Student Life · Work Rules
Part time jobs for international students: work rules in 6 countries
How many hours can you really work in Australia, the UK, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand and Switzerland? Here is a simple, honest guide.
Quick answer
Part time jobs for international students are allowed in all six countries, but the limits differ:
- Australia: 48 hours a fortnight in term.
- UK and Ireland: 20 hours a week in term.
- New Zealand: 25 hours a week for eligible students.
- Germany: a yearly day allowance.
- Switzerland: 15 hours a week after six months.
Many students plan to cover rent with a part-time job. That can work, but only if you follow your visa rules. Working too many hours can put your visa at risk. Let's look at part time jobs for international students, country by country.
Part time jobs for international students: quick comparison
| Country | During term | During breaks |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight | No hour limit in scheduled breaks |
| UK | 20 hours a week (degree level) | Full-time in vacations |
| Ireland | 20 hours a week | 40 hours a week (Jun–Sep, 15 Dec–15 Jan) |
| Germany | 140 full or 280 half days a year | Counts within the same yearly allowance |
| New Zealand | 25 hours a week (eligible students) | Full-time in scheduled breaks |
| Switzerland | 15 hours a week after 6 months | Full-time in official breaks |
Part time jobs for international students: rules by country
Australia: Your visa condition sets a fortnightly limit while your course runs. Check Home Affairs for your own conditions, and the Fair Work Ombudsman for pay rights. Read our Australia student visa cost 2026 guide too.
UK: Degree-level students can usually work 20 hours a week in term, and below-degree courses have a lower limit. Self-employment is not allowed. See GOV.UK.
Ireland: You need a valid Stamp 2 permission, an IRP card and a PPS number. Check Citizens Information for the latest.
Germany: Rules use a yearly day allowance, not a weekly cap. Confirm details with Study in Germany, because sources differ.
New Zealand: The limit rose from 20 to 25 hours on 3 November 2025. Students on older 20-hour visas must apply for a variation. See govt.nz.
Switzerland: Non-EU students usually wait six months before working, and employers need a work permit. See the State Secretariat for Migration.
Not sure which country suits you?
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Smart tips for part time jobs for international students
- Check your visa condition before you accept any job.
- Never pay money to get a job. Real employers do not charge you.
- Track your hours every week, especially in term.
- Do not rely only on wages. Keep savings as a safety net.
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Frequently asked questions
Which country allows the most part time jobs for international students?
It depends on your visa. New Zealand allows 25 hours a week for eligible students, while Ireland allows 40 hours in holidays. Always check your own visa conditions.
Can I work full-time during holidays?
In most of these countries, yes, during scheduled breaks. Ireland limits holiday work to 40 hours a week in set periods.
Will part time jobs cover my living costs?
Usually not fully. Plan your budget with our cost calculator guide and scholarship guidance.
Sources: GOV.UK, Home Affairs, Education in Ireland, BAMF Germany, Immigration NZ, Melbourne, Oxford, UCD, ETH Zurich, Auckland.
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