European countries remain one of the most popular destinations for young people seeking higher education. Every year, about 1.76 million international students choose to study at universities in the EU, which accounts for 8.4% of the total number of students.
This is reported by Finway
Access to Employment for Students in Different Countries
The issue of employment during studies is one of the key concerns for international students. Today, students from other countries have the opportunity to work in 30 European states, including all EU countries, as well as the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland, if they are enrolled in higher education institutions.
Depending on the country, the requirements for work permits vary. In 14 out of 30 European countries, international students can work without any additional permits. These countries include the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This significantly simplifies the employment process for young people who want to combine studies with work.
At the same time, in a number of countries, including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, and Italy, a work permit during studies is only required for students who are not citizens of the EU or the European Economic Area. In the Czech Republic and Croatia, the need for a permit depends on specific circumstances. In eight countries (Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Norway, Malta, Luxembourg, Iceland, Cyprus), a permit is mandatory for all international students.
Working Hours and Average Income of Students
In most European countries, students are allowed to work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic semester. However, in Luxembourg, the limit is 15 hours, and in the Netherlands, it is 16 hours per week. During summer or academic breaks, many countries allow students to work full-time.
Research shows that hourly wages for students vary significantly depending on the country. For example, in Bulgaria, the minimum wage is €3.32, in Luxembourg it is €18, and in Iceland it ranges from €17 to €19 per hour. In half of the countries, earnings are below €8 per hour, including Hungary (€4.19), Estonia (€4.30), Latvia (€4.47), and Slovakia (€4.69).
The highest hourly rates after Luxembourg and Iceland are recorded in Norway (€16.86), Denmark (€14.74), the Netherlands (€14.40), and the United Kingdom (€14.09). Students in the UK can earn up to £977 (€1127) per month, while in Germany and Spain, they can earn approximately €1111. In France, the average monthly income for international students is up to €900, and in Italy, it ranges from €600 to €750.
In most of the European countries listed, international students can work no more than 20 hours per week. In some states, this threshold is lower, for example, in 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.