Studying abroad not only offers an opportunity for academic growth but can also provide a chance to earn some money. Many students look for countries where they can legally work while studying to offset living costs or save up.
However, the regulations and opportunities vary greatly from one country to another. In this article, we will explore several countries that are relatively friendly for students to make money on a student visa.
Canada
Work Permit Regulations
On – Campus Work: International students in Canada with a valid study permit can work on – campus without a separate work permit. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full – time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer vacations. This allows students to take up jobs in areas like the campus library, cafeteria, or as research assistants.
Off – Campus Work: Under the off – campus work program, eligible students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full – time during breaks. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a post – secondary program at a designated learning institution (DLI) and have a valid study permit. They also need to meet certain academic progress requirements.
Popular Job Sectors
Food Service: Jobs in restaurants, cafes, and fast – food joints are quite common. Students can work as servers, cashiers, or kitchen assistants. The pay usually starts from the provincial minimum wage, which can range from around CAD 11 – 15 per hour depending on the province.
Retail: Working in retail stores, such as supermarkets or clothing stores, is another option. Duties may include customer service, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. Retail jobs also typically pay around the minimum wage, with some stores offering additional benefits like employee discounts.
Tutoring: For students who are proficient in a particular subject, tutoring can be a well – paying job. They can tutor fellow international students or local students. Rates for tutoring can be higher, often starting from CAD 20 – 30 per hour depending on the subject and level of expertise.
Earning Potential
On average, a student working part – time in Canada can expect to earn between CAD 500 – 1000 per month, depending on the number of hours worked and the type of job. During breaks when they can work full – time, the earnings can be significantly higher, potentially reaching up to CAD 2000 – 3000 per month.
Australia
Work Permit Regulations
Work Rights: International students in Australia are generally allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the semester and full – time during vacation periods. To work, students need to have a valid student visa and be enrolled in a full – time course at an approved educational institution.
Visa Conditions: It’s important to note that students must adhere to the work – hour limits strictly. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation. However, some courses may have additional work – integrated learning components that are exempt from the normal work – hour restrictions.
Popular Job Sectors
Hospitality: Australia has a booming hospitality industry. Students can find jobs in hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Positions like waitstaff, bartenders, and kitchen hands are in high demand. The minimum wage for hospitality workers is around AUD 20 – 25 per hour, depending on the award and the state.
Delivery and Courier Services: With the growth of e – commerce, delivery jobs have become popular. Students can work for companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or as bike couriers. Earnings can vary, but it’s possible to make around AUD 15 – 20 per hour, plus tips in some cases.
Childcare and Education Support: For students with an interest in education, there are opportunities to work as after – school care assistants or tutors. These jobs can pay well, with rates starting from around AUD 20 per hour.
Earning Potential
A part – time working student in Australia can earn approximately AUD 800 – 1500 per month during the semester. During vacation periods when working full – time, they can earn upwards of AUD 3000 per month, depending on the job and the number of hours worked.
United Kingdom
Work Permit Regulations
Work Allowance: International students in the UK on a student visa are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term – time and full – time during holidays. However, the rules can vary depending on the type of course and the institution. For example, students on a short – term study visa may not have any work rights.
Student Visa Types: It’s crucial for students to be aware of the specific conditions of their visa. Some postgraduate courses may have different work – hour allowances, and students should check with their educational institution’s international office.
Popular Job Sectors
Retail and Customer Service: Similar to other countries, retail jobs are abundant in the UK. Students can work in high – street stores, department stores, or supermarkets. The minimum wage for workers aged 18 – 20 is around GBP 6.83 per hour, while those aged 21 – 22 earn GBP 9.18 per hour, and 23 and over earn the national living wage of GBP 10.42 per hour as of 2023.
Bar and Pub Jobs: The UK has a rich pub culture, and there are many opportunities for students to work as bar staff. These jobs can be physically demanding but offer the potential for tips. Pay is typically around the minimum wage, with some establishments offering additional incentives.
Freelancing and Gig Economy: With the growth of the gig economy, students with skills in areas like graphic design, writing, or programming can take on freelance projects. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow students to connect with clients worldwide. Earnings in this sector can vary widely, depending on the skill level and the complexity of the projects.
Earning Potential
During term – time, a student working part – time in the UK can earn around GBP 400 – 800 per month. During holidays, when working full – time, they can potentially earn GBP 1500 – 2500 per month.
Germany
Work Permit Regulations
Working Rights: International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 120 full – days or 240 half – days per year. This is a flexible arrangement that allows students to choose when to work. They do not need a separate work permit for jobs that fall within these limits.
Study – Related Work: In addition to the general work allowance, students can also do study – related work, such as internships, without time restrictions if it is an integral part of their study program.
Popular Job Sectors
Retail and Supermarkets: Jobs in German supermarkets and retail stores are common. Students can work as cashiers, shelf – stackers, or in customer service. The minimum wage in Germany is around EUR 12 per hour.
Restaurant and Catering: The food and beverage industry offers many part – time job opportunities. Students can work in restaurants, cafes, or as event caterers. Pay can be around the minimum wage, with the potential for tips in some cases.
Translation and Language Services: For students who are multilingual, there are opportunities to work as translators or language tutors. Rates for translation work can be higher, depending on the language pair and the complexity of the text.
Earning Potential
A student working part – time in Germany can earn around EUR 400 – 800 per month, depending on the number of days worked. If they take on study – related internships or higher – paying gigs like translation, they can potentially earn more.
New Zealand
Work Permit Regulations
Work Rights: International students in New Zealand can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full – time during semester breaks. To be eligible, they must be enrolled in a full – time course at a recognized educational institution.
Course – Related Work: Some courses may have specific work – related components, and students may be able to work more hours in these cases. For example, students on courses with practical training requirements may have different work – hour allowances.
Popular Job Sectors
Agriculture and Horticulture: New Zealand has a large agricultural and horticultural sector. Students can find work in fruit picking, vineyard work, or dairy farms. Wages can vary, but fruit – picking jobs may pay around NZD 15 – 20 per hour, while more skilled agricultural jobs can pay higher.
Hospitality and Tourism: With New Zealand’s popular tourism industry, there are many job opportunities in hotels, hostels, and tour companies. Jobs like front – desk staff, tour guides, and kitchen assistants are available. The minimum wage in New Zealand is around NZD 22.70 per hour as of 2023.
Administration and Office Work: Some students with administrative skills can find part – time jobs in offices, performing tasks like data entry, filing, and answering phones. These jobs usually pay around the minimum wage.
Earning Potential
During the academic year, a part – time working student in New Zealand can earn around NZD 600 – 1000 per month. During semester breaks when working full – time, they can earn around NZD 2000 – 3000 per month.
Conclusion
In conclusion, several countries offer opportunities for students on student visas to make money. Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand each have their own work permit regulations and job sectors that are accessible to students. When considering which country is the most suitable for making money, students should take into account factors such as the work – hour limits, the minimum wage, the cost of living, and the availability of jobs in their field of interest. For example, if a student has a strong background in a particular subject and wants to tutor, Canada or the UK may offer good opportunities. On the other hand, if a student is interested in the hospitality industry, Australia or New Zealand could be more suitable. It’s also important to note that while working can be a great way to earn money, students should not let it interfere with their studies. They should always ensure that they are meeting the academic requirements of their courses. By carefully researching and planning, students can make the most of their time abroad and earn some money while getting a valuable education.
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