Working on a student visa: rules in 14 countries (2026)

One of the most common questions from future students is: “Will I be able to work while I study?” The answer depends on the country. Some countries have a weekly hour limit, some do not require a work permit, and in others the rules are strict.

The main rule: studies come first

A student visa or residence permit is given to you to study in the country. Work is only an additional option. Exceeding the limit can lead to your permit being withdrawn or not extended. That is why it is important to know the rules in advance.

A short overview by country

• Germany: 140 full or 280 half days a year. Student assistant (HiWi) jobs at the university do not count toward this limit.
• Italy: up to 20 hours a week, a maximum of 1,040 hours a year.
• Hungary: up to 30 hours a week during studies, full-time for up to 90 days a year outside term.
• Poland: holders of a study visa or study residence permit can work without a separate work permit.
• Lithuania: up to 20 hours a week; the limit does not apply during the summer holidays.
• Latvia: 20 hours a week during studies, 40 during holidays; master’s and doctoral students up to 40 hours.
• Czech Republic: students with a study visa or permit have free access to the labour market.
• Netherlands: 16 hours a week or full-time in June–August; the employer must obtain a work permit (TWV).
• Sweden: for permits granted from 11 June 2026, bachelor’s and master’s students have a limit of 15 hours a week.
• United Kingdom: 20 hours a week during term, full-time during vacations.
• Canada: 24 hours a week off campus, full-time during scheduled breaks.
• USA: 20 hours a week on campus during term; off-campus work only through CPT/OPT.
• Türkiye: with a work permit; bachelor’s students up to 24 hours a week after their first year.
• China: part-time work only with approval from the university and the immigration authorities.

Planning to work? What to keep in mind

1. Don’t base your budget on income from work — you need to show full proof of funds for the visa.
2. In your first semester, give yourself time to adjust to the language and the workload.
3. Start with your university’s career centre and on-campus jobs.
4. Take care of official steps such as a tax number, bank account and insurance on time.

You can find the visa process, documents and fees for each country step by step on our country pages.

The information is based on official sources as of October 2026. Rules can change — check the official website before making decisions.