Student work rights, part-time jobs and employment rules abroad

STUDENT WORK RIGHTS, PART-TIME JOBS & EMPLOYMENT RULES ABROAD

PART A: ENGLISH VERSION

1. Introduction

Many international students want to work part-time while studying abroad. Part-time employment can help students gain work experience, develop professional skills and contribute towards their living expenses.

However, student work rights depend on the destination country's immigration laws, the student's residence permit, the type of educational institution and the study programme.

Fly Education must never guarantee that a student will find a job after arrival. Permission to work does not mean that employment is guaranteed.

Students must always prioritise their education and comply with immigration and employment regulations.

2. Student Work Rights by Country

The following information provides a general overview of work permissions for non-EU international students. Individual permit conditions and updated government rules must always be checked.

A. Finland

International students holding a valid residence permit for studies can work in paid employment in any field for an average of 30 hours per week.

Students may work more than 30 hours in some weeks, provided that the annual average remains within the permitted limit.

This is equivalent to approximately 120 hours per month or 1,560 hours per year.

Students may work full-time during holidays, provided that the annual average does not exceed the permitted limit.

The 30-hour restriction does not apply to practical training or diploma work that is part of the student's degree, provided that the work is agreed and recognised as part of the studies.

Students must ensure that employment does not negatively affect their academic progress.

Official information: Finnish Immigration Service (Migri).

B. Lithuania

Lithuania introduced updated student employment restrictions effective from 22 May 2026.

For non-EU international students:

First-year and second-year bachelor's students with residence permits issued under the applicable new rules may work up to 20 hours per week.

Third-year and fourth-year bachelor's students may work up to 40 hours per week.

Master's and doctoral students may work up to 40 hours per week.

Student holidays and qualifying practical training are treated separately under the applicable rules.

The updated restrictions apply to the relevant students whose Lithuanian temporary residence permits were issued after 22 May 2026.

Students with permits issued before the effective date may be subject to different transitional rules.

Students must confirm their individual work entitlement with the Lithuanian Migration Department or their university before accepting employment.

C. Denmark

For non-EU students enrolled in state-approved higher education programmes:

Students may work up to 90 hours per month from September to May.

Students may work full-time during June, July and August.

The student's residence card indicates whether they have permission to work and the applicable cond