International Student Work Rights and Post-Study Opportunities

When considering studying abroad, international students often seek destinations that offer both flexible part-time work opportunities during their studies and robust post-study work visa options. 

Table of Contents

The following table presents a comparative overview of part-time work allowances during study periods and the availability of post-study work visas in select countries. It serves as a guide for prospective students to evaluate and choose study destinations that align with their academic and career aspirations.

Country Part-time work hoursPost-study work visaSource 
AustraliaUp to 48 hours every two weeks while studying; Unlimited hours during study breaksTemporary Graduate Visa (2-3 years, depending on your qualification)Study Australia 
CanadaUp to 24 hours per week off-campus during term;Unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaksPost Graduate Work Permit (Up to 3 years) Government of Canada 
FranceUp to 20 hours per week (964 hours per year)Temporary Resident Permit (Up to 12 months)Campus France 
GermanyMaximum of 20 hours per week; During academic breaks, you can work full-timeUp to 18 months after graduation Study in Germany 
Hong KongPart-time on-campus employment for not more than 20 hours per week throughout the year; No limit during summers in relation to working hours and location24 months without other conditions of stayImmigration Department, Hong Kong
Ireland Up to 20 hours per week; 40 hours per week during scheduled holidaysThird Level Graduate Scheme (Up to 12 months initially)Education in Ireland
NetherlandsUp to a maximum of 16 hours per week; Full time during the months June, July and AugustOrientation Year Visa (1 year) Government of the Netherlands 
SingaporeMaximum of 16 hours a week;
Unlimited during vacation
Short-term stay pass (up to 90 days); Employment Pass (2-5 years) Ministry of Manpower 
SpainUp to 30 hours per weekLong term work visa (12 months)Study in Spain
United Arab EmiratesMaximum of 15 hours per week and 40 hours during vacation periodStandard work visa (up to 2 years)  or the Golden Visa (2 years)The United Arab Emirates’Government portal
United States of AmericaUp to 20 hours per week when college is in session;Up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session Optional Practical Training (12-36 months) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 
United Kingdom Up to 20 hours per week during term-time;  Full-time during vacationsGraduate Route Visa (At least 2 years)Gov.UK

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