Being able to study and work could be very exciting for any international student. Students are always asking whether it is possible.
Yes, it is very possible to do both. Many educational institutions and countries offer opportunities for international students to study and work concurrently to gain valuable experience and support their financial needs as well.
Still, rules can vary from country to country and the usual request from these countries is a work permit alongside your student visa. Additionally, the type and amount of work you are allowed to do.
This publication will provide you with the list of best countries to have a pleasant study-work experience:
1. United States
The United States is known for its diverse economy with several opportunities available for anyone looking to stay in the country even for studies. Students are allowed to work and study but based on some conditions.
FT International students who are studying full-time and have a valid F-1 status can usually work on campus. They can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week during breaks.
Students classified as F-1 are not to work or be employed outside the campus unless they can obtain official authorization and also meet the conditions.
The average wage for international students in the USA is around $7.25 per hour, which is also the federal minimum wage.
The actual living expenses can vary depending on the location, and lifestyle of the student. However, most students should be able to survive monthly on living costs as low as $1000.
2. Canada
Canada is one of the exciting study destinations for international students who want to acquire an education. The country has a load of job opportunities in sectors like technology, healthcare, and engineering.
It is usually an easy choice for most students but what makes it even better is the opportunity to work and study there. However, it is very important to meet all the terms and conditions if you are to work there.
With a study permit that allows on/off-campus work, you can work in Canada while studying, but only after your program starts, not before. Also, you can only work up to 20 hours per week.
In Canada, the minimum wage for students is approximately CA$13 per hour. This can go up depending on your location and your expertise.
The monthly living expenses for international students in Canada, excluding accommodation, range from CAD 599 to $799. However, most students would do well with CAD 599 monthly.
3. Australia
Australia has recorded success in industries like mining, healthcare, construction, and education. It makes sense that any student will also consider the place for the continuation of their studies and also work to earn a living.
Every international student will get the same right as any citizen and permanent resident except that they can only work up to 40 hours during their studies and full time on holiday. This is to ensure they are fully focused on their primary assignment which is the most important.
The average monthly living expenses for a single student in Australia amount to about 2,800 AUD with a minimum wage of 21.38 Australian dollars per hour.
4. United Kingdom (UK)
There are no study destinations with no UK on the list. It is also one of the countries that students from all over the world often select among the various countries with fully funded scholarships that students can utilize.
The government also provides avenues for foreign students to work to earn some money for their upkeep. Full-Time Students on student visas can work temporarily and not permanently, accounting for about 20 hours per week and full-time during their holidays.
Students’ living expenses will depend on where they are staying and their school environment. In small towns, £518 should be enough for a month which could rise to £1,040 in big cities.
The minimum wage paid is £10.42 per hour for international students which is enough to meet basic needs and some little fun that students might want to explore.
5. Sweden
Sweden, like the rest of the top countries to study also gives foreign students the freedom to work which is aimed at improving their living conditions and also making their studies more convenient than it is already.
On the plus side, it is also a way to gain valuable experience especially if you aim to stay back after your education.
In Sweden, there is no limit to how long you can work provided it is not affecting your full-time studies. Unlike most countries, Sweden allows international students to have a say over their schedules. Still, while you enjoy this freedom during work hours, it is very important to ensure there is a balance between work and study to maintain good academic performance.
The minimum per-hour rate in Sweden is 125 SEK/hour with an average cost of living of SEK 905 monthly.
6. Switzerland
Having an opportunity to work while also studying makes you ready for life after school. This is an option that international students will want to take advantage of. Aside from that, it is also a way to tap into what makes the country thrive and learn from it. The culture as well as the opportunity to meet folks are another to consider.
Students from EU/EFTA countries can work up to 15 hours a week and full-time during their breaks. Non-EU/EFTA can also work for not more than 15 hours but only after 6 months subject to approval of their work permit which will be tendered by their employer.
As a student, you are entitled to be paid a fee not less than the official minimum wage of CHF 22 per hour or CHF 4,000 per month. The living cost is CHF 500 to CHF 1,366 per month depending on various factors such as location.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand is another study destination that it is at least an 85% chance that you can’t go wrong with. Not much of a population but bigger than the UK in size. What makes it interesting is the lovely landscape, beaches and fun-loving life of the people.
If you are a student who wants it all, then Zealand is a great option we would like to suggest to you. On the work hours part, you are free to work not more than 20 hours a week and that is if you are on full-time studies. The holidays provide you with a good full-time working option.
The minimum wage is NZD$24.97 an hour which is about $15 and the average living cost for most students in a month is NZD$1,250.
8. Norway
How about Norway? It is no doubt that this country may not be one of the most selected study destinations for foreign students, but a country with opportunities in oil and gas, renewable energy, and maritime industries not getting a lot of credit.
International students can also work while studying. With your study permit, you can work in Norway for up to 20 hours and also as much as you like during the school break.
Depending on the student, The average cost of Living is about NOK 7000-9000 per month while there is no fixed minimum wage. However, people are paid based on what they can offer which is usually regulated; wage levels are largely determined through collective bargaining agreements between labor unions and employers.
9. Germany
Aside from the fact that education is free in Germany for students. They can also work to make a living in the country.
As a student from a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, you can work for up to 20 hours each week which also applies to German students as well. Non-EU students will be able to work for a total of 120 full days or 240 half-days without the need to receive authorization from Federal Employment Agency (BA).
The average cost of living in a month is €700 while the minimum wage used for citizens and permanent residents is the same for international students which stands at €9.19 per hour.
10. France
When it comes to good work and study experience, France is also a decent welcoming choice for any student from either EU or Non-EU countries. International students are usually attracted to it due to its lively culture that exhibits art, fashion, and fun.
Its architecture is also great which makes it a very lovely place for tourists. There is almost no end to what the country offers. Foreign Students studying in France are allowed up to 964 hours to work per year. Their service wage is determined using the minimum hourly wage set at €11.52 while the average monthly living cost is €915.
