Working part-time while studying: hours allowed by country

Quick answer. Most study destinations let international students work part-time during term and often full-time in holidays, but the exact hours differ and change: Canada allows up to 24 hours/week off-campus (from Nov 2024); the UK 20 hours/week for degree students; Australia up to 48 hours/fortnight; the USA 20 hours/week on-campus only (F-1); New Zealand up to 20 hours/week; Germany 140 full or 280 half days a year; Ireland 20 hours/week (40 in set holiday periods). These limits change often — always confirm the current rule on the official immigration site before you rely on it.

Term-time work limits at a glance

Indicative current limits — verify each at source, as governments revise them (Canada moved from 20 to 24 hours/week in late 2024):

Country	Term-time limit (verify at source)
Canada	Up to 24 hrs/week off-campus (from Nov 2024); full-time in scheduled breaks
UK	20 hrs/week (degree-level students); full-time in holidays
Australia	Up to 48 hrs/fortnight during term; unrestricted in breaks
USA (F-1)	20 hrs/week, on-campus only in the first year
New Zealand	Up to 20 hrs/week; full-time in scheduled holidays
Germany	140 full or 280 half days per year
Ireland	20 hrs/week term-time; 40 hrs/week in set holiday periods

Rules to respect

Working more than your visa allows can cancel your visa and end your studies, so never exceed the limit. Do not plan to "cover fees by working" — you must still show full proof of funds for the visa, and part-time pay is a supplement, not your funding plan.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours can I work on a Canadian study permit?

As of November 2024, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. This was raised from the earlier 20-hour limit — confirm the current rule on the IRCC site, as it can change.

Can I pay my tuition just by working part-time abroad?

No — you must still show the full proof of funds required for the visa, and part-time earnings only supplement your living costs. Countries cap the hours you can work exactly so study, not work, stays the purpose of the visa.

Sources

Browse agents: Jalandhar register · Ludhiana register · Mohali (SAS Nagar) register

Find licensed help: Immigration & visa consultants · Study-visa consultants · Cost estimator

Reviewed against official government sources; figures that change (fees, fund thresholds) are dated and linked — always verify at the source. — Recepta Editorial.

Search the register · All guides

Last updated: 2026-07-18