Working In Cyprus: Opportunities For International Students

International students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time for a restricted number of hours per week, provided they are enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university. The number of hours that international students can work part-time varies, with some sources stating 20 hours per week, and others stating that EU students can work any number of hours. Students must also provide evidence that they have spent at least six months in Cyprus before applying for a job. International students are entitled to similar rights as native workers, including the minimum wage law and labour rights.

Can an international student work in Cyprus?

Work permits and visas

As a member of the European Union, Cyprus allows international students to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during their studies. However, there are conditions and terms that must be followed to be eligible for employment as a paid worker in Cyprus.

Firstly, international students need to obtain a student permit from the immigration office or a valid residence permit. They must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university in Cyprus and have resided in the country for at least six months prior to applying for employment. The international student visa does not automatically grant permission to work part-time; this must be applied for separately.

The sectors in which international students can work are restricted. These include hotels and restaurants, as well as occupations relevant to their programme of study. During the summer period, students of hotel management or culinary arts can undertake paid internships in the thriving hotel and tourism industry.

Upon completion of their studies, international students can remain in Cyprus for a period of up to 12 months to seek employment. Employers looking to hire international students must obtain a work permit from the labour office. Post-graduation work permits are difficult to obtain in Cyprus, and students must exit the country within 60 days of completing their studies if they do not have a work permit.

Employment sectors

International students in Cyprus can work in specific sectors and occupations, including hotels and restaurants, and occupations relevant to their program of study. Due to the high demand for workers in the hotel and tourism industry, all EU and international students wishing to work in the industry can find a job. The American College in Nicosia, for example, has numerous links with hotels and restaurants in Cyprus and helps its students find jobs. The College organizes a job forum each year where managers and human resource managers of hotels and restaurants are invited to interview students and offer them jobs.

According to Cypriot law, international students working in Cyprus have the same rights as natives of the country. They are entitled to minimum wage law and labor rights. The Ministry of Labor has designed a special employment contract for international students that outlines all the terms that should be followed. Students will first get a student permit from the immigration office, then they will sign the employment contract, and their employer will sign the same contract—both parties agreeing to the terms and conditions that they will follow rules and pay each other their due rights. The employment contract, along with other documents, will be submitted to a District Employment Office, which will review and approve or deny the application.

The working hours for international students during their studies should not exceed 20 hours per week to avoid negatively impacting their academic performance. During holiday periods (Christmas, Easter, or Summer), international students can work up to 38 hours per week. Students pursuing degrees in tourism and hospitality management can take on internships as part of their curriculum, providing valuable work experience in their chosen field of study.

Upon completing their studies, international students in Cyprus can explore post-study work opportunities. Master's students who have recently finished their postgraduate degrees in Cyprus are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of extending their employment if offered a contract extension.

Working hours

International students in Cyprus are allowed to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during their studies, provided that their employment hours do not overlap with their study hours. This regulation aims to prevent a negative impact on the students' academic performance. During holiday periods, such as Christmas, Easter, and Summer, students can work up to 38 hours per week.

The Republic of Cyprus has specific requirements for international students seeking to work in the country. Students must hold a permit or visa for studies in an EU country and be part of an EU or multilateral programme or agreement between universities. They can reside and study in Cyprus for up to 360 days with this arrangement.

For students pursuing degrees in tourism and hospitality management, internship opportunities are often integrated into their curriculum, providing valuable work experience in their chosen field. During internships, students are typically allowed to work specific hours in hotels and restaurants.

Upon completion of their studies, international students in Cyprus can explore post-study work opportunities. Master's students who have recently graduated are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of an extension if offered a contract renewal.

It is important to note that international students in Cyprus are only permitted to work in certain sectors, as outlined by the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance. They must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a recognised university and have spent at least six months in Cyprus before applying for employment. The students' work contracts must be submitted to the District Employment Office for approval, and any violations of the contract or labour laws can result in deportation, fines, or imprisonment.

Internships

International students in Cyprus are permitted to work during their studies. Non-EU students can work 20 hours per week during term time, and 38 hours per week during the holidays. During the summer, students of Hotel Management or Culinary Arts can undertake a paid internship in the country's thriving hospitality industry. After graduating from a Master's in Business Administration, international students can stay in Cyprus for up to a year to seek employment.

For those specifically seeking internships, Cyprus has a lot to offer. The country's tourism industry is booming, and internships in hotels during the summer often come with accommodation, meals, and a minimum salary of 800 euros per month. Cyprus is also known for its diving spots, so it's an ideal location for a diving internship. Piktalent is a platform that can help students and graduates find internships in Cyprus, and GoEco offers award-winning volunteer programs. The Cyprus Institute also offers internships to graduates.

The eligibility criteria and guidelines for working in Cyprus should be carefully considered when applying for internships. Piktalent, for example, offers internships ranging from 3 to 12 months in a variety of industries. The economic growth of the country, its strategic location, and its commitment to a business-friendly environment make it an attractive location for internships.

Students at the American College in Cyprus can take advantage of the college's links with hotels and restaurants. The college organises a job forum each year, where students are interviewed and offered jobs.

Post-graduation work permits

International students in Cyprus can explore post-study work opportunities. Postgraduate students who have recently completed their degrees in Cyprus are eligible for one year of employment, with the possibility of extending their employment if offered a contract extension by their employer.

Students must have a valid resident permit of Cyprus and an employment contract received from District Labour Offices. The working hours during studies should not exceed 20 hours per week to avoid negatively impacting academic performance. International students can work in specific fields, including hotels and restaurants, and occupations relevant to their programme of study.

Upon completion of their studies, students have 60 days to exit Cyprus. However, they can remain in the country for up to 12 months to seek employment. During this time, they can work 38 hours per week.

It is important to note that post-graduation work permits are not easily attainable in Cyprus, and there have been restrictions on student employment due to numerous cases of illegal employment and non-compliance with labour department criteria. Students must follow the terms and conditions set by the Cypriot government and their employers to avoid any legal consequences, such as deportation, fines, or imprisonment.

Frequently asked questions