For many Nigerians planning to study in foreign countries on a student visa, the opportunity to study and work at the same time can be an important consideration when choosing a destination.
Working part-time can help international students gain valuable experience, build professional connections and contribute towards their living expenses while completing their studies.
However, the right to work is not automatically attached to every student visa, reports Vanguard.
Each country has its own rules on who can work, how many hours they can work and the type of employment they can take.
Here are some popular study destinations where eligible international students may be allowed to work while studying:
1. Canada
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for international students, partly because eligible students can work while completing their studies.
International students who meet the requirements of their study permit may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. They can generally work full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they meet the relevant conditions.
Students can also work on campus without a separate work permit if they meet the applicable requirements.
However, not every student is automatically eligible. Students should check the conditions attached to their study permit before starting employment.
2. United Kingdom
The UK allows many international students to work while studying, although the number of hours depends on the student’s course and visa conditions.
Eligible students on qualifying courses can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time, with more flexibility outside term time.
However, some students have more restrictive conditions, and certain types of employment are prohibited. The UK government states that students cannot, for example, be self-employed or work as professional sportspersons or sports coaches.
Students are advised to check the specific work conditions attached to their Student visa.
3. Australia
Australia also allows eligible international students to work while studying.
Student visa holders are generally permitted to work, subject to the conditions of their visa. There are restrictions on when students can begin working and how many hours they can work while their course is in session.
This makes Australia an option for students who want to combine their studies with permitted part-time employment.
However, students should always check their individual visa conditions because the rules can vary depending on their circumstances.
4. New Zealand
International students in New Zealand may also be allowed to work while studying.
Immigration New Zealand states that students may be permitted to work on a student visa depending on the conditions attached to that visa.
Students can also apply to change their visa conditions if their existing visa does not already allow them to work.
The exact work rights therefore depend on the student’s visa and programme.
New Zealand’s immigration authorities also advise students to check their visa conditions before taking employment.
5. Germany
Germany is another destination where international students can combine education with permitted employment.
International students from outside the European Union can work under specific conditions attached to their residence status.
The German system allows international students to take up employment within specified limits, making it possible for many students to earn money while completing their studies.
Students should, however, check the conditions of their residence permit before accepting a job, particularly because different rules can apply depending on the student’s status and type of employment.
Germany’s official immigration portal provides information on the visa and residence requirements for non-EU nationals who want to study or work in the country.
6. Japan
Japan allows international students to work, but they need the appropriate permission before taking employment outside the activities covered by their student status.
Eligible students can obtain permission for part-time work and are generally subject to a limit of 28 hours per week during academic periods, with different provisions applying during long school holidays.
This means Nigerian students considering Japan should not begin working immediately after arrival without first confirming that they have the necessary permission.
7. South Korea
International students in South Korea may also work part-time, but they generally need permission from the immigration authorities before starting employment.
The amount of work permitted can depend on factors including the student’s level of study and Korean-language proficiency.
Students therefore need to ensure that both their visa status and the particular job comply with South Korean immigration regulations.
