All countries · Guide

How many hours can international students work?

Each country limits paid work on a student visa. Pick a country and enter your planned hours to check against the usual term-time limit.

Term-time limits at a glance

CountryDuring termDuring breaks
USA (F-1)20 hrs/week on campusFull-time on campus
UK20 hrs/week (degree level)Full-time in official vacations
Canada24 hrs/week off campusFull-time in scheduled breaks
Australia48 hrs per fortnightUnlimited in course breaks

Rules change and depend on your exact visa conditions, course level and institution. Always confirm with your visa grant notice, your university's international office, and the official sites: USCIS / Study in the States (US), GOV.UK (UK), IRCC (Canada) and the Department of Home Affairs (Australia). Breaking work conditions can lead to visa cancellation.

Frequently asked questions

Can international students work 40 hours a week?

Usually only during official holidays or scheduled breaks, not during term time.

Do unpaid internships count towards my hours?

They can. Work placements and volunteering may count depending on the country and type; check with your international office.

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