Work while you study

Factors to consider when looking for part-time jobs while studying abroad

Studying overseas is expensive, not just because the tuition fees at universities are steep but also because of the accompanying living expenses. For most destinations like the U.S., the U.K., or Australia, living expenses can easily add another 30-40% to your tuition fees. The good news is that international student visas often come with work rights that allow students to get part-time jobs which not just subsidises their costs, but also helps add valuable experience and skills to their resumes. Also, working a part-time job is a great way to connect with the local people and culture.

Countries such as the U.K., France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, China, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia are usually lenient when it comes to allowing students from other countries with a student visa to work. The U.K. allows students studying longer than six months, on tier-4 student visas, to work for 10-20 hours per week during study periods, and 40 hours during vacation. Australia allows you to work up to 40 hours every two weeks and full-time during vacation, on a student visa. In the U.S.,students can hold jobs online or on-campus during their first year of studies after which they can use the OPT route to get another 12 or 24-month approval to work in off-campus jobs. The OPT time limit, however, includes employment gained both during studies and post-studies so you need to carefully plan how to utilise this option. Consult the university student support or your admissions counsellor about the work rights in your destination.