Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular among students seeking to combine a quality education with the opportunity to work and build an international career. Find out in which countries international students can legally work while studying in 2025-2026, what restrictions on working hours apply, which countries offer the best conditions and what awaits graduates after completing the program

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Studying abroad is not only about prestigious education and the opportunity to immerse yourself in another culture. For most international students, the opportunity to work while studying is an important aspect? to reduce the financial burden, gain professional experience and move more confidently towards a future career.

According to various studies, about 63% of international students work during their studies - on or off campus. But the amount of allowed hours and employment rules vary significantly depending on the country.

We have compiled the most up-to-date guide to countries that allow legal work during studies in 2025-2026, and also compared restrictions on hours and employment opportunities after graduation.

Dreaming of studying abroad, but don’t know where to start? Visit World’s “Study Guide” will help you understand all the stages of admission and obtaining a student visa - from filling out an application to preparing a full package of documents. It contains step-by-step instructions, application costs, processing times and practical advice that will save you time and money.

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Countries with the best conditions for studying and working

Sweden - without restrictions

Sweden is one of the most open countries for international students, including citizens of India and China. There are no legal restrictions on working during studies - the student chooses how many hours he can work while maintaining academic success.

Education in Sweden is known for its practicality, research approach and close ties with innovative companies. The labor market is stable, and there are more than enough vacancies in the fields of IT, engineering, biotechnology and social services.

After completing your studies, you can apply for a work permit and stay in the country to find a job.

Italy – 20 hours/week

Italy is not only about art, architecture and gastronomy. The country actively attracts international students from Ukraine, Albania and other countries, offering affordable tuition and numerous scholarships, including 100% grants that fully cover the costs of education and accommodation.

Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, and during the holidays – full-time. Typically, foreigners work in tourism, the service sector, in restaurants, shops or on campus part-time jobs.

After studying, students can apply for a temporary work permit, which gives them a chance to get their first experience in the EU.

Australia – 48 hours/2 weeks

Australia has long been among the TOP countries for studying due to the high quality of education, strong economy and multinational environment.

Students can work 48 hours during every 2 weeks, and during the holidays – without restrictions. The job market is very flexible, and finding a part-time job in a supermarket, cafe, service, care or logistics is usually easy.

Graduates from Indonesia, Brazil and other countries have the chance to stay in Australia for 2-4 years and try to get a work visa or even emigrate through the points system.

Finland – 25 hours/week

Finland is famous for its high standard of living, safety and special attention to students, including citizens of Vietnam and India.

Students can work 25 hours a week, and during the holidays - full-time. The most popular areas: education, IT, logistics, social services, as well as work in factories or warehouses.

After completing the program, Finland gives you the opportunity to stay to look for work and obtain a residence permit based on employment.

Canada – 24 hours/week

Canada is known for its loyal immigration policy, comfortable living conditions and a huge number of work opportunities.

Recent changes allow students (from India, China, the Philippines and other countries) to work up to 24 hours a week, and during the holidays – full-time. The most common options for part-time work: retail, cafes, warehouses, service and campus jobs.

The PGWP allows you to work in Canada for 1 to 3 years – and this is one of the easiest ways to get a PMP.

France – 21 hours/week

France offers students a rich cultural environment, strong humanities and technical programs and a variety of opportunities for part-time work.

The allowed number is 21 hours per week (964 hours/year). Students often work in cafes, libraries, shops, foreign language schools, at events or in campus structures.

France also allows graduates to stay for a year or two to find work, depending on their level of education.

Ireland – 20 hours/week

Ireland is a technology hub in Europe, home to Google, Meta, TikTok, Apple and other giants.

You can work up to 20 hours a week during your studies, and up to 40 hours from June to September and from December 15 to January 15.

After your studies, students are allowed to work for 1 year after your bachelor’s degree or 2 years after your master’s degree, making the country an attractive place to start your career.

USA – 20 hours/week (on campus)

The USA has one of the strongest education systems in the world, but also some of the strictest rules regarding student work.

Only campus employment of up to 20 hours/week is allowed in the first year, which includes work in libraries, laboratories, cafeterias, administrative offices.

From the second year, CPT and OPT are available:

- OPT — 12 months of work after graduation,

- STEM majors — +24 months of extension.

This path often opens the door to a full-fledged career in the USA.

Germany — 20 hours/week or 120 full days

Germany is one of the best options for technical and engineering majors. EU students can work 20 hours/week without restrictions, and students from other countries — 120 full or 240 half days per year.

After graduation, Germany gives up to 18 months to find a job, which makes it attractive for those who want to work in the EU.

New Zealand — 20 hours/week

New Zealand offers a high level of security, a comfortable climate, an open culture and many vacancies in agriculture, tourism, logistics and services.

Students can work 20 hours/week, and during holidays – up to 40 hours or even without restrictions depending on the program.

After studying, a work visa is available for 1 to 3 years.

Great Britain – 10–20 hours/week

The UK offers high-quality education, strong scientific programs and prestigious degrees.

The allowed hours depend on the level of study:

- most bachelors and masters can work up to 20 hours/week,

- some programs limit work to 10 hours/week.

After studying, students have the right to stay in the country for 2 years (Graduate Route) or 3 years for PhD.

Dubai – work with a permit in free zones

Dubai is becoming increasingly popular among students due to its modern lifestyle, safety and large number of international universities.

Students studying on campuses in free economic zones can obtain legal permission to work part-time.

Main vacancies: hotels, event organization, retail, marketing, event management.

After studying, you can find a sponsor for a work visa and stay in the UAE.

Working while studying is a real way to reduce costs, adapt to a new country, gain experience and increase competitiveness with future employers, but the rules vary significantly depending on the country, visa type and level of education. That is why before choosing a country it is important to: study the employment conditions, assess your capabilities, calculate your financial plan, seek advice from specialists in international education.

The right choice of a study country will give you not only a high-quality education, but also the opportunity to start a career while studying.

If you plan not only to study abroad, but also to work while studying, it is important to properly prepare all documents and comply with visa legislation. In the Visit World study guide you will find clear algorithms for applying for a visa, rules for filling out forms, a complete list of documents and useful life hacks for adapting to a new country.

Get the guide today and prepare for a successful start to your studies and career abroad!

Reminder! Canada has updated its student permit limits for 2026, PGWP rules, and financial requirements. We’ve already covered the main changes for international students in Canada.