Updated 2025 List of Countries Where You Can Study and Work as an International Student.
Studying abroad is an exciting dream for many, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t come cheap. Between tuition, rent, meals, transport, and the occasional late-night coffee run, expenses can pile up faster than expected. Unless you’re backed by a full scholarship or strong financial support, earning extra income while studying becomes almost essential.
Here’s the good news: many countries understand how valuable international students are—not just for their academic contributions but also for the energy and diversity they bring. That’s why several nations now allow students to legally work while pursuing their degrees.
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If you’re considering studying overseas and want to know where you can balance both work and academics, this guide will walk you through the best destinations offering flexible employment options for students.
Updated 2025 List of Countries Where You Can Study and Work as an International Student
Canada
Canada continues to rank among the most welcoming destinations for international learners. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during breaks.
What makes Canada special is its co-op and internship programs that let students gain professional experience while earning an income.
Why Canada stands out:
- No need for a separate work permit—your study visa covers part-time work
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) makes staying after studies easier
- Diverse, multicultural society with strong job opportunities
If you want quality education plus real-world experience, Canada deserves a top spot on your list.
Australia
Australia remains a favorite among international students for its top-tier universities and balanced lifestyle. Student visa holders can work 48 hours every two weeks during academic sessions and unlimited hours during holidays.
Highlights:
- Plenty of job openings in hospitality, retail, and admin roles
- Among the world’s highest minimum wages
- Straightforward post-study work visa options
Australia’s flexible rules make it easy to gain experience while maintaining academic success.
Germany
Germany already wins hearts with its low or no tuition fees at public universities. But there’s more—international students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without needing an additional permit.
Why students love Germany:
- Great part-time jobs in engineering, research, and IT
- Affordable living in most cities
- Strong demand for skilled graduates
Knowing some German helps, but you’ll still find plenty of English-speaking opportunities, especially in Berlin and Munich.
United Kingdom (UK)
The UK remains one of the top global education destinations, offering students the chance to work while studying. With a Tier 4 (General) visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during official breaks.
Why choose the UK:
- Abundant part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, and university roles
- Excellent career paths in marketing, healthcare, and tech
- Graduate Route allows 2–3 years of post-study employment
Though living costs can be high, the UK’s professional opportunities make it worth the investment.
New Zealand
Small but mighty, New Zealand is known for its welcoming environment and quality education. International students can work up to 20 hours weekly during term time and full-time on holidays.
Why it’s a great option:
- Supportive academic and work environment
- Strong labor rights and fair pay policies
- Post-study work pathways that can lead to residency
From part-time tourism gigs to tech internships, New Zealand offers a perfect balance of study, work, and lifestyle.
Ireland
Ireland is fast becoming a global favorite—especially for students in IT, business, and healthcare. You can work 20 hours per week during term and 40 hours during official breaks.
Key advantages:
- No additional work permit needed
- Easy access to jobs in cafes, offices, and retail
- Thriving graduate job market in business and tech sectors
Ireland’s post-study work program also allows graduates to remain for up to two years to gain full-time experience.
France
France blends culture, art, and academics beautifully—and international students can work up to 964 hours per year (around 20 hours weekly).
What makes France appealing:
- Jobs in retail, tutoring, and customer service
- Paid internships with global companies
- Affordable accommodation and social benefits for students
Speaking French helps immensely, but large cities like Paris and Lyon also offer English-speaking roles.
Sweden
Sweden offers exceptional freedom—there’s no official cap on work hours for international students. However, universities recommend maintaining a healthy study–work balance.
Why Sweden is worth considering:
- Transparent labor laws and strong worker rights
- High English proficiency simplifies job hunting
- Opportunities in research, innovation, and technology fields
Competition can be fierce, but Sweden’s long-term visa and career options make the effort worthwhile.
More Than Just a Paycheck
Working while studying abroad isn’t just about covering expenses—it’s about building experience, expanding your network, and developing real-world skills.
Every job, whether it’s tutoring, customer service, or a professional internship, adds value to your résumé and shapes your career journey.
So when you’re choosing a study destination, look beyond tuition fees and rankings. Consider the work opportunities too—because your global career begins long before graduation.
