Europe is one of the most attractive destinations for quality education and cultural exchange. Around 1.76 million international students come to the EU for their higher education, making up 8.4% of all students.
When choosing where to study, international students consider many factors. One of the most important questions is whether they can work while studying. The short answer: yes.
International university students can work in 30 European countries, including EU members, the UK, Norway, and Iceland, as long as they are enrolled in higher education. In some countries, no work permit is needed. In others, a permit is only required for students from outside the EU/EEA.
"International students' decisions to study and work in European countries are influenced by a complex interplay of factors,” Tom Miessen, CEO at StudiesIn, told Euronews Business.
So, what are the conditions for student work in Europe? How many hours can students work, and how much can they earn in a month?
StudiesIn.com analysed 30 European study destinations and their part-time job opportunities, including work conditions, average hourly wages, and monthly earnings. The research does not cover tuition fees, which can also be a significant factor in students’ decisions.
Which countries do international students need a work permit?
In 14 out of 30 countries, international university students do not need a work permit. These include the UK, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This makes these destinations especially attractive for students who want to start working quickly without extra paperwork.
In Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, and Italy, only non-EU/EEA students are required to obtain a work permit while studying. In Czechia and Croatia, non-EU students may also need a work permit, depending on their individual cases.
This shows that in almost half of Europe, international students do not need a work permit. For students from EU countries, the share is even higher—around 75%.
Eight countries require international students to obtain a work permit before they can work. These are Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Iceland, and Cyprus. Four of them are relatively small in terms of population.
How much can student work and earn in Europe?
In most European countries on the list, international university students can only work up to 20 hours per week. A few countries have a lower threshold such as Luxembourg (15 hours) and the Netherlands (16 hours). In many countries, students are allowed to work more hours—and even full time—during summer or academic breaks.
Estimated hourly wages range from €3.32 in Bulgaria to €18 in Luxembourg and €17–19 in Iceland. In half of the countries, wages are below €8.
After Bulgaria, Hungary (€4.19), Estonia (€4.30), Latvia (€4.47), and Slovakia (€4.69) are among the lowest in Europe.
On the higher end of the scale, after Luxembourg and Iceland, are Norway (€16.86), Denmark (€14.74), the Netherlands (€14.40), and the UK (€14.09), all with wages above €14 per hour.
According to StudiesIn.com, based on the maximum allowed weekly hours and average hourly wages, students in the UK are able to earn up to £977 (€1,127) per month. In Germany and Spain, the figure is around €1,111. International students are likely to receive up to €900 per month in France, and between €600 and €750 in Italy.
What drives students’ choices abroad?
“Cost of living and tuition fees are often primary considerations, especially for those seeking affordable options without compromising educational quality,” Tom Miessen said.
He explained that countries with highly regarded universities, such as the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, naturally attract students focused on academic excellence and international recognition.
“However, practical aspects like access to work opportunities and favorable post-study immigration policies are equally critical, as students aim for seamless transitions from education to employment,” he added.
Tom Miessen of StudiesIn also noted that cultural compatibility and language accessibility also play significant roles, with a growing preference for countries offering English-taught programs and inclusive environments. Proximity to their home countries can influence choices for students from neighbouring regions, while safety, quality of life, and social amenities impact overall attractiveness.
“Students weigh these factors in a way that aligns with their financial capacity, career aspirations, and personal preferences, resulting in a nuanced decision-making process across Europe,” Miessen said.
Share of international students in Europe
The share of higher education students from abroad in 2023 varied widely across Europe, with an EU average of 8.4% according to Eurostat.
Luxembourg had by far the largest share, with 52.3% of its higher education students coming from abroad. It was followed, considerably behind, by Malta (29.6%) and Cyprus (22.3%). Greece (3.0%), Croatia (3.7%), and Spain (4.3%) recorded the lowest shares.
When looking at actual numbers, the UK has the highest number of international students from abroad. According to the House of Commons Library, in 2023/24 there were 732,285 overseas students studying at UK higher education providers or 23% of the total student population.
In the EU, Germany has the highest number of international university students at over 420,000, followed by France (276,000), Italy (106,000) and Spain (102,000).
