Top 8 Countries You Can Work in While Studying Abroad; Are you looking for a country that offers flexibility for work and study?
As an international student, making enough money to assist with offsetting your bills is a major concern, given this, you will need to consider a study destination that offers a student work opportunity.
However, some countries offer work opportunity to students, even though you are only allowed to work for limited hours and earn money.
Jobs available to students
As an international student abroad, there are some limitations placed on your ability to work and earn during your study free time.
These limitations are tailored to your visa specific, which is designed strictly for study purpose of allowing a foreign national to live and study in his/her host country.
Here are types of jobs available for students in host country;
On-campus jobs: Some universities offer on-campus job opportunities, under this arrangement, students are employed by the university to work places like; classrooms, offices, or other facilities around the university campus.
Job roles may come in areas like; office assistant, research assistant, teaching assistant, or campus tour guide.
Off-campus jobs: The off-campus jobs are found in countries that allow students to work outside the school premises.
You can work for other organizations while you study, however, not without certain guidelines listed on your student visa.
International students can pick up jobs like; eatery and restaurants, café waiter, cashier or clerk, tutor, translator, customer service officer, receptionist, etc.
With this job offer you stand at a pole position to build a viable network outside your study area, understand the working culture of your immediate environment.
Benefits of studying abroad as an international student
- 1. Boost career prospect through international education
Earning a degree from a world-class university will enhance your career opportunities and give you a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
The first step involves choosing the right program that fits your interest at the right place for you.
- 2. Grow and develop valuable skills as a person
Settling in a new environment can be tough, especially at the beginning. Your ability to adapt to a new situation means you will learn to be more independent, self-confidence and maturity, it transforms to skills that’ll last a life-time.
- 3. Study and learn in a different way
Studying abroad exposes you to a new teaching methodology, you may struggle at the beginning, however, will open your mind to new ways of learning, developing professional skills valued by employers around the world.
You’ll learn skills like; problem solving, analytical skills, teamwork, leadership and time management skills, etc.
- 4. Experience new culture
Study abroad is your opportunity to live and immerse yourself into a new culture, traditions, life-style, foods, other aspects of new society from the inside.
- 5. See the world
You’ll get to explore new places, do things you’ve never done before. Turn your study break to exciting adventure, go sight-seeing, visit interesting and famous landmarks, museums, etc.
- 6. Meet new friends and build your network
Joining one of your college clubs can be a good start to meet new friends from different nationalities, who share the same interest with you.
Here are top 8 countries you can work in while studying abroad, covering factors like work-study policies, types of jobs available, and overall quality of life for international students.
1. Canada
Work-study policy: Top on the list is Canada considered a popular destination for international students, providing up to 20 hours per week job during regular semesters and full-time during scheduled breaks, like summer or winter holidays.
Some academic programs offer internship opportunities as part of the curriculum.
Job opportunities: Jobs for students include on-campus roles, retail, hospitality, and positions in your field of study for those in undergraduate programs.
Quality of life: Canada is known for its quality of life, excellent healthcare, safety and multicultural communities, as seen in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
These cities are well organized and known for their large international student populations, hence easy to find support networks.
2. Australia
Work-study policy: International students with valid student visa can work up to 24 hours per week during school terms, and full-time during holidays.
Australia has a temporary graduate visa that allows students to work after graduation, providing a pathway to permanent residency.
Job opportunities: You can have access to part-time job opportunities ranging from retail and hospitality, and specialized roles in IT or engineering for students with relevant skills.
Quality of life: Australia is known for its great weather, and beautiful landscapes, offering a laid-back life-style, excellent healthcare, and self-welcoming communities.
Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer vibrant student life, as well as plenty cultural and recreational activities.
3. Germany
Work-study policy: When it comes to supporting international students, Germany has a robust system to cater to that.
Students from non-EU countries can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Some German universities have partnership with local businesses, providing students with opportunities for internships.
Job opportunities: Germany is known for its engineering and technical abilities, offering part-time roles for students in fields like engineering, IT, and research.
Other jobs include but are not limited to working in restaurants, retail, or research assistants.
Quality of life: Germany prides in its affordable tuition with many public universities offering low or no tuition fees, and high standard of living.
Student cities include; Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt are culturally rich and have strong job markets.
4. United Kingdom
Work-study policy: International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during the term and full-time during vacations if enrolled in a full-time degree-level program.
The UK offers a Graduate Route visa which allows students to work or look for work for up to two years.
Job opportunities: Jobs range from retail and hospitality to a more specialized positions in fields like finance, healthcare, and IT.
Quality of life: The UK offers a high quality of life, which rich culture and iconic student cities such as; London, Manchester, and Edinburg, you have access to strong a strong public transportation, cultural diversity, and extensive student support networks.
5. United States
Work-study policy: As an international student on the F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the school term and full-time during holidays.
Having completed a year study, you can apply for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training for off-campus work.
Job opportunities: Campus jobs are widely available, while many graduate students work as teaching or research assistants.
Off-campus jobs in the field of STEM, business, and healthcare are popular under OPT or CPT.
Quality of life: As a home to top-ranked universities, the US has a vibrant cultural scene, and a strong job market.
Cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco are popular among students for their academic institutions and networking opportunities.
6. France
Work-study policy: International students can work part-time in France up to 964 hours per year, or about 18 hours per week.
If you are pursuing advance degrees, additional work opportunities might be available through partnerships with businesses or research grants.
Job opportunities: There part-time jobs in hospitality, retail and tourism. If you are fluent in French or studying at a graduate level internship and research positions in fields like engineering, fashion, or marketing are common.
Quality of life: Known for its culture, cuisine, and art, France offers a unique experience for international students.
Cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille are popular for lively atmosphere and access to both cultural landmarks, and job opportunities.
7. New Zealand
Work-study policy: International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks.
Post-graduation, a work visa can allow graduates to stay in the country for up to three years.
Job opportunities: Viable and popular job sectors include but are not limited to hospitality, retail, agriculture, with opportunities in IT, business, and engineering for those with relevant skills.
Quality of life: New Zealand’s natural beauty, friendly communities and high-quality of life makes it an attractive study destination.
Cities like; Auckland, and Wellington are student-friendly with vibrant social and cultural experience.
8. Ireland
Work-study policy: Students can work up to 20 hours per week in Ireland during the term and full-time during breaks. The third-level graduate scheme lets students stay in Ireland for up to two years after graduation to seek employment.
Job opportunities: There are part-time jobs in retail, hospitality and customer service, while those in graduate problems find opportunities in finance, technology and healthcare.
Quality of life: Ireland is known for its friendly population and beautiful landscapes, Ireland offers a vibrant cultural life.
Dublin, Galway, and Cork are popular cities with robust networks, making it easy for international students to feel at home.
frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which country is best to work while studying?
Some popular options for international students and workers include but are not limited to;
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- New Zealand, etc.
Which country allows international students to work the most hours?
France; international students can work 964 hours per year, and approximately 20 hours per week during academic session, and full-time during holidays.
Which country is best for earning for international students?
- Germany
- Canada
- Australia
- The UK
- Switzerland
- Sweden
- New Zealand
- Netherlands, etc.
What is the cheapest country to study and work in?
Countries like Germany, Norway, and Finland offer low or even no tuition fees for international students, while Sweden, Taiwan provide opportunities for affordable education, Malaysia and Mexico are also attractive destinations following their reasonable living costs.
Which country is easier to get a job?
Singapore; known for its easy work visa process, welcoming international professionals across various industries, from teaching to information technology, and hospitality.
Which country has most part-time jobs for students?
- Finland
- Canada
- France
- Ireland
- United States
- Germany
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
Which European country works the most hours?
Greece tops the list with the longest average work week of 41.7 hours. Known for its rich history and diverse economy.
Which country pays highest salary for foreigners?
Switzerland remains the highest-paying country, with an average monthly salary of approximately $8,111, while Luxemburg known for its financial and banking sector pays around $6,633 monthly.
Which country pays students the most?
The following countries pay international students highly;
- Switzerland
- Singapore
- Australia
- US
- UAE
- Norway
- Canada
- Denmark, etc.
Can I work 24 hours as a student in Canada?
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, this indicates an increase from the current limit of 20 hours.
Which country has the shortest working hours in the world?
- Vanuatu averaging 24.7 hours per week
- Kiribati averaging 27.3 hours per week
- Micronesia averaging 30 hours per week
- Rwanda averaging 30.4 hours per week.
Which country is best for job after study?
- Australia
- UK
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Ireland, etc.
Is Canada rejecting student visa 2024?
The Canadian government projected a study permit approval rate of 60% for 2024 in its student visa cap calculations. However, since the pandemic, approval rates have failed to exceed this threshold. From January through May in 2024, the approval rate is just 54%, the lowest since 2020.
How much can we earn in Canada while studying?
The average international student salary in Canada is $64,961 per year or $33.31 per hour.
Which country work the hardest?
Mexico is the hardest working country on the planet, with average person working 2207 hours or 276 days per year.
Which country has a 4-day work week?
Iceland has more workers working a four-day workweek than almost anywhere else in the world.
Conclusion
Studying and working abroad offers students a unique blend of academic growth, professional experience, and cultural enrichment.
Each of these eight countries provides students with the opportunity to not only study at top universities, but also gain valuable work experience, which is essential in building a future career.