Study Abroad Guides

Part-Time Work Rules for International Students (UK, Canada, Australia, Germany Compared)

How many hours international students can legally work during term time in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

By Macron Worldwide Team · October 29, 2026

Why This Matters

Working beyond your visa's permitted hours is one of the more serious visa condition violations and can affect future visa applications, so it's worth understanding the actual rules for your destination rather than relying on general assumptions.

United Kingdom

Most Student visa holders on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during official holidays. Lower-level courses may have a reduced 10-hour limit — always check your specific visa conditions.

Canada

Study permit holders can generally work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks, provided your study permit includes the condition allowing off-campus work.

Australia

Student visa holders can typically work up to a set number of hours per fortnight during term time (this limit has changed in recent years, so check the current Department of Home Affairs figure before relying on it), with unrestricted hours during official course breaks.

Germany

International students in Germany are generally permitted a set number of days per year of work (often expressed as 120 full days or 240 half days), which you can distribute flexibly across the year based on your own schedule.

A Word of Caution

These limits and conditions change periodically, and your specific visa or course level can affect what applies to you. Always confirm current rules with official government sources or your institution's international office before taking on work.

Questions about how work rights fit into your study abroad plans? Get in touch with our team.

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