As the number of Indian students going abroad for higher education continues to rise, balancing academics and work has become crucial for international students. A recent analysis of work policies in popular study destinations has revealed that countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand offer the most flexible work arrangements for international students.
In Australia, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Canada allows students to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic session and unlimited hours during breaks. New Zealand permits students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during breaks.
Other countries like the USA, UK, Germany and France also offer work opportunities for international students, although with some restrictions. In the USA, students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and up to 40 hours per week during school breaks. The UK allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and unlimited hours during breaks.
Germany permits students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during semester breaks. France allows students to work up to 964 hours per year, approximately 20 hours per week, during the academic session and full-time during university holidays.
To help international students make an informed decision, we have compiled a table of approximate hourly wages in each country:
| Country | Hourly Wage in Local Currency | Hourly Wage in INR (Approximate) |
| USA | $7.25 – $15 | 594 – 1230 Rs |
| Canada | CA$ 13 – CA$ 16 | 807 – 993 Rs |
| UK | £8 – £10.42 | 839 – 1094 Rs |
| Australia | AU$ 21 – AU$ 28 | 1157 – 1544 Rs |
| Germany | €9 – €12 | 799 – 1066 Rs |
| New Zealand | NZ$ 20 – NZ$ 22 | 1020 – 1123 Rs |
| France | €10 – €12 | 888 – 1066 Rs |
| Netherlands | €9 – €11 | 799 – 977 Rs |
Understanding these work policies and hourly wages can help international students plan their finances and make the most of their study abroad experience. By balancing academics and work, students can gain valuable work experience, ease financial burdens and contribute towards loan repayments.
