Planning to study overseas? Find out which student visa or permit you need and how many hours you can work while studying in popular international education destinations.
Introduction
International students in many countries can take up part-time employment while pursuing their studies. However, the number of permitted working hours, type of employment and eligibility conditions vary by country.
If you are planning to study abroad, understanding these rules can help you make informed decisions about your destination. Here is a quick overview of student visa categories and part-time work permissions across popular study destinations.
International student work rights: Country-wise comparison
| Country | Student visa / permit | Work rights during studies | Official Source |
| Australia | Student Visa (Subclass 500) | Up to 48 hours per fortnight during academic sessions; unlimited during scheduled breaks. | Department of Home Affairs |
| Canada | Study Permit | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions; unlimited during scheduled breaks. | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
| France | Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS) | Up to 964 hours per year. | Campus France |
| Germany | National Visa (Type D) / Residence Permit for Studies | Up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. | Make it in Germany |
| Hong Kong | Student Visa / Entry Permit for Study | Not more than 20 hours per week on campus during term. | Study in Hong Kong |
| Ireland | Long-Stay ‘D’ Study Visa / Stamp 2 | Up to 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during designated holidays. | Irish Immigration Service |
| Italy | National Study Visa (Type D) | Up to 20 hours per week, subject to an annual limit of 1,040 hours. | Universitaly |
| Japan | Student Visa | Up to 28 hours per week with prior permission; up to 8 hours per day during long vacations. | JASSO |
| Malaysia | Student Pass | Up to 20 hours per week during semester breaks, subject to conditions and approval. | Ministry of Higher Education |
| Netherlands | MVV and Residence Permit for Study | Up to 16 hours per week OR full-time during June, July and August. Employer requires a work permit. | Study in NL |
| New Zealand | Fee Paying Student Visa | Up to 25 hours per week for eligible students; full-time during eligible scheduled breaks. | Immigration New Zealand |
| Singapore | Student’s Pass | Up to 16 hours per week during term for students at specified institutions. | Immigration & Checkpoints Authority |
| South Korea | D-2 Student Visa | 30 hours per week for undergraduate students; no restrictions during weekends and vacation periods. | Study in Korea |
| Spain | Student Visa / Residence Authorisation for Studies | Up to 30 hours per week, subject to conditions. | Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation |
| United Kingdom | Student Visa (previously Tier 4) | Up to 20 hours per week. Full-time work is permitted during vacations. | GOV.UK |
| United States of America | F-1 Student Visa (for academic programmes); M-1 for vocational programmes. | Up to 20 hours per week. Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled breaks. | US Immigration and Customs Enforcement |
Note: Information verified as of November 2026. Immigration policies and work entitlements are subject to change. Students should check the latest official immigration guidelines and their individual visa conditions before making decisions.
Conclusion
Understanding student visa conditions and work permissions is an important part of planning to study abroad. Students should remember that part-time employment is intended to complement their education, not replace their primary responsibility of completing their studies. Always check the latest rules with the relevant immigration authority and your university before accepting employment.
