Working In Italy: Opportunities For International Students

Italy is a popular destination for international students, with over 100,000 choosing to study there each year. The country offers a rich history and culture, with 59 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a thriving economy with a low unemployment rate of 6.87% as of 2024. For international students wanting to work in Italy, there are several options available. EU and EEA students have the right to work without a permit, but all students, regardless of nationality, can work up to 20 hours per week or 1,040 hours per year on a student visa.

Part-time work options for international students in Italy

International students in Italy can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and full-time during semester breaks. This allows students to balance their studies with part-time employment.

There are a variety of part-time work options for international students in Italy. On-campus jobs are a good option for students who want to work within their university environment. These roles often offer flexible hours to accommodate academic commitments and can include research and teaching assistant positions. Off-campus jobs are also available and provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in Italian culture and gain diverse work experience. Common off-campus roles include working in cafes, restaurants, retail shops, or as language tutors. Students with a good command of English can also find ample teaching job opportunities.

International students can also find part-time work with well-established companies across diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, and finance. Some of the top-rated companies that offer part-time work to international students include Italy-based companies and MNCs. Students can also find internships, which can be university-sponsored and may be paid or unpaid.

For those with a basic understanding of Italian, part-time work options include working in local bars, restaurants, and supermarkets. Students can also work as tour guides, ski or trekking instructors, or in other areas where there is a skill shortage, such as construction, tourism, and manufacturing.

The average hourly pay for part-time workers in Italy is €7, with monthly earnings ranging from €800 to €1,000. This income can help international students bear their living expenses and even save some extra money.

How much can an international student earn working part-time in Italy?

International students in Italy are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, or 40 hours per week during the summer holidays. The minimum hourly pay is 7 Euros, which amounts to 140 Euros per week and 560 Euros per month. However, some sources state that the average hourly pay is between 10 and 15 Euros.

The hourly pay of an English tutor is 30 Euros, which is considered one of the highest-paying part-time jobs in Italy. Paid internships are rare in Italy, but interns typically earn between 500 and 1000 Euros per month.

There are a variety of job opportunities in Italy for international students, including working in restaurants, bars, and supermarkets, particularly if they have some Italian language skills. Students proficient in skiing or hiking can work as instructors, utilising their hobbies and abilities to make money while participating in outdoor activities. Other options include working as a tourist guide, hotel receptionist, social media marketer, web designer, or freelance writer.

Part-time jobs in Italy can help international students manage their expenses and finance their studies. The cost of living in Italy is around 400 to 600 Euros per month, so students can easily cover their living expenses and even save some money with a part-time income.

Can international students work more than 20 hours a week in Italy?

International students in Italy can work part-time alongside their studies. However, they are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic term. This gives students a chance to gain experience and earn money without interfering with their studies. During university holidays, students can work up to 40 hours per week.

The average part-time job salary for international students in Italy is between €10 and €15 per hour, or between €800 and €1200 per month. This is significantly more than the average cost of living in Italy, which is around €400 to €600 per month.

There are many types of part-time work available for international students in Italy. Students with a good command of English can find ample teaching job opportunities. Students with basic Italian language skills can work in local bars, restaurants, and clubs. Other options include distributing newspapers, working as a ski or trekking instructor, or working in hospitals, construction, tourism, or manufacturing.

What is the process of obtaining an Italian student visa?

To study in Italy, you must be over 18 years old. Minors who are over 14 years old are allowed to enter if they take part in exchange programs. You must also prove that you will be attending an educational institution or professional training on a full-time basis.

If you are an EU or EFTA citizen, you do not need a student visa to study in Italy. You can enter with a valid passport or EU ID card and remain in Italy without a visa for the duration of your studies. However, if your program is longer than three months, you must register at your local Questura station (police station) to obtain a residence permit.

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to apply for a student visa. You can do this by following the steps outlined below:

• Decide on the university and program you wish to apply for.
• Apply and gain acceptance at an Italian university. You will receive a letter of acceptance, which is required for the visa application.
• Schedule a visa interview at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country around 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
• Apply for your student visa at least 3 months before your arrival in Italy. The processing time can take between 1-3 weeks, or sometimes longer.
• As of January 10, 2025, all long-term visa applicants must schedule an appointment for biometric data collection (fingerprints) at the Italian consulate.
• Submit the following documents:
• A valid travel document with an expiry date that is three months longer than that of the visa requested.
• Proof that you have arranged accommodation in Italy for the whole period of your studies.
• Proof that you have sufficient financial means to support your studies (at least 900 EUR/month).
• Paid health insurance for the first year of studies.
• Once you have obtained your student visa, you can apply for part-time jobs in Italy.

What are the costs of living in Italy for international students?

International students in Italy can work part-time, allowing them to finance their studies and living expenses. The National Labor Inspectorate establishes that non-EU students with a valid permit of stay for studying purposes can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. The average part-time salary for international students is between €10 and €15 per hour, which is more than enough to cover the average monthly cost of living, which is around €400-€600.

The annual average cost of living in Italy for an international student is around €7,500 to €8,500, including housing, food, entertainment, and personal expenses. This amount can vary depending on the city, with Milan and Rome being the most expensive, and Naples, Turin, and Catania being more affordable. On-campus housing is available at some universities and can cost between €200 and €300 for an academic year, while rented housing can be up to €700 per month. Utilities, such as electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection, can cost around €200-€300 per month.

Food is another significant expense, with students spending around €3,600 annually on meals and groceries. Transportation costs are relatively affordable, with a monthly ticket or gas prices being similar across all cities. Entertainment costs can vary, but students can access basic Italian health insurance for €10-€13, or register with the national health service for €149.77 per year.

Overall, Italy offers international students an affordable cost of living, especially when compared to other European countries. With part-time work options available, students can earn a good income to cover their expenses and even save some extra money.

Frequently asked questions