Are you searching for countries that allow you to get a job while studying to support your living expenses? Then you need to read this article to discover the best countries to study and work for international students.
Studying abroad can become a daunting experience for international students, as students coming from other countries may find it difficult to pay rent monthly, amidst other expenses like transportation to and from school.
Therefore, if you plan on studying abroad, but don’t have a scholarship that can cover all of your expenses, you might need to consider getting a part-time or full-time job, and also find the best country to study and earn money.
Several countries make it possible for international students to work in their country to help them pay for academic expenses during their studies. However, if you need to find the best country to study and work abroad, you can see through our compiled list and pick the best country for international students to study and work in 2022.
13 Best Study-Work Countries for International Students 2022
- USA
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Australia
- Switzerland
- France
- Spain
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Singapore
Table Showing 13 Best Work-Study Countries for International Students and their Living Cost
| S/N | Country | Living Cost |
| 1. | USA | $1,000 – $1,500 per month |
| 2. | Canada | $1,320 per month |
| 3. | United Kingdom | £1,334 per month |
| 4. | Germany | €850 per month |
| 5. | Australia | AUD1,870 per month |
| 6. | Switzerland | €1,300 – €1,700 per month |
| 7. | France | €1,000 – €1,200 per month |
| 8. | Spain | €900 – €1,100 per month |
| 9. | New Zealand | NZD1,250 per month |
| 10. | Ireland | €1,240 – €1880 per month |
| 11. | Italy | €700 – €1,000 per month |
| 12. | Netherlands | €800 – €1,200 per month |
| 13. | Singapore | S$1000 – S$2,500 per month |
13 Best Countries for International Students to Study and Work 2022
Most of these countries that allow you to work while studying abroad usually have some eligibility criteria. In most cases, you will need to submit some paperwork to the proper authorities to get permission to work while studying.
Here are 13 countries that will make it easy for international students to study and work.
1. USA
First on our list of the best countries to study and work in 2022 is the United States of America. The USA which is home to Ivy League schools and a large number of top universities in the world is a dream destination for millions of students across the globe.
Cost of Living: $1,000 – $1,500 per month
Top courses to study in the USA
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business and Management courses
- Pharmacy
- Data Science
Studying and Working in the USA
International students seeking to study and work in the USA will need an F-1 visa, which is the one given to international students that will study in a full-time program.
F-1 visa gives the right to work on Campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the study period and up to 40 hours per week during the vacation period. Working on-Campus means that the job must be done for the institution you study in, it is done inside or outside the institution.
2. Canada
Canada is a great country that offers lots of benefits to international students in terms of education. Aside from being amongst the best countries for students to study and work, international students also have the benefit of staying back to work full time after completion of their studies.
Cost of Living: $1,320 per month
Top courses to Study in Canada
- Journalism
- MBA
- Medicine
- Technology
- Agriculture
Studying and Working in Canada
International students in Canada with a study permit who are enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), can work off campus for 20 hours per week without a work permit.
This means you can work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada. International students can also work on campus if they wish.
3. United Kingdom
Aside from being known for having impressive high-quality universities, historical landmarks, and multicultural communities, the United Kingdom is also known as one of the countries that allow international students to work while studying.
Cost of Living: £1,334 per month
Top courses to study in the United Kingdom
-
Medicine
-
Law
- Business and Management
- Engineering
- Natural Science
Studying and Working in the UK
International students can work and study in the UK if they have a Tier 4 student visa. This is the visa that is given to international students that are studying in the UK for six months or longer.
You will be allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week, depending on your course of study. On vacation days, all students with a work permit are allowed to work full time for up to 40 hours per week.
4. Germany
If you are looking for the best Schengen country to study and work in, Germany should be on your top search list. This great country with history attracts students from different parts of the world with its standard education, and low tuition fees, and also provides international students the stay-back option to explore job opportunities after graduation.
Cost of Living: €850 per month
Top Courses to Study in Germany
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Business and Economics
- Law
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Architecture
Studying and Working in Germany
Students from EU/EEA countries are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during the semester.
Students outside of EU member states are only allowed to work 240 half days or 120 full days per year, either in term or during vacations.
If you find work as a student assistant, then the 120-day rule does not apply to you. This is because there are no limitations to jobs at the university. However, you will have to inform the foreigners’ registration office if you want to work more hours.
5. Australia
Long renowned for having a wide range of study programs to choose from, Australia is a country good for study and work and is also coming out as an attractive destination for international students.
Cost of Living: AUD 1,870 per month
Top courses to study in Australia
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Agricultural Sciences
- Computer Science & Information Technology
Studying and Working in Australia
The Australian immigration system allows students visiting the country on a student visa the chance to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and during vacations, students can work full-time.
To work in Australia, international students need to get a Tax File Number (TFN). Students who want to work during their studies in Australia should first visit the Australian Taxation Office to get their TFN. They will need to provide their name, current address, and date of birth. They may also need to supply their date of arrival in Australia, passport, and proof of enrollment.
6. Switzerland
Education in Switzerland might be expensive for international students because Switzerland has a high-quality life, making it a no-brainer for international students to choose the study-work option.
If you are searching for the best country for study and a part-time job, you should consider this EU country.
Cost of Living: €1,300 – €1,700 per month
Top courses to study in Switzerland
- Management Courses
- Marketing Courses
- Banking and Finance
- MBA
- Engineering
Studying and Working in Switzerland
International students can work a maximum of 15 hours per week during their studies, and up to 100 percent during semester breaks. This must be reported in all cases to the responsible immigration authorities.
However, students from outside the EU/EFTA region may only start working six months after the beginning of their studies.
7. France
France is an attractive country for international students, in terms of its enriching culture of art, fashion, and architecture combined with innovative academic programs, and is also part of the best European country to study and work.
Cost of Living: €1,000 – €1,200 per month
Top courses to study in France
- Art History
- Geography
- Linguistics
- Sociology
- Pharmacology
- European and Mediterranean Cultures
- Communication technology
Studying and Working in France
All foreign students have the right to work both on-Campus and Off-Campus while studying in France. This right applies to all students in France. Students who are not European Union nationals must have a student resident permit.
French law allows foreign students to work up to 964 hours per year, or the equivalent of 60% of the maximum working hours permitted.
8. Spain
Spain is another one of the best European countries for study and works among international students. Spanish universities which are highly recognized, also have a plethora of study options for students at home and abroad.
Cost of Living: €900 – €1,100 per month
Top courses to study in Spain
- Arts and Humanities
- Law
- Marketing and Finance courses
- Business and Management courses
- Natural Science
- Hospitality Management
- Computer Science and Information Technology
Studying and Working in Spain
Requirements to work in Spain for EU/EEA students are the same as for Spanish students. Nationals of EU/EEA member countries are free to work in Spain without work permits or any other restrictions. All that is needed is a signed work contract between the student and employer.
However, requirements to work in Spain for non-EU/EEA students include:
- Engage in part-time work (20 hours per week / 4 hours per day).
- Obtain a work permit (the employer should make the application).
- Have another main means of financial support (the part-time work income should only be complementary).
- Find a balance between studies and work (do not let work interfere with your studies in Spain).
9. New Zealand
New Zealand is a favorite among countries you can work and study. The universities in New Zealand provide quality education and are known for producing top professionals in various fields as well.
Cost of Living: NZD 1,250 per month
Top courses to study in New Zealand
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Hospitality
- IT and Computer Science
- Business management
Studying and Working in New Zealand
International students can work while studying as long as they have working rights on a student visa. You can work a maximum of 20 hours a week if you are studying in a full-time academic program for at least two years.
If you need to gain more work experience during your study program, you may also receive permission to work for more hours a week.
10. Ireland
Ireland is quickly becoming one of the top study abroad destinations in the world, in terms of quality education, and is one of the best places to study and work abroad.
Cost of Living: €1,240 – €1880 per month
Top courses to study in Ireland
- Natural sciences
- Technology
- Economics
- Humanities
Studying and Working in Ireland
International students engaged in full-time study of at least one year’s duration (on a course leading to a qualification that is recognized by the Irish Department of Education and Skills currently do not need a work permit to work in Ireland.
Students holding a valid immigration stamp 2 permission will be permitted to work 20 hours per week
11. Italy
Italy is the fifth most populated country in Europe and has 34 internationally ranked universities. This EU country is known for its lovely weather and rich food and is also one of the best countries to study and work abroad for international students.
Cost of Living: €700 – €1,000 per month
Top courses to study in Italy
- Study Design
- Arts
- Business and Finance
- Management courses
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Social Science and Humanities
Studying and Working in Italy
International students who are EU nationals have the right to work in Italy alongside their studies but should not exceed 20 hours a week of work during regular study periods. However, you may take on more hours during vacation periods.
Non-EU students may work during their studies if they obtain a work permit, which requires a job offer from an Italian-based employer.
12. Netherlands
Situated in Europe, alongside prominent countries such as Germany and Belgium, The Netherlands has become one of the most sought-after destinations for international students who search for the best country to study and get a job.
Cost of Living: €800 – €1,200 per month
Top courses to study in the Netherlands
- Management courses
- Business courses
- Engineering
- Natural Science
- Information Technology
Studying and Working in the Netherlands
Whether you will need a work permit to work while studying in the Netherlands depends on your nationality. Non-EU international students need a work permit to have a part-time job to work 16 hours in the Netherlands.
However, If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a work permit, and there is no restriction on the number of hours you are allowed to work.
13. Singapore
Aside from being known for its top-ranking universities, and student-friendly climate, Singapore is also the ideal higher education destination for international students searching for the best country for work and study.
Cost of Living: S$1000 – S$2,500 per month
Top courses to study in Singapore
- Biomedical Engineering
- Pure Engineering
- MBA
- Banking and Finance
- Computer Science
Studying and Working in Singapore
International students are allowed to work for a maximum of 16 hours a week while attending a college or university in Singapore. You must have a Work Pass Exemption and all other requirements to make work and study in Singapore possible.