Landing a job relevant to your field of study is best as it will give you practical experience and enable you to build a professional network. But even if your part-time job isn’t directly related to your studies, you’ll still gain valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your career. You will learn things like time management, effective communication, how to manage money and how to work under pressure.
What to consider before getting a part-time job while studying
- Schedule flexibility: Ensure the job won’t interfere with your academic schedule.
- Work-life balance: Make sure you will be able to manage your job and studies without your academic performance being affected.
- Visa requirements: Check the terms of your student visa to find out how many hours you can work each week and whether there are any restrictions on the type of work you are allowed to do.
- Pay: Weigh up whether the money will be worth your while. Having extra cash is great but prioritising your studies is most important.
Part-time job options for international students
Campus jobs
Universities often offer part-time positions like library assistants, research assistants or student ambassadors.
Working in a library usually involves helping visitors find books and providing administrative support to the librarians. As a research assistant, you may collect data, help conduct interviews or update websites.
If you enjoy working with people, then a student ambassador position may suit you. You will represent the university, give guided tours of the university campus and meet with candidates and their families.
* The average hourly rate can range from $10 – $20.
Tutors
Tutoring involves helping fellow students with their course content, either in person or online, and can be done individually or in groups. You will need to have a good understanding of the subject.
Tutoring requires patience and excellent communication skills. It can be a rewarding job as you get to share your knowledge while earning a fairly decent income
The average hourly rate can range from $20 – $60.
Freelancers
Freelance work is ideal for students with specialised skills like writing, coding or design. You can work for one or multiple clients and do as much or as little as your studies permit.
You can vary what you charge depending on the scope and complexity of the work. You will need good time management skills to ensure you stick to deadlines.
The average hourly rate can range from $20 – $60.
Retail jobs
Retail jobs offer flexible hours, with shifts available during weekends and evenings, making them ideal for students.
Roles can include sales assistant, cashier or customer service representative.
You don’t need a lot of sales experience but should enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life and learning new skills.
The average hourly rate can range from $15 – $30.
Hospitality and catering
Working in restaurants, cafes, bars or hotels is a popular choice due to the flexibility and the potential for earning tips. There are usually plenty of hospitality jobs available in most cities.
You could work as a waiter, bartender, barista or chef. You will need to have good communication skills, be happy to work as part of a team and have a willingness to learn new skills.
The average hourly rate can range from $10 – $20.
Babysitting
If you are good with children, then babysitting is a good option that allows for flexible hours, particularly in the evenings and weekends. You may even be able to catch up on your studies when the children are napping.
You will need to be responsible as parents will rely on you to care for their children.
The average hourly rate can range from $10 – $20.
Dog walker
For animal lovers, dog walking is a perfect way to combine earning money with staying active.
It provides a valuable service for busy owners and may lead to pet sitting if your clients go away on holiday. Research has shown that interacting with pets reduces stress so it will be good for your overall health.
The average hourly rate can range from $10 – $20.
Market research
Companies often hire students to assist with market research, such as surveys and mystery shopping. You may be asked to research a competitor or test responses to a new product.
You will need to be comfortable talking to people, understanding data and doing survey calls on the telephone.
The average hourly rate can range from $12 – $20.
Internships
Internships are excellent for gaining work experience, building a professional network and gaining a feel for a particular industry.
Many internships are low-paid and some even unpaid but there could be company perks like a gym membership, travel expenses or a laptop. If you do well, you may receive a full-time offer once your internship is over, which could be a gateway to immigration depending on the country.
The average hourly rate can range from unpaid to $25.
Teaching assistant
If you speak English well and enjoy interacting with children, then working as a teacher’s assistant can be a fulfilling part-time position.
Your tasks might include helping teachers prepare lesson materials, listening to children read and assisting with classroom activities.
This job requires a good grasp of language and teaching skills. You will need to be patient, have excellent communication skills and have a positive outlook.
The average hourly rate can range from $10 – $25.
* Please note that these hourly rates are estimates and may vary depending on the country.
Visas, work limits and stay-back options
Australia
Non-EU/EEA students need a Study visa (subclass 500) to study in Australia. Students can work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during the holidays.
Recent graduates from Australian educational institutions can apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) which allows them to stay and work in the country for two to four years, and depending on their qualifications and location, can lead to permanent residency.
Canada
Non-EU/EEA students need a study permit in order to study in Canada. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the college term and full-time during holidays.
After graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to work in Canada for up to three years, potentially leading to permanent residency.
Germany
Non-EU students will need a German Student visa. You will be able to work for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a separate work permit and full-time during semester breaks.
Once you have graduated, you can apply for an 18-month residence permit while you look for work. When you get a job you can apply for a German Work visa or an EU Blue Card which can lead to permanent residency.
The Netherlands
International students need an MVV visa to enter the Netherlands and a Residence Permit for study. Students can work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year or full-time during the summer.
Post-graduation, you can apply for a post-study work visa, also known as an Orientation Year residence permit which allows international students to find jobs in the Netherlands or start a business.
With a secured job, you can apply for a residence permit that can lead to permanent residency.
Spain
Non-EU citizens who plan to study in Spain for more than six months need to apply for a student visa. International students can work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during the holidays.
After graduation, you can apply for a one-year job search visa. If you get a job offer you can apply for a High-Skilled Professional Visa. Other options are a Freelance Work or Self-Employment Visa.
After staying in Spain for at least five years, you may be able to apply for permanent residency.
The UK
Non-EU/EEA students need to apply for a student visa for the UK. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
The UK’s Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK to work or look for work after graduation. Graduates can also apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, which can lead to permanent residency after five years.
The US
Non-EU/EEA students in the US must apply for an F1 Student visa. You can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and full-time during holidays.
After graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT extension allows you to stay in the US for 12 to 24 months, respectively.
During this time, you may secure employment that qualifies for a work visa, such as the H-1B, which can eventually lead to a Green Card and permanent residency.
| Country | Work hours (term) | Work hours (holidays) | Stay-back options for graduates |
| Australia | 20 | 40 | Temporary Graduate visa |
| Canada | 20 | Full-time | Post-Graduation Work permit |
| Germany | 120 full days or 240 half days | Full-time | 18-month residence permit |
| The Netherlands | 16 | Full-time | Post-study work visa, (Orientation Year residence permit) |
| Spain | 20 | Full-time | High-Skilled Professional visa |
| The UK | 20 | Full-time | Graduate visa |
| The US | 20 | Full-time | Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT extension |
How Sable International can help you study Abroad
Sable International’s study abroad advisers can help you every step of the way. Their service includes:
- Tailored admissions advice: They help you choose what and where to study.
- Application and admissions support: They’re partnered with over 400 top institutions across 24 countries. Their access to the admissions departments means that students get a quicker, more streamlined application process.
- Visa application assistance: Once you’ve been accepted at an international university, Sable International can guide you through the visa application process.
