Topics Covered
Part-Time WorkStudent Work PermitStudy AbroadInternational Students
Quick Answer: How Many Hours Can Indian Students Work While Studying Abroad?
UK & Canada: 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during holidays. Australia: 48 hrs/fortnight (~24 hrs/week). Germany: 120 full days/year. USA: on-campus only (20 hrs/week) without special authorisation. Australia has the highest minimum wage (AUD $23.23/hr), making it the best destination for part-time earnings.
Working While Studying Abroad: Rules by Country
Most countries allow international students to work part-time during their studies. Understanding the rules can help you reduce expenses and gain local work experience.
Work Hours by Country
| Country | During Studies | During Holidays | Type of Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 20 hrs/week | Full-time | Any job |
| Canada | 20 hrs/week | Full-time | Any job |
| Australia | 48 hrs/fortnight (~24 hrs/week) | Unlimited | Any job |
| Germany | 120 days/year (full-time) | — | Any job |
| USA | On-campus only (20 hrs/week) | CPT/OPT (off-campus) | Restricted |
| UAE | Special permit required | — | Restricted |
| New Zealand | 20 hrs/week | Full-time | Any job |
Country-Wise Details
UK
- Student visa allows 20 hours/week during term time
- Full-time during holidays (Christmas, Easter, summer)
- Minimum wage (2025): £11.44/hour (23+), £8.60/hour (21–22)
- Monthly earnings at 20 hrs: ~£900 (~₹95,000)
Canada
- 20 hours/week off-campus during term
- Full-time during scheduled breaks
- Minimum wage: CAD $17–20/hour (varies by province)
- Monthly at 20 hrs: ~CAD $1,400 (~₹87,000)
Australia
- 48 hours per fortnight = ~24 hours/week
- Unlimited during official holidays
- Minimum wage: AUD $23.23/hour
- Monthly at 48 hrs/fortnight: ~AUD $2,200 (~₹1,20,000)
Germany
- 120 full days OR 240 half days per year
- Can work at the university without restrictions
- Minimum wage: €12.41/hour
- Monthly at 20 hrs: ~€900 (~₹80,000)
USA
- On-campus only without special authorisation
- Off-campus work requires CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT
- CPT must be integral to your program
- This is why Australia, UK, and Canada are better for work-study balance
Best Countries for Part-Time Work Income
- Australia — Highest minimum wage + most hours allowed
- UK — Good wages + flexible hours
- Canada — Strong wages, province-dependent
- Germany — Lower wages but near-zero tuition offsets this
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students work in USA during studies?
International students on F-1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires CPT (during studies, must be related to your field) or OPT (after graduation). This makes the USA less flexible than UK, Canada, or Australia for part-time work.
Does working part-time affect student visa in UK?
No, as long as you stay within the 20-hour/week limit during term time. Exceeding this limit is a visa violation and can result in visa curtailment. However, there is no restriction on the type of job — you can work in any industry.
