Even though it is a running joke that employers are continually requesting additional work experience, anyone with previous part-time work experience chooses to take a job related to their field of study, whether it is in their nation or overseas. In addition to offering an additional source of income, working part-time while attending a university abroad can strengthen one's CV or resume, encourage improvement in the field of study, impart valuable life lessons, develop a social circle of like-minded individuals, and help one prepare for what lies ahead.
The majority of international students consider the adaptability of a nation regarding offering employment while studying when deciding where to study, among other important considerations. Even while many people can find it challenging to balance full-time college studies with a part-time job, there are typically more benefits to having a job while you are a student, particularly if you are studying abroad. This article discusses the best countries to study and work abroad in 2023-24 as well as the employment laws that make those nations so well-liked by foreign students.
Canada
World-class education, affordability, easy immigration, and economic opportunities among others have long been the selling points of Canada, which have eventually led the country to become one of the most popular study destinations in the world. What many largely attribute this to is the flexibility the country offers for international students to work while studying, be it on- or off-campus. One can, however, only start working in Canada once they have started their study programme.
Work Regulations for International Students in Canada
The regulations for on and off-campus employment are different for international students.
Work On-Campus
An international student will be allowed to work on-campus without a work permit, only if:
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He/she is enrolled in a full-time post-secondary programme at a public post-secondary school, a private college-level school in Quebec, or a Canadian private school that can grant award degrees under provincial law.
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He/she has a valid Canadian study permit.
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He/she has a Social Insurance Number.
They will not be allowed to work on campus if:
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They have stopped studying full-time.
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Their study permit is expired.
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They are on authorised leave from studies.
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They are switching schools.
On-campus work at Canadian universities means one may work on any of the campus buildings. In case there is a library, hospital or research centre associated with the university but located outside the campus, one may work there as well. And, the on-campus employer may be the school, a student organisation, a faculty member, or the student themselves (in case he/she runs a business, a private business or a private contractor).
Work Off-Campus
An international student will be allowed to work off-campus without a work permit, only if:
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He/she is a full-time student at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) in the Fall, Summer or Spring intake.
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He/she is enrolled in a post-secondary vocational, academic or professional training programme or a secondary-level vocational training programme in Quebec.
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Their study programme is at least 6 months long, which leads to a diploma, certificate or degree.
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They have a Social Insurance Number.
Note: One may also work off-campus if they are a part-time student.
While working off-campus, one will be allowed to work up to only 20 hours a week during regular school terms or semesters. During scheduled breaks in a school year, a student can work overtime or engage in two part-time jobs in Canada.
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New Zealand
Among the top 3% of universities worldwide according to QS World Rankings, New Zealand universities attract a good number of international students every year. The country not only allows foreign students to study in a modern high-tech learning environment but also gives them the opportunity to learn from leading experts in high-demand subjects. What also makes it a good work-study destination in 2023 is the significance of gaining experience at a New Zealand workplace which helps develop professional skills and not have to compromise our academic performance.
Work Regulations for International Students in New Zealand
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If one has a New Zealand student visa, he/she may be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays.
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If he/she is a postgraduate researcher or PhD student, they may be allowed to work full-time during their term-time and scheduled holidays.
Part-time Work in New Zealand
One may work part-time in New Zealand only if they are doing a full-time course that is at least two years long, at least one year long in case it is part of an approved tertiary student exchange opportunity or leads to a New Zealand qualification which gets one point under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Full-time Work in New Zealand
An international student can only work full-time during scheduled breaks if:
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He/she is enrolled in a full-time study programme of at least 1 year in February, July or rolling intake.
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Their course is equivalent to at least 120 credits.
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Their course is delivered within at least eight months/two semesters.
Australia
Working while studying (whether in the February or July Intake) or working part-time in Australia will get a foreign student at least a minimum rate of pay per hour no matter what job one does, which makes it the perfect place to work besides a number of other factors. Some of these include workplace protections, strong support and a broad spectrum of opportunities. Ideal work in Australia for international students includes jobs in the sectors of retail, hospitality, services, administration and clerical work, tutoring and farming and fruit picking.
Work Regulations for International Students in Australia
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As an international student in Australia, one will be allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during their term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
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In Australia, one may get a payslip on every working day although usually workers get paid weekly, monthly or fortnightly.
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There are also non-government organisations and charities that offer volunteer work for international students.
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The student might be required to pay taxes depending on what work they do, for which they must get a Tax File Number (TFN) before starting work and give it to their employer.
Ireland
The European island, of Ireland hosts thousands of international students every year not only from the European Economic Area (EEA) but also from outside the EEA. It gives one a start to a successful career, primarily because of the high quality of education it offers, along with the wide range of part-time work opportunities open to international students.
Work Regulations for International Students in Ireland
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In case a student is from the EEA, he/she is free to work part-time or full-time while studying.
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In case a student is from outside the EEA and is attending a full-time course and holds an Irish Residency Permit Card, he/she can engage in a part-time job provided that the course is included in the government's list of visa-eligible courses.
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Non-EEA students may work 20 hours per week during the term period and up to 40 hours per week during the two standardised periods of summer and Christmas holidays.
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A minimum wage of EUR 7.84 per hour will be paid to students aged 18 and EUR 7.84 per hour to those aged 19.
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If one is asked to work on Sundays, they are entitled to the premium payment.
Spain
Spain's long-standing tradition of delivering world-class education has made lakhs of international students flock to the country every year. It is a bustling hub of entrepreneurs and tech startups, which is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU. Although tuition fees at Spanish universities are among the lowest in Europe, students prefer taking up part-time jobs to gain exposure to their industry.
Work Regulations for International Students in Spain
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Students with a Student Visa in Spain may work up to 20 hours per week on an internship which may either be paid or unpaid.
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One may work full-time only if the contract is valid for a maximum of 90 days.
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Once the student has finished his/her studies, they will be given easy access to the work permit in Spain. They may then be able to stay for long in the country.
France
International students usually choose France over other countries to experience multicultural higher education, appreciate the countrys close proximity to other European countries, a great social life and of course Paris. Also, every international student in France is allowed to work and enjoy benefits like that of a French national.
Work Regulations for International Students in France
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An international student may work in France only if their enrollment at an institution gives them the right to social security for students along with a student long-term visa (VLS-TS).
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One can work up to 964 hours per year, which equates to 60% of what the normal duration in France is. However, the duration of work will depend on the course of study.
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A minimum wage is legal in France although the hourly amount may vary from one year to another (EUR 10,03 gross per hour in 2019).
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The duration of an internship in France will not be part of the duration of an authorised work limit of 964 hours.
Germany
International students in Germany not only benefit from the extensive list of study programmes and excellent training and research but also from the wide array of work opportunities the country offers. If a student is enrolled in a higher education institution in Germany in the Summer or September Intake, he/she will be allowed to work alongside their studies.
Work Regulations for International Students in Germany
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Overseas students coming from EU member countries are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time.
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Those coming from outside of EU member countries are allowed to work up to 240 half days or 120 full days every year, during both term periods and vacations.
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One may be allowed to work more hours if work placement is mandatory. Work placement in Germany refers to regular work, whether it is paid or unpaid.
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In case one finds an opportunity as a student assistant, then no work-hour limitation will apply.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom welcomes almost 500,000 new international students every year, which makes it the leading study destination, second only to the United States. Students from across the world enrol at UK universities not only in the primary or September Intake but also in May or January Intake. With its reputation for world-class research and an extensive range of courses in more than 25 subject areas, many students prefer going to the UK for further studies and exploring flexible work options.
Work Regulations for International Students in the UK
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One will be allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during their university term time. As defined by the UKVI, a week is referred to as a seven-day period starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday.
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During vacations, an international student in the UK can work full-time provided it is only a work placement. The work placement should not be longer than 50 per cent of the total length of the course.
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One may work as a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.
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Those studying a part-time course will not be allowed to undertake any work in the UK.
United States
The USA is one of the most sought-after nations to study abroad because of its well-regarded educational system. Each educational institution in the USA provides a vast array of degrees, programmes, and courses for overseas students; several have even revolutionised online learning. Due to the diversity, students can venture beyond their comfort zones and learn more about cutting-edge fields like business or STEM in USA. Thus, it is understandable why so many people desire to study in the US.
Work Regulations for International Students in USA
Students on F1 visas must follow the following rules when working on campus:
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The student must maintain a valid F1 visa status.
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The candidate can work up to 20 hours/ week during their semesters.
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In the event that an international student plan to register for the next academic semester, you can work on campus full-time during holidays and vacation periods.
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US residents cannot be displaced (pushed out of their jobs) by this type of employment.
Making a choice as significant as studying abroad requires narrowing your alternatives. You can select which nation is the finest for working and studying abroad with the help of thorough research, analysis, and reliable data. The majority of students are drawn to the nations that provide the best instruction together with necessary career possibilities. It is entirely up to each individual to decide which nation best suits their career objectives; options vary from one individual to another.
We hope that this article helps you find the ideal work-study destination for you. In case you have further doubts about the top countries to study and work, please reach out to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.
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