficient, alleviating some of the financial pressure. This service not only simplifies the financial aspect of studying abroad but also provides peace of mind, allowing students to focus more on their studies and work opportunities. By leveraging services like EzyRemit, Vietnamese students can better manage their resources and maximize their overseas education experience.