Quick answer

Most of the 16 countries we cover let you work part-time during term, usually between 16 and 30 hours a week, and more in scheduled breaks. Canada allows 24 hours a week off campus, the UK 20 hours for full-time degree-level study at a university, Australia 48 hours a fortnight and Germany 140 full days a year.

Two limits catch students out. In the USA you can work only on campus until CPT or OPT is authorised, and in the UK the limit drops to 10 hours a week for courses below degree level. The table also gives each country's minimum wage and what it covers.

Recommended next step

Compare work rights

Put two countries side by side, with the most you could earn in a term month at the minimum wage.

Compare work rights

Work rules in 16 countries

The published rule for students on a study visa or permit, during term and in scheduled breaks.

CountryDuring termDuring breaksMinimum wage
USA20 hours a week, on campus only. Off-campus work needs CPT or OPT authorisation first.Full time on campus during official breaks.USD 7.25 an hour. Federal minimum since 24 July 2009; many states set higher minimums.
Canada24 hours a week off campus during term, if your permit allows it and your program is at least 6 months at a DLI.Full time during scheduled breaks.CAD 18.15 an hour. Federal rate from 1 April 2026, which covers only federally regulated jobs such as banking, telecoms and airlines. Most student jobs pay the provincial or territorial minimum, from CAD 15.00 in Alberta to CAD 20.17 in Nunavut.
UKUp to 20 hours a week in term time for full-time degree-level study at a university (higher education provider); 10 hours for below-degree study at one. No work for part-time study or below-degree courses at other colleges.Full time during official vacations.GBP 12.71 an hour. National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over from 1 April 2026; GBP 10.85 an hour at 18 to 20.
Australia48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session.Unlimited during scheduled breaks.AUD 26.44 an hour. National minimum wage from 1 July 2026 for adults not covered by an award or agreement; if an award covers your job, its rate applies instead.
Germany140 full days or 280 half days a year. Work as an academic assistant at your university has no day limit, but you must tell the foreigners' office.Counted within the same yearly allowance.EUR 13.90 an hour. Statutory minimum wage from 1 January 2026; it rises to EUR 14.60 on 1 January 2027.
Ireland20 hours a week during term on Stamp 2, for courses on the ILEP list.40 hours a week in June to September and 15 December to 15 January.EUR 14.15 an hour. National minimum wage for workers aged 20 and over from 1 January 2026; lower rates apply under 20.
France964 hours a year, about 60% of full time, without a separate permit.Counted within the same yearly allowance.EUR 12.31 an hour. Gross SMIC, the national minimum wage, from 1 June 2026.
Netherlands16 hours a week, or full time in June, July and August. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you.Full time in June to August only.EUR 14.99 an hour. Statutory minimum for workers aged 21 and over from 1 July 2026; lower youth rates apply under 21.
Italy20 hours a week, up to 1,040 hours a year.Counted within the same yearly allowance.No statutory minimum; pay follows collective agreements.
SpainUp to 30 hours a week, compatible with your studies; a study stay for higher education lets you work without a separate permit.Same limit.EUR 8.22 an hour (pro-rata of the monthly minimum). Spain sets its minimum wage (SMI) by the month: EUR 1,221 in 14 payments, EUR 17,094 a year, from 1 January 2026. The hourly figure here is that yearly amount spread over 40-hour weeks, so it gives the pro-rata monthly minimum for your hours.
PolandFull-time students holding a Polish study visa or residence permit for studies can work without a work permit; the exemption sets no weekly hours limit.Same.PLN 31.40 an hour. Hourly minimum for contracts of mandate and service contracts from 1 January 2026; on an employment contract you get at least PLN 4,806 a month full time. The government has set PLN 32.30 an hour from 1 January 2027.
New Zealand25 hours a week during term (up from 20 on 3 November 2025).Full time during scheduled holidays.NZD 23.95 an hour. Adult minimum wage from 1 April 2026.
Japan28 hours a week with permission to engage in activities other than those permitted, requested at the airport or immigration office.Up to 8 hours a day during your school's long holidays.JPY 1,121 an hour. National weighted average of the regional minimums in force, with Tokyo at JPY 1,226. New rates are due to take effect between 1 October and 2 December 2026, averaging JPY 1,177; Tokyo's rises to JPY 1,280 on 1 October 2026.
Singapore16 hours a week during term, only at approved institutions.Full time during vacations.No statutory minimum wage.
MalaysiaNot during term. 20 hours a week only during semester breaks of 7 days or more, in listed sectors, with institution and Immigration approval.20 hours a week during breaks.MYR 8.72 an hour. Hourly rate set in the Minimum Wages Order 2024 (MYR 1,700 a month), for all employers since 1 August 2025.
UAEOnly with a MOHRE work permit that your employer applies for, such as the student training and employment permit (valid three months). You need a valid residence visa; under-18s need a guardian's written consent, and training needs your institution's no-objection certificate. Not automatic.Same.No general minimum wage; the AED 6,000 monthly floor applies only to Emiratis in the private sector.

Sources

Rules checked on 24 September 2026 against the official pages linked. They change: confirm on the linked page before you act.

What to do next

See what those hours could earn against the living costs you must prove, and compare the routes that let you stay after you graduate.