Can you work while studying abroad?
Yes – many students who go abroad to study cover part of their everyday costs by working while they study.
Finding a job can take time, and the result depends on the city, the country's job market and how actively you search. Many students work about 12–15 hours a week. You can usually combine this workload with lectures and independent study.
Salaries and the possibility of additional government financial support differ from country to country. Compare typical student salaries, living costs and funding options on the Finances page.
Important: your studies remain your main goal. A job can help you become more financially independent and gain experience, but your workload should not get in the way of your lectures and academic results.
Tips for finding a job abroad
Finding a job can take time and initiative, so it's best to use several methods at once. Here is what usually helps students get started:
Tell people you're looking for a job
Tell your friends, classmates, lecturers and other people you know that you're looking for a part-time job. Sometimes the first opportunity comes through a recommendation or someone you know. The more people know you're looking, the more opportunities can come up.
Approach employers directly
Don't limit yourself to job ads. Prepare your CV and go directly to shops, cafés, hotels, companies or other places that might have work for a student.
Ask about job opportunities, introduce yourself briefly and leave your CV with the person in charge. Even if there is no vacancy right now, the employer may come back to you when they need someone.
Look for jobs online
Regularly check local job portals, company career pages and job platforms for students.
If a job ad is not in English, use translation or AI tools such as Google Translate or ChatGPT. When you find a suitable offer, don't wait – send your CV and, if asked, a short cover letter.
If the language barrier makes you nervous about getting in touch yourself, ask friends or your university's career center for help.
Look out for job offers around town
Some companies looking for part-time staff post job offers in shop windows, shopping centers or other public places. When you walk around town, keep an eye out for such notices – especially in cafés, shops and other service businesses.
Contact recruitment agencies and your university
Recruitment agencies can offer students short-term, seasonal or one-off jobs. This can be a good way to get started and gain your first work experience in a new country.
Ask at your university too. University career centers often share job offers, and sometimes there are student jobs at the university itself.
Look for a job with a schedule that suits your studies
When looking for a job, pay attention not only to the pay but also to the working hours. For a student it's especially important that the hours fit around lectures, exams, assignments and independent study.
Service, delivery, logistics and other companies that hire students often offer flexible hours. Always check the specific working conditions before you accept an offer.
What do you need to take care of before you start working?
If you have EU, EEA or Swiss citizenship, you can work in your study country without a separate work permit. However, registration and administrative procedures differ by country and city, so always check the exact steps with your university or the local municipality.
Registration – where to start?
When you arrive, ask your university about the registration procedure. Most universities give international students information about local procedures and help them understand where to go.
If needed, you can also go directly to the municipality of the city where you will live. There you can get information about the exact registration procedure and documents.
After registration, depending on the country, you may get a local resident number (for example, CPR in Denmark or BSN in the Netherlands), which you may need to start a job, open a bank account or handle other administrative matters.
Which documents might you need?
The list of documents depends on the country and city. When you register, you may need:
- your identity document;
- confirmation of your admission to the university;
- additional documents or passport photos, if the local authority requires them.
Always check the exact list of documents with your university or the local municipality.
Frequently asked questions about working while studying
Is it hard to find a job abroad?
Finding a job can take time, and the result depends on the city, the country's job market, your experience and how actively you search. So it's worth using several search methods at once and not giving up if you don't find a job right away.
Where can I learn about job opportunities in a specific country?
Your university's career center and students who already study in that country are good sources of information. We connect everyone who applies through Kastu with students already studying abroad – Kastu ambassadors and your Student Buddy – so you have someone to ask about the first practical steps.
How do I get the job search checklist?
Together with students already studying abroad, we have prepared a detailed job search checklist. We share it with everyone who applies through Kastu – you just need to fill in the application form.
Still have questions about working while studying?
Ask KastuGPT about job opportunities, studying abroad, finances or the application process.
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Ready to study abroad?
If you already know what you want to study, start filling in the Kastu application form. If you are still unsure about your field of study, the country you want to study in or your options, ask KastuGPT – it's free and available 24/7.
