Can International Students Work While Studying in Europe?

If you’re planning to study in Europe, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to work during your studies. Here’s the good news: most European universities allow international students to work part-time while studying, though there are often limits on the number of hours you can work.

This guide breaks down the rules around studying and working in Europe, the hours you can work in popular study destinations, and the rules you need to follow.

Working while studying for your degree is a fantastic way to earn an extra income, gain professional experience, and develop your English language skills.

The skills you develop while working can significantly benefit your career after graduation, giving you a competitive edge while applying to graduate jobs. However, while studying in Europe on a student visa, you need to follow specific rules based on the country you’re studying in.

In most European countries, international students can work part-time while studying at a university. Different countries allow students to work a certain number of hours, with limitations during the academic term.

Although many European countries follow similar work and study policies, the exact laws can vary and change every few years. To help you with your research, below are examples from several popular European destinations.

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students, best known for its affordable tuition, strong job market, and innovation-focused university curriculum.

While studying in Germany students can work up to 140 full days per year, or 280 half days. This averages at 20 hours a week during the academic semester.

During holidays, students can work full time with many choosing to work in retail stores, restaurants, or within the university they’re studying at.

France is a fantastic country for international students, being home to some of the world’s top universities, amazing food, and diverse cultures.

Students can work in France for up to 964 hours a year, equalling around 20 hours a week during the academic year.  

Popular job options include hospitality, retail, and tourism. French universities also recruit students as language tutors or student assistants to help and support other students and staff.

Universities in the Netherlands are known for engineering, computer science, and sustainable innovation. They consistently rank among the top globally, and the country offers fantastic opportunities for graduates.

In the Netherlands, international students can work up to 16 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during the summer months. However, employers may be required to apply for a work permit on behalf of the student before they can work.

Spain is best known for its affordable education, cultural experiences, and business opportunities.

International students in Spain are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, though employers may be required to show that the job will not interfere with a student's degree. In most cases students will also need authorization linked to their student residence permit before they can start a job.

In many European countries a student visa gives students the right to work, which means an additional work visa isn’t always necessary.

That said, this varies by country. In some European countries:

• Employers must apply for the student’s work permit
• A student must request additional authorization to work
• An additional visa is required to work

Since regulations vary across Europe, always check specific rules in the country where you plan to study before you arrive.

To support their studies, many international students choose to work part-time jobs around their university timetable. These roles are usually flexible and require less experience than full-time jobs. Popular roles include:   

• Restaurant or café staff 
• Retail assistants 
• Hotel or tourism jobs 
• Customer service roles 
• Delivery jobs 
• Language tutoring 
• University assistant positions 
• Internships related to the student’s degree 

Many European universities also offer student-only jobs (such as working at the student union) allowing international students to form friendships with other students at their university.

If you choose to work while studying in Europe, you’ll need to follow the country’s tax regulations.

This involves:

• Registering for a tax identification number 
• Paying income tax if your earnings exceed certain limits 
• Contributing to social security, depending on the country 

European countries will have their own unique tax brackets. It’s crucial that you research these brackets before working to understand your take-home pay.

Many international students use part-time work to improve their employability, with internships and work placements often leading to full-time work after graduation. Poststudies, many universities allow students to apply for post-study work visas that will give them time to search for full time employment.

Working as an international student has many benefits. More income, social opportunities, post-graduate jobs, and more. It’s a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself at the university you’re studying at.

To prevent unexpected surprises, always check the latest immigration and employment regulations in their destination country. Understanding the rules will help ensure a fun and rewarding study experience in Europe, setting you up for success for life after your studies!