In most EU countries, working while studying is entirely possible. You will be allowed to work on either a student visa or a student work permit, generally part-time during the school year and full-time during the holidays.
An important aspect to consider if you want to work while studying is how loose the ‘work and study’ rules are. These rules are not the same across the EU. Some countries have stricter laws and a more complicated process, which makes working there more challenging.
There are also European countries where working as a student is very easy and rewarding:
Sweden
You only need a valid student visa to work in Sweden. And as long as you devote at least 40 hours a week to your studies, there are no restrictions on how much you can work. Wages in Sweden are also more attractive, averaging 2,500 USD/month.
Estonia
You only need a student visa to work during your studies in Estonia. But what makes it attractive is that you can stay and work for another six months if you get permission from the university after completing your studies. There is no restriction on how long you can work if you have passing grades. Average salary is 1,400 USD per month before tax.
Denmark
A student visa in Denmark includes the right to work 20 hours per week during the school year and full time during school breaks. Even if it is a part-time job, the pay is more rewarding, with an average salary of 16 USD/hour. That is about 1,280 USD/month for a part-time job.
France
You can work part-time in France with a valid student visa. You are allowed to work 20 hours per week off campus, but can work more if you find work on campus. Annually, you get up to 60% of the statutory annual working time – meaning you can work more on holidays. France has a guaranteed minimum wage of 10 USD/hour/gross. For a month of part-time work, you are guaranteed to earn at least 800 USD.
Ireland
If you have Stamp 2 permission on your visa, you do not need a work permit to work part-time in Ireland. You can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and full time during school breaks.
Finland
In Finland, you are allowed to work 25 hours a week during school term and full time during school breaks without needing a work permit. Salary for part-time jobs usually starts at 500 USD/month.
Norway
You do not need a work permit for the first year of your studies in Norway. However, after the first year you need to renew it and provide additional documents. Part-time workers earn an average of 4,000 USD/month. However, note that most Norwegian jobs require knowledge of the Norwegian language.
Germany
Germany is also a country where you can work part-time as long as you have a valid student visa. Wages for a part-time job start at around 500 USD/month. The good part is that the cost of living in Germany is one of the lowest in Western Europe.
Career opportunities in Europe
If you are from an English-speaking home country, knowing the European language can increase your career opportunities. Because of the high quality of education, European degrees can help you on your career path. In Europe, students need to actively network with recruiters and students. European educational institutions organize career boards where students get a chance to talk face-to-face with recruiters and ask questions related to their doubts.
The European Union is one of the largest and most powerful economies in the world. It is a popular destination for many shareholders and investors. As a result, the continent is creating new job opportunities for both foreigners and locals. Whether you are looking to start a new career, or are a newly graduated university student, Europe could be your destination to land one of your future jobs. The study shows that the most in-demand jobs in the EU in 2022 will be for IT specialists, engineers, healthcare specialists, social workers and experts in digital marketing jobs.
One of the most important advantages of the European Union is its Schengen area. It is a zone without internal borders, where citizens and many non-EU nationals, businessmen and tourists can move freely without being subject to border checks. Many European countries try to encourage international students to continue after graduation. You are more likely to get a job and stay in Europe for longer. Now studying in one of the best continents in the world gives you the freedom to study, travel, live and work anywhere in Europe.
Last Updated Jul 12, 2022, 12:39 PM IST