Working while studying abroad is a great way to expand your experience and boost your finances. If you aim to make the most of the opportunity, consideration is key. Before entering employment, it is important to think about the rules and regulations that every country has in place to protect you. We know this can be complicated, but it is always worth doing. Get started now, as we explain the work rights of international students around the world.
Destinations
UK
Most full-time international students at university in the UK can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. During study breaks and work placements, you can work full-time. Part-time international students cannot work at all.
There are few limits on the jobs that you can do. You may work on or off campus, providing that you are not self-employed, or employed as a sportsperson or entertainer. Voluntary work is also acceptable.
Whatever job you do, you must be paid at least the minimum wage. This varies according to your age, but if you are over 21, it is GBP 12.21. This figure is also known as the National Living Wage.
Your wages will be subject to the income tax laws of the UK. However, anything you earn up to a total of GBP 12,570 in a financial year will not be taxed. Regardless, you will need to apply for a National Insurance number to make sure that your employment is properly registered.
If you have any concerns about employment in the UK, you can go to Citizens Advice. This large charity offers free advice and information about all aspects of life in the country. You can get help on its website, over the phone, or with an in-person appointment at one of its 1,500 offices.
Studying abroad with family is only possible for PhD, research master's and government-funded students. However, if you are in this group, your partner and children may work full-time.
Full-time students can work part-time for up to four months after their course ends, or until their visa expires – whichever is first. After this point, another visa will be required to continue your employment. The most common of these is the two-year Graduate visa.
Find out more about international student work rights in the UK.
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Australia
Most international students in Australia can work for up to 48 hours in any 14-day period during term time, and full-time during the holidays. This is the case for vocational, undergraduate and most postgraduate students. For those studying a master's by research or a doctoral degree, work hours are always unlimited.
There are no limits on the type of work you can do. Work placements, internships, self-employment and volunteering are all permitted. These can be done on or off campus.
As an employee in Australia, you will be entitled to a minimum rate of pay. However, the precise amount will vary depending on your age, the job you do, and whether you are a part-time or casual worker. While the basic National Minimum Wage is AUD 24.95 per hour or AUD 948 per week, you should check to see if a different figure applies to you.
If you study in Australia for longer than six months, you will be considered a resident for tax purposes. As such, you can earn up to AUD 18,200 tax-free. Additional income up to a total of AUD 45,000 is taxed at 16 per cent. To ensure this is counted correctly, you must register for a Tax File Number.
For help with employment issues in Australia, you can go to the Fair Work Ombudsman. This independent government agency offers free support to workers and employers, with a responsibility to make work fair throughout the country. It offers everything from information on work rights to assistance with workplace difficulties.
Your dependant family members may work in Australia under the same limits as you. They may be your spouse or de facto partner, or your/their children under the age of 18.
You may work in Australia until your student visa expires. After this point, you will require another visa to continue. The most common is the Temporary Graduate visa, which can offer the right to remain for up to three years (or longer, if you are from India or Hong Kong).
Learn more about international student work rights in Australia.
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Canada
During term time, full-time international students in Canada can work for up to 24 hours per week off campus, and unlimited hours on campus. In holiday periods, there are no time limits.
Most types of work are permitted – including placements, self-employment and volunteering – but there are some restrictions. Students from many countries must take a medical exam before they can start work, and some employers are not allowed to hire them. This is because the government says they have broken regulations.
The minimum wage in Canada varies nationwide, but is never lower than CAD 15.00. In Ontario it is CAD 17.20, while in British Columbia it is CAD 17.40. Additionally, some jobs are covered by the federal minimum wage of CAD 17.75.
The tax you must pay on your income will depend on where you are based, and your residence status. Many full-time international students will be regarded as residents for tax purposes, meaning that they will not be taxed on earnings up to CAD 16,129. Whatever your situation, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number to make sure it is registered officially.
If you need help with anything regarding employment, you can seek out United Way Centraide. This national network of more than 80 community support services is run by teams of volunteer experts. They offer free advice on employment rights and much more to anyone who needs it.
Your spouse or co-habiting partner may be eligible for an open work permit, enabling them to work full-time. This is the case if you are a PhD or master's student, or enrolled on one of a few other university courses.
To continue working in Canada after your studies end, you must seek new permission. Notably, the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can allow you to stay for up to three years. If you wish to work for any period of time after completing your course, you should apply for a PGWP in advance.
Get to know more about international student work rights in Canada.
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USA
International students with an F-1 or J-1 visa in the USA can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. Outside of this, they can work full-time. Students with an M-1 visa cannot work.
In most cases, you may only work on campus. You can only work off campus with special permission given in rare circumstances, or as part of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Voluntary work is permitted anywhere, as long as it is charitable or humanitarian, and entirely unpaid.
If you work on campus, you must be employed by your university, or an organisation that has a contract to serve its students. If you can work off campus, there are no such restrictions. During OPT, you may also be self-employed.
The minimum wage varies throughout the USA. While there is a federal minimum wage of USD 7.25 per hour, most states set theirs higher. For example, it is USD 15.50 per hour in New York, and USD 16.50 per hour in California. Some cities also have higher minimum wages than their states.
Most international students in the USA are considered nonresident for tax purposes. This means that your employment income will be subject to tax of 30 per cent. In some parts of the country, you may also have to pay a smaller state tax. However, students from many countries can reduce their bill as a result of a tax treaty. Whatever your situation, you must obtain a Social Security Number in order to work.
Support with employment issues can often be found through free legal aid organisations. It doesn't matter if your concern is big or small. Groups such as California's Legal Aid at Work can help you with everything from your fundamental rights to meetings with your employer.
Your dependant family members may not work in the USA, but can study. If you have a partner, they can enrol part-time at an institution which is part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Once your studies end, you must stop working unless you have permission. If you plan to start a new course at your current institution, you can continue working there on campus. Alternatively, you may work full-time via OPT. Providing that you have not used this during your studies, you can do so for up to 12 months, or 36 months if you are a STEM graduate.
Discover more about international student work rights in the USA.
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New Zealand
The majority of full-time international students in New Zealand can work for up to 25 hours per week during term time. Most can also work full-time throughout scheduled study breaks. PhD and research master's students may do so at all times.
Almost all types of work are permitted, including volunteering and part-time placements and internships. The latter must be a compulsory part of your course. Self-employment is not allowed, but you can work anywhere in the country.
With only a few exceptions, the minimum wage for workers over 16 is NZD 23.50 per hour. It can be less for some young employees, but this rarely applies to international students.
Many international students are considered residents of New Zealand for tax purposes. This means that they are subject to tax of 10.5 per cent on income up to NZD 15,600. Additional income is taxed at gradually increasing rates. In any case, you will need to sign up for an Inland Revenue Department number in order to work.
If you ever need help with employment issues, you can make contact with the Citizens Advice Bureau. This national network of community-led support services offers free help with every element of life in New Zealand. It can be accessed via its website, its phone line, and at its 80 offices.
Your partner may also be employed in New Zealand on a Partner of a Student Work Visa. They could get this if you are studying for a PhD or master's, or one of many eligible bachelor's and graduate certificates and diplomas. If they do, they may work in the country full-time, and study for up to three months in any 12-month period. Additionally, you would not have to pay school fees for your children.
After completing your studies, you may work for as long as your student visa is valid, under the same conditions as before. Once it expires, you will need new permission. In most cases, this is granted with a Post Study Work Visa. This can last for up to three years, depending on your study level.
Read more about international student work rights in New Zealand.
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Ireland
Full-time international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) can work in Ireland for up to 20 hours per week. This extends to 40 hours per week from December 15 to January 15, and June 1 to September 30. Students from inside the EEA may work full-time throughout the year.
Non-EEA students can work on or off campus in almost any job. Full-time work placements and internships are allowed, if they are required for your course. Self-employment is not allowed.
Ireland's national minimum wage is EUR 13.50 per hour for everyone aged 20 or older. If you are younger, your minimum will be slightly less. However, if you are employed to do some kinds of work – such as security and childcare – it will be higher.
Income tax for most single people is set at 20 per cent on the first EUR 44,000 of earnings. However, you may not have to pay this if your country has a tax treaty with Ireland, or you are considered resident for tax purposes. Regardless, you should apply for a Personal Public Service number to register your work.
For help with your work life or anything outside it, you can turn to the Irish Council for International Students (ICOS). This strong study abroad support network has a website full of clear advice and information, and the option to send a message for a personal response.
Only PhD students and fully funded government scholarship recipients can be joined by their family members in Ireland without them having a visa of their own. This is providing that sufficient funding is in place.
To continue working in Ireland once your student visa expires, you will need renewed permission. This is most commonly given by the third level graduate programme. This can allow you to stay and work for up to 12 months, or 24 months if you are a master's or PhD graduate.
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Explore more of your international student work rights in Ireland.
Wherever you wish to go, we hope this guide has boosted your confidence in your work rights as an international student. In every country you will have protections and entitlements that are there to help you. For more information on where you can find assistance, read our guide to getting support at university.
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