Studying abroad can be expensive, but choosing the right destination can make it easier to manage the cost of living.
Beyond scholarships and financial aid, international students in several countries can work part-time while studying, helping them cover expenses such as food, transportation, accommodation and other daily needs.
However, earning potential varies significantly from one country to another. Some destinations offer relatively high minimum wages, while others combine competitive wages with generous student work rights.
This guide highlights 10 countries where international students can potentially earn strong wages while studying in 2026. It also considers student work-hour restrictions and the approximate income a student could earn from part-time employment.
«Important: Minimum wages, student work rights and tax rules can change. Students should always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant government authority before making financial or immigration decisions.»
1. Denmark
Denmark does not have a statutory national minimum wage. Instead, wages are largely determined through collective bargaining agreements between employers and trade unions.
For students, available part-time jobs can include positions in supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, hotels, warehouses and retail businesses. Actual wages vary according to the sector, employer, collective agreement, location and the student’s experience.
International students from outside the EU can generally work up to 20 hours per week during the study period, subject to the conditions of their residence permit.
Because Denmark has relatively high wages but also a high cost of living, students should consider both income and expenses when preparing their budgets.
2. Switzerland
Switzerland is another country where students can find relatively well-paid part-time employment. However, Switzerland does not have a nationwide statutory minimum wage. Some cantons have introduced minimum wage requirements, while many employers offer wages above these levels.
International students from outside the EU/EFTA generally face restrictions on employment during their studies and must meet applicable conditions before working.
Part-time opportunities are available in areas such as hospitality, retail, administration and other service industries.
Switzerland’s high wages can be attractive, but the country’s high cost of accommodation, food and transportation means students should carefully calculate their expected monthly expenses.
3. Luxembourg
Luxembourg has one of Europe’s highest statutory minimum wages.
The country’s minimum wage is adjusted according to the type of work and worker category, with the statutory rate for adult unskilled workers providing a relatively high wage floor compared with many other European countries.
International students may work part-time subject to applicable immigration and employment rules. Students should verify the current conditions before accepting employment.
With its strong wages and multilingual environment, Luxembourg can be an attractive option for students who want to combine study with part-time employment.
4. Australia
Australia remains one of the most attractive destinations for international students seeking opportunities to work while studying.
From 1 July 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is AU$26.44 per hour, or AU$1,004.90 per week for a 38-hour working week. Most employees are covered by industry or occupation-based awards, which may provide higher minimum rates.
International students can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and can work unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks, subject to their visa conditions.
At AU$26.44 per hour, working the maximum 48 hours over a fortnight would amount to approximately AU$2,746 in a four-week month before tax, although actual earnings will depend on the number of hours worked and the applicable pay rate.
Hospitality, retail, aged care, logistics and customer service are among the sectors where students may find employment.
5. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom remains a popular destination for international students because eligible students can work while completing their studies.
From April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.71 per hour. Other age groups have different minimum wage rates.
Most eligible international students studying on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, although the exact conditions depend on their course and visa.
At £12.71 per hour, a student working 20 hours per week could earn approximately £1,017 before tax in a four-week month.
Students can find opportunities in retail, hospitality, supermarkets, customer service, administration and other sectors.
6. Netherlands
The Netherlands has a statutory hourly minimum wage that varies according to age.
For workers aged 21 and above, the minimum wage was €14.71 per hour from 1 January 2026.
International students from outside the European Economic Area generally need to meet specific employment requirements, and their employer may need to obtain a work permit.
Students should therefore confirm their individual work rights before taking a job.
The Netherlands offers opportunities in hospitality, retail, logistics, supermarkets, delivery services and other sectors. Knowledge of Dutch can improve employment opportunities, although some positions are available in English.
7. Ireland
Ireland is another attractive destination for international students who want to work part-time.
Eligible international students enrolled in qualifying full-time programmes can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during designated holiday periods, subject to immigration conditions.
Students can find jobs in hospitality, retail, supermarkets, hotels, customer service and other sectors.
Ireland’s strong technology and business sectors may also provide additional opportunities for students with relevant skills and experience.
8. Canada
Canada remains a major destination for international students, partly because eligible students have the opportunity to work while studying.
Canada does not have a single minimum wage covering every worker. Minimum wage rates are established by provinces and territories, meaning the applicable rate depends on where a student lives and works.
Eligible international students can generally work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Students can work in areas such as retail, hospitality, supermarkets, customer service, warehouses and other businesses.
Because minimum wages differ across provinces, students should check the current rate in the province or territory where they intend to study.
9. New Zealand
New Zealand offers international students the opportunity to supplement their income through part-time employment while studying.
From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage increased to NZ$23.95 per hour.
Eligible international students can generally work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, with some students permitted to work full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their visa conditions.
At NZ$23.95 per hour, working 20 hours per week could produce approximately NZ$1,916 in a four-week month before tax.
Common student jobs include hospitality, tourism, retail, agriculture and customer service.
10. Germany
Germany rounds off the list with a combination of relatively affordable public higher education and a statutory minimum wage.
Germany’s statutory minimum wage increased to €13.90 per hour from 1 January 2026. It is scheduled to rise again to €14.60 per hour in 2027.
International students from outside the EU can generally work within an annual limit of 140 full days or 280 half-days, subject to applicable rules.
Students can find employment in restaurants, supermarkets, warehouses, logistics companies, universities and research institutions.
Students studying engineering, information technology and other technical disciplines may also find student-assistant positions that offer relevant professional experience and, in some cases, higher pay than the statutory minimum.
What Students Should Consider Before Choosing a Country
A high minimum wage does not automatically mean a country is the cheapest place to study.
Before choosing a destination, prospective international students should consider:
– Tuition fees
– Accommodation costs
– Food and transportation expenses
– Taxes and other deductions
– Student work-hour restrictions
– Availability of part-time jobs
– Exchange-rate fluctuations
– Health insurance and other mandatory costs
– Opportunities related to their field of study
For example, a country offering a higher hourly wage may also have substantially higher accommodation and living expenses.
Can Part-Time Work Pay for Your Studies?
Part-time employment can help students manage their day-to-day expenses, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed way to finance an entire degree.
Students should have sufficient funds to meet their tuition and living expenses before travelling. Work opportunities can vary according to location, season, language ability, academic workload and the local labour market.
The strongest strategy is often to combine scholarships, grants, personal savings and permitted part-time employment.
Final Thoughts
For international students looking to study abroad in 2026, countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Ireland offer different combinations of wages, employment opportunities and student work rights.
However, the best destination depends on more than the hourly wage.
Students should compare the cost of education, cost of living, immigration requirements, work restrictions and career opportunities before making a decision.
A carefully chosen study destination can allow students to gain an international education while also developing valuable work experience and reducing some of the financial pressure associated with studying abroad.
Always confirm current visa, employment and minimum-wage rules with the official government authorities of your chosen destination before making travel or financial plans.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.