Part-time work rules for Indian students abroad — country-by-country 2026 guide
By Priya Nair (Priya Nair is an education-abroad counsellor and travel writer who has helped over 2,000 Indian students navigate the journey from acceptance letter to first day on campus. She holds a Masters from the University of Edinburgh and writes about visas, flights and settlement logistics for Indian students heading overseas.) · Published · 10 min read
Part-time work helps Indian students cover living expenses abroad. Here are the exact rules, limits and practical tips for working while studying in 2026.
Quick answer
In 2026, the general work-hour limits for international students (including Indians) are: US (F-1): 20 hours/week on-campus during term, full-time during breaks. UK (Student visa): 20 hours/week during term, full-time during vacations. Canada (study permit): 20 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions (this cap has been subject to recent changes — verify on the IRCC website). Australia (subclass 500): 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks. Germany: 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Singapore: 16 hours/week during term at approved institutions. Always verify current rules on the official immigration website of your destination, as these change frequently.
United States — F-1 work restrictions
The F-1 student visa has the most restrictive work rules among major study destinations. During the academic term, you can work only on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. This means jobs within your university — library, dining hall, research assistant, teaching assistant. Off-campus work during term is generally not permitted unless you qualify for specific authorisations (Curricular Practical Training/CPT or economic hardship).
During official school breaks (summer, winter), you can work on-campus full-time (up to 40 hours/week). After completing your programme, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows up to 12 months of full-time work in your field of study (36 months for STEM fields).
The practical reality: on-campus jobs in the US typically pay USD 10-15/hour depending on the university and state. For a 20-hour week, that is USD 800-1,200/month — helpful for groceries and personal expenses but not enough to cover rent in most university cities. See flight options on our Delhi to New York route page.
United Kingdom — Student visa work rights
The UK Student visa allows 20 hours/week of work during term and full-time work during official vacation periods. You can work for any employer — the restriction is on hours, not location. This makes the UK more flexible than the US for part-time work.
Typical part-time jobs for Indian students in the UK: retail (supermarkets, shops), hospitality (restaurants, cafes, hotels), university roles (library, admin), tutoring and delivery services. Pay is at least the national minimum wage (varies by age — approximately GBP 10-11/hour for those 21 and over in 2026, verify the current rate). A 20-hour week at minimum wage gives approximately GBP 800-900/month.
Important: keep records of your working hours. Exceeding the 20-hour weekly limit during term can result in visa curtailment. Some universities also have their own policies on term-time work that are stricter than the visa conditions.
Canada — study permit work rules
Canada's study-permit work rules have been subject to recent changes. The baseline is 20 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. There was a temporary policy allowing more than 20 hours during term (implemented during the pandemic/post-pandemic period), but the current status should be verified on the IRCC website as of your travel date.
On-campus work has no hour limit during the academic session (you can work as many hours as your schedule allows on-campus). Off-campus work requires a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), which you obtain after arrival with your study permit.
Typical pay for part-time student jobs in Canada varies by province — Ontario minimum wage is approximately CAD 16-17/hour, British Columbia approximately CAD 17-18/hour (verify current rates). A 20-hour week at minimum wage gives CAD 1,280-1,440/month — a meaningful contribution to living expenses.
Australia — subclass 500 work conditions
Australia allows subclass 500 student visa holders to work up to 48 hours per fortnight (two-week period) during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. This is more generous than the UK's 20 hours/week because you can distribute the 48 hours flexibly across two weeks (e.g., 30 hours one week and 18 the next).
Australian minimum wage is among the highest in the world (approximately AUD 23-24/hour in 2026, verify the current Fair Work rate). A 24-hour week at minimum wage gives approximately AUD 2,200-2,300/month — substantial in covering rent and living costs, especially outside Sydney and Melbourne. Check our Delhi to Melbourne page for flights.
Germany — the 120/240 day rule
Germany uses a unique annual-days system rather than weekly hours. Student visa holders can work 120 full days (8+ hours) or 240 half days (up to 4 hours) per year. Student jobs at the university (HiWi/research assistant positions) are often exempt from this limit — verify with your university's international office.
The 120/240 framework gives flexibility — you can work more during semester breaks and less during term. German student jobs (Werkstudent positions) typically pay EUR 12-15/hour depending on the role and city. A Werkstudent position at 20 hours/week during breaks can earn EUR 960-1,200/month.
Important: exceeding the 120/240 limit requires approval from the local foreigners' authority (Auslanderbehorde) and the Federal Employment Agency. Working without approval or exceeding the limit can jeopardise your residence permit.
Singapore — limited but structured
Singapore allows international students at approved institutions to work up to 16 hours/week during term. During official vacation periods, full-time work is permitted without additional approval. Not all institutions qualify — check if your university is on the Ministry of Manpower's approved list.
Singapore's student work environment is competitive — pay for part-time roles is approximately SGD 8-12/hour depending on the job type. The limited 16-hour weekly cap means earning potential is lower than in Australia or Canada. Many Indian students in Singapore supplement with internship placements that count toward their degree requirements. For flights, see our Delhi to Singapore route page.
Frequently asked questions
Can Indian students work off-campus in the US on an F-1 visa?
Generally no, during the academic term. F-1 off-campus work requires specific authorisation (CPT or economic hardship). On-campus work up to 20 hours/week is permitted during term.
Which country allows the most part-time work hours for students?
Australia (48 hours/fortnight) and Canada (20 hours/week off-campus, unlimited on-campus) are the most generous. Germany's 120/240 day annual system also provides significant flexibility during breaks.
Do part-time earnings cover living expenses abroad?
Partially. In Australia and Canada, minimum-wage part-time work can cover a significant portion of living expenses. In the US and Singapore, the contribution is smaller due to fewer allowed hours or lower pay rates.