Going to study abroad is a dream for many. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. For international students, finding a small job in the host country is an essential condition to pursue their stay and studies. What are countries' stand regarding this? How many hours working hours are allowed for international students?
Economic crisis and jobs for international students
The good news announced in early October is already thrilling international students living in Canada. Immigration Minister Sean Fraser has authorized them to work more hours. Before this, their student status allowed them to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. The new measure will be effective as of November 15, 2022, and will run until December 2023. Canada is facing an unprecedented labor shortage. By easing the restrictions on students, Canada is bringing in several hundred thousand new workers.
Australia, too, is facing labor shortages and is adopting a different strategy. Earlier this year, it temporarily lifted restrictions on working hours, allowing international students to work more than 40 hours a week. In early October, however, the Australian government recalled that this measure was temporary. So starting in July 2023, working hours will be capped again. The authorities talk about bringing a "fair balance" between studies and work.
On the other hand, international students with degrees in high-demand sectors will have an advantage. Those with a master's degree or a Ph.D. will be able to stay for 5 and 6 years, respectively, compared to 3 and 4 years currently. Although the government has yet to officially specify which degrees will be concerned by these changes, there is every reason to believe that they will be in favor of science, engineering, computer science and medical graduates.
Which countries have restrictions on working hours for international students?
On average, countries allow international students to work 20 hours per week, subject to obtaining a waiver or work permit. In South Africa, the United Kingdom, Russia and Spain, working hours are set at 20 hours maximum per week. In Germany, 20 hours are allowed if the student obtains a governmental exemption. If they do not, they will be limited to 120 full days or 240 half-days in a year. Japan, meanwhile, allows international students to work 28 hours per week.
Sweden and Estonia are among the most flexible countries. There are no time restrictions for international students. According to Swedish authorities, students must devote at least 40 hours per week to their studies.
In Denmark and Ireland, international students can work 20 hours a week and full-time during school vacations. In Finland, they can work 25 hours per week. France limits working hours for international students to 20 hours per week if they work off campus, but they can work more hours on campus. Besides, up to 694 hours per year are allowed during school vacations, which is 60% of a full-time job.
In South Korea, on the other hand, there are quite a few restrictions. First of all, students must apply for a work permit from the immigration department, but they are only eligible if they plan on staying more than 6 months in the country. Only then are they allowed to work 20 hours per week, or 30 hours for doctoral students. But the authorities also consider the academic level and the language proficiency of these students based on their passing the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean). Undergraduate and graduate students who do not pass the TOPIK are limited to 10 hours per week. Those who have passed can work 25 hours, and without limit on weekends. Ph.D. students who fail the TOPIK are limited to 15 hours of work per week. Those who have passed (they must have validated level 4) can work 35 hours per week and for an unlimited number of hours on weekends.
The importance of casual jobs for international students
Often, international students have to rely on odd jobs to support their living during their stay abroad. Scholarships are barely enough, hence the need for international students to work. This has become even more true since the health crisis and rising inflation. Many students have not been able to work at home during vacations. Therefore, the need to find a job abroad has become urgent.
Yet, in some countries, they still have to obtain a work permit. In South Korea, for instance, international students speak of an ordeal as the immigration services would grant or refuse the permit without explaining the selection criteria. For their part, companies are sometimes deterred by visa restrictions for international students. In contrast, Estonia does not require a permit for international students. Meanwhile, in Japan, international students who intend to work have to request a permit at the time of their application to the university.
A student job is essential to supplement income and is also an opportunity to get acquainted with the host country's labor market. For international students, it is more of an immersion and the first contact with a new reality. These experiences, whether positive or more challenging, allow international students to practice the language and learn about local corporate culture.
