Archive · 19 Sep 2025
International Student Work Hour Limits Across Countries
Many countries let international students work part-time.
These policies help students earn money and gain experience while studying abroad.
The UK, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Finland, Germany, and the US set weekly limits on hours during the school year, but allow full-time work during breaks.
Canada allows more weekly hours during the term.
Australia limits working hours to every two weeks.
Sweden has no limit, and Dubai requires a work permit.
These rules balance study with real-world experience.
Many countries permit international students to work part-time while studying.
The UK allows 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays.
Canada allows 24 hours/week during term and unlimited hours during breaks.
Sweden offers unlimited working hours to students while studying.
The United States allows on-campus jobs with no restrictions, but off-campus work is limited.
- Who
- International students
- What
- Work-study policies in different countries
- When
- During academic terms and holidays
- Where
- Multiple countries, including UK, Canada, Germany, and others
- Why
- To allow students to earn income and gain work experience while studying
- Countries Listed
- UK, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Dubai, Sweden, Australia, Finland, Germany, United States
- Work Hour Limit (Academic Term, if applicable)
- Varies per country; listed below
- UK
- 20 hours/week
- Canada
- 24 hours/week
- France
- 20 hours/week, 964 hours annually
- Ireland
- 20 hours/week
- Italy
- 20 hours/week, 1,040 hours annually
- New Zealand
- 20 hours/week
- Australia
- 48 hours/2 weeks
- Finland
- 25 hours/week
- Germany
- 20 hours/week
- United States
- On-campus: unlimited, Off-campus: 20 hours/week
- Sweden
- Unlimited