Lana Oconnell
International students often face financial challenges due to high tuition fees and living expenses. While there are restrictions on the type of work they can do and the number of hours they can work, there are numerous ways for international students to earn money and support themselves while studying.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| On-campus employment | Working in the university library, dining services, or as a teaching assistant |
| Off-campus employment | Severe Economic Hardship Employment allows F1 students to work off-campus part-time |
| Passive income | F1 visa holders can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other securities |
| Freelancing | Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork, and other platforms offer opportunities for students to find freelance work in writing, programming, graphic design, or digital marketing |
| Internships | Paid internships, co-op programs, and internships with international organizations can provide valuable work experience and financial support |
| Tutoring | Offer tutoring services in your native language or a particular subject |
| Online surveys and market research | F1 international students can participate in online surveys and market research |
| Selling items | Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood Facebook groups are great places to sell items |
| Receiving money from overseas | WISE (formerly TransferWise) offers local bank details in multiple countries, allowing you to receive payments as if you had a local bank account |
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On-campus employment
Before beginning your job search, it's crucial to research how student employment works at your specific college or university. Access to on-campus jobs can vary significantly from one campus to another, so understanding the rules and regulations that apply to international students is essential. Your school's career services office can provide valuable guidance on resume preparation, application processes, and interview skills. Starting your job search early is recommended, as on-campus positions tend to be more available at the beginning of the year.
There are various on-campus job opportunities for international students. These include assistantships such as teaching assistant (TA), graduate assistant (GA), and research assistant (RA) positions. These assistantships often offer tuition waivers or reductions. Other on-campus jobs may include working in the library, dining facilities, laboratories, or administrative offices. Some jobs, like residential assistant positions, may even provide free housing as a benefit.
It's important to be mindful of the regulations governing international students' employment. International students can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during academic breaks. Additionally, earnings from on-campus jobs are usually subject to taxation, although tax exemptions may apply in certain cases. Remember to consult with the relevant offices on campus to ensure you understand the rules and requirements for international student employment.
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Freelancing
In the US, freelancing is considered self-employment, and international students on F-1 visas are generally only authorized to work on campus unless they obtain additional work authorization. There are two main options for work authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is tied to a specific employer and cannot be used for freelancing, but OPT may be used for freelance work related to the student's academic field of study. To maintain legal status, students should apply for OPT through their college and directly to USCIS, keeping detailed records of all work completed.
International students in the US can also explore other options for gaining work experience, such as on-campus jobs or internships through the CPT program, before utilising OPT for freelancing after graduation. This allows them to stay in the US longer and avoid any negative impact on their visa status. Additionally, students should be mindful of tax fraud regulations, as any income earned while residing in the US, even through an offshore company, must be disclosed.
For international students in Canada, the government authorises students to work on or off-campus without a work permit, provided they satisfy the necessary requirements. Study permit holders can be self-employed if their permit allows off-campus work. This flexibility provides students with diverse opportunities to earn an income while studying in Canada.
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Paid internships
There are a few ways to find paid internships as an international student. One way is to go through a program provider who can assist with the process, including visa applications. However, program providers generally charge a fee, and while they can place participants in paid internships, it is rare. Examples of program providers offering paid internships include Capital Placement (in locations such as London, Singapore, or remote work), Go Abroad China (which offers placements in China), and JENZA (which offers internships in the UK and Ireland).
Another option is to search for opportunities and apply directly. Websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are great for finding internships, and you can also check the career pages of companies you're interested in. When applying directly, it's essential to consider the visa regulations of the country you're applying to. For example, in the US, international students typically hold an F-1 visa, which allows for optional practical training (OPT) during or after their academic program.
Some companies that offer paid internships for international students include KONE, which provides all-expenses-paid internships in various fields and includes round-trip travel expenses and accommodations. Deloitte also offers all-expense-paid internships in multiple fields, bringing students from around the world together. Oyster International offers paid internships in hospitality in Canada, providing a unique opportunity to work in a winter setting. H&M's internship program gives interns the chance to live and work in a premier European city and learn about the operations of a multinational company.
When considering a paid internship, it's important to assess the perks and how they align with your career goals. Ensure that the internship provides sufficient compensation, including salary, sick days, and annual leave. While gaining experience is valuable, it's important to remember that your time and contributions deserve adequate recognition and remuneration.
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Passive income
Photography
If you have a knack for photography, you can sell your photos as stock photos on various platforms. Companies can purchase them for a fixed price, or you can earn a percentage every time someone buys the rights to use your images. This is a great option as you don't need to be a professional photographer to get started. With a basic camera and some editing skills, you can capture and sell photos and videos.
Gaming
If you enjoy gaming, you can earn money by participating in gaming tournaments or live-streaming your gameplay on social media platforms. Gaming tournaments offer prize money, and live-streaming can help you build an online following and attract sponsors.
Blogging and Vlogging
Starting a blog or a YouTube channel can be a great way to earn passive income. You can share content about student life, travel, gadgets, or any other topics that interest you. Once you establish a dedicated audience, you can monetise your channel through ads, sponsorships, and brand collaborations.
Selling Items
You can sell various items online, including pre-owned items like clothing, electronics, or books. This can be a great way to declutter and make some extra money. You can also sell your old textbooks, which is especially relevant for international students who might have specialised books that other students would find useful.
Surveys and Market Research
Participating in online surveys and market research is another passive income idea for international students. While it may not provide a full-time income, it is a convenient way to earn money in your free time.
Investments
Investing in the stock market, bonds, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a lucrative way to generate passive income through dividends, interest, or capital gains. However, it's important to be mindful of the tax implications, reporting requirements, and legal regulations associated with investment income.
Real Estate
International students can also explore passive income through real estate. This involves buying, renting, or selling property in the country they are studying in. By renting out their property to tenants or Airbnb guests, students can generate income from rents. Alternatively, they can sell the property after some time, benefiting from any increase in its value. However, it's important to note that actively managing the property may be considered unauthorized work, so hiring a property management professional is advisable.
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Part-time jobs
Working Hours:
The number of hours international students can work per week varies by country and visa type. In the UK, international students with a Student Visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours or unlimited hours during holidays. In Canada, a Student Visa allows for 20 hours of work per week, and universities may recommend working hours based on course difficulty. In Australia, students under Visa Subclass 500 can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the course and unlimited hours during breaks. In Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time alongside their studies.
Wage Rates:
Wage rates differ based on the country, job type, and city. In the UK, students aged 21 and above are entitled to a minimum of £11.44 per hour, which is the National Living Wage. In Canada, the average hourly wage is $10, while in Ontario, it is $14. In the US, on-campus jobs typically pay between $8 and $10 per hour.
Job Opportunities:
Part-time job opportunities for international students vary and may include on-campus jobs, off-campus jobs, internships, or volunteer work. On-campus jobs can include operations positions, assistantships, or other roles specific to the university. Off-campus jobs can be more diverse and may include roles in hospitality, retail, or other service industries. Internships and volunteer work can also provide valuable experience and skills, although the regulations around these may differ.
Visa and Legal Considerations:
It is crucial for international students to understand the visa conditions and regulations around part-time work in their host country. In the UK, for instance, the Home Office may question students who earn more than most other students (typically around £15,000 per year). Additionally, work placements or internships assessed as an integral part of a course may have different hour restrictions.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can take on on-campus jobs, such as working in the university library, dining services, or as a research or teaching assistant.
International students can also take on internships, freelancing work, or tutoring services. They can also sell items online, participate in online surveys and market research, or invest in stocks and other securities.
F-1 visa holders are prohibited from engaging in unauthorized work that violates their visa status. They are also limited in the types of jobs they can do and the hours they can work. For example, F-1 students are typically not allowed to work off-campus in their first year of studies.
WISE (formerly TransferWise) is a useful tool for international students to receive money from overseas. It provides local bank details and uses real exchange rates, ensuring that students get more of their earnings.
