United States
Canada
Australia
Netherlands
Ireland
Japan
CyprusWork while you study, 2026/27
How much can international students earn part-time? By country
In short: during term most student visas allow part-time work up to a weekly limit, so the most you can earn is roughly that limit times the minimum wage. At the minimum wage that is about GBP 1,100 a month in the United Kingdom (20 hours a week), EUR 1,230 a month in Ireland (20 hours a week), EUR 1,200 a month in Germany (20 hours a week), EUR 1,040 a month in the Netherlands (16 hours a week), before tax. It helps with living costs but will not replace the money the visa asks you to show.
Weekly limit times the official minimum wage
| Country | Hours a week in term | Minimum wage an hour | Up to a month, before tax | Against living costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United KingdomVisa rules | 20 | GBP 12.71National Living Wage, age 21 and over, from 1 April 2026 (GBP 10.85 at 18 to 20); GOV.UK | GBP 1,100about EUR 1,320 | Official living-cost estimate from about EUR 1,200 a month |
| IrelandVisa rules | 20 | EUR 14.15National minimum wage, age 20 and over, from 1 January 2026; Ibec | EUR 1,230 | Official living-cost estimate from about EUR 1,400 a month |
| GermanyVisa rules | 20 | EUR 13.90Statutory minimum wage from 1 January 2026; EUR 14.60 in 2027; Federal Government | EUR 1,200 | Official living-cost estimate from about EUR 800 a month |
| NetherlandsVisa rules | 16 | EUR 14.99Statutory minimum wage, age 21 and over, from 1 July 2026; Business.gov.nl | EUR 1,040 | Official living-cost estimate from about EUR 1,000 a month |
Last checked: 7 Nov 2026. Hours are the term-time limit in each country guide (full time is usually allowed in holidays); a month is 52 weeks divided by 12. Earnings are before tax and assume you find that many hours at the minimum wage, which is not guaranteed. For every country's work rules see work while studying.
What to do next
- Check the exact work rule for your visa: work limits by country.
- Budget without it first: the cost calculator and which countries fit your budget.
- Look for money you do not have to earn: scholarships for your nationality.
Questions
How much can an international student earn part-time?
during term most student visas allow part-time work up to a weekly limit, so the most you can earn is roughly that limit times the minimum wage. At the minimum wage that is about GBP 1,100 a month in the United Kingdom (20 hours a week), EUR 1,230 a month in Ireland (20 hours a week), EUR 1,200 a month in Germany (20 hours a week), EUR 1,040 a month in the Netherlands (16 hours a week), before tax. It helps with living costs but will not replace the money the visa asks you to show.
Can I use part-time work to meet the visa’s money requirement?
No. The visa asks you to show the money before you apply; future earnings do not count. Part-time pay helps with living costs once you are there.
Are students paid less than the minimum wage?
Not legally, if you are old enough for the adult rate: the rates in the table are the legal minimum for adults, and some sectors pay more under collective agreements. Younger workers can have lower rates (for example in the UK).