Jobs for students in Europe: which countries pay more and where do you need a permit?

Europe attracts students from all over the world not only with its high level of education, but also with the opportunity to earn extra money while studying. In some countries, you can work without any additional documents, while in others you need official permission, and salaries vary several times over — from €3 to €19 per hour. Find out where students earn the most

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Europe has long attracted foreign students with its high-quality education and the opportunity to combine studying with part-time work. According to Euronews, Eurostat data shows that around 1.76 million students come to European universities from abroad, and for many of them, an important question is: can they work while studying, how many hours and under what conditions?

Want to study and work abroad?

Education and employment abroad open up a wealth of opportunities for Ukrainians, and a lawyer can help you take advantage of them. Contact us for advice or comprehensive legal support for employment and study in the EU.

Where students do not need a work permit

In 14 European countries, foreign students only need to be enrolled at a university to legally find a job. These include the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

This makes them particularly attractive: students can earn extra income more quickly without bureaucracy.

In Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, and Italy, only students from countries outside the EU/EEA need a permit. In the Czech Republic and Croatia, the situation depends on individual circumstances, but most often Ukrainians need approval.

In Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Malta, Luxembourg, Iceland, and Cyprus, students are required to obtain official work permits.

How many hours can students work in Europe?

Many countries have a single limit of up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.

Exceptions:

▪️ Luxembourg — up to 15 hours,

▪️ Netherlands — up to 16 hours.

During the summer or winter holidays, restrictions are often lifted and students are allowed to work full time.

How much do students earn in the EU?

Salaries vary greatly:

▪️ Lowest rates: Bulgaria (€3.3 per hour), Hungary (€4.2), Estonia (€4.3), Latvia (€4.5), Slovakia (€4.7).

▪️ Average: Germany and France — around €10–12 per hour.

▪️ High rates:

1. Luxembourg — €18;

2. Iceland — €17–19;

3. Norway — €16.8;

4. Denmark — €14.7;

5. Netherlands — €14.4;

6. United Kingdom — €14.

As a result, students in the United Kingdom can earn almost £1,000 (≈€1,127) per month, in Germany and Spain — around €1,100, in France — up to €900, and in Italy — €600–750.

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What factors influence the choice of country?

When making a decision, students consider not only salaries, but also:

▪️ the cost of living and rent,

▪️ the level and international recognition of universities,

▪️ opportunities to stay and work after graduation,

▪️ the availability of programmes in English,

▪️ the cultural and linguistic environment,

▪️ safety and infrastructure.

It is no coincidence that the United Kingdom, Germany and France remain the leaders in terms of student numbers. They combine prestigious education, good part-time jobs and employment prospects after graduation.

Visit Ukraine lawyers know how to turn your dream into an action plan and then make it a reality. Consulting a specialist will help you avoid common mistakes, save time and money, and most importantly, achieve your goal in the shortest possible time. Schedule a consultation with specialists in education and employment.

Reminder! Poland remains one of the most popular countries for higher education among Ukrainians. Find out how much it will cost to study, live and eat here in 2025.

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