Working Hours For International Students In Austria

how many hours can international students work in austria

International students in Austria have the option to work while studying, and the number of hours they can work depends on their nationality and residence status. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can work without restrictions, whereas third-country nationals with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit. For those seeking full-time employment or internships exceeding 20 hours per week, a labour market test may be required, and their university must confirm the necessity of the internship for their studies. Additionally, graduates can extend their residence permit for up to a year to find a job and apply for the Red-White-Red – Card for Graduates, which allows them to stay and work in Austria long-term.

Characteristics Values
Work hours for international students in Austria Up to 20 hours per week
Work permit requirement for international students Yes, the employer must apply for a work permit
Type of work permit Employment permit or "Beschäftigungsbewilligung"
Work permit application process The employer applies to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)
Work permit cost Approximately €20
Work permit processing time Approximately 4-6 weeks
Labour market test requirement Not required for up to 20 hours per week
Extension of Residence Permit – Student Possible during studies and for one year after graduation
Requirements for extension Evidence of financial means, housing, health insurance, etc.
Permission to work for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals Unrestricted access to the labour market
Permission to establish a company during studies Yes, including access to funding options

shunstudent

Work permits for non-EU/EEA students

International students in Austria who are not EU/EEA citizens are considered third-country nationals and will need a residence permit to stay in the country. There is a special residence permit for students called the Residence Permit – Student (“Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student”). This permit allows non-EU/EEA students to work and study in Austria.

To obtain the Residence Permit – Student, non-EU/EEA students must apply to the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD). The OeAD website contains all the information students need about where to apply for the permit, which documents they need, and what rules apply to their families. The requirements for the Residence Permit – Student include having at least 16 ECTS credits per year, sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance.

If non-EU/EEA students with a Residence Permit – Student wish to work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies, they will need a work permit (“Beschäftigungsbewilligung”). Their employer must apply for this permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The AMS will check if the student has a valid Residence Permit – Student and if the application includes all the required documents from the employer. The approval process typically takes about four to seven weeks.

If non-EU/EEA students wish to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a special procedure called a labour market test (“Ersatzkraftverfahren”) as part of the application for a work permit. During this process, the AMS determines if other skilled workers are already registered for the specific position. Only if this is not the case will the work permit be granted.

It is important to note that non-EU/EEA students must prioritize their studies and ensure that their work does not negatively affect their academic performance. Additionally, they must obtain residence registration confirmation (“Meldebestätigung”) within six months of their arrival in Austria.

shunstudent

Work permits for EU/EEA students

EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work alongside their studies without a work permit. However, students must ensure that their studies are not negatively affected, and they have at least 16 ECTS credits per year.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen and plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you must apply for a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung") within six months of your arrival. This certificate provides proof of your right of residence under EU law, and you must obtain it from the Austrian Immigration Authority.

If you are a family member of an EU national, you have the right to enter Austria, but a visa exemption or requirement depends on your nationality. If you are a third-country national married to an EU/EEA/Swiss national living in Austria or have already been residing in Austria for several years, you do not need to apply for the Residence Permit - Student.

For EU citizens seeking a certificate of registration, the following documents are required:

  • Proof of health insurance coverage (Austrian e-card, European Health Insurance Card, social insurance data sheet, etc.)
  • Proof of why you are residing in Austria (employment contract, trade register excerpt, student record sheet, etc.)
  • Other relevant documents on your family status (birth certificate, etc.)

If you are seeking employment in Austria as a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a restricted work permit, a one or two-year work permit, or an unrestricted five-year work permit. The approval process for non-EU residents typically takes about seven weeks, and future employees must obtain a visa application from their usual country of residence.

shunstudent

Work permits for internships

International students in Austria are allowed to work up to 10 hours per week (for undergraduates) and 20 hours per week (for graduate students) without a work permit. However, if you are employed for more than 20 hours per week, your employer must apply for an employment permit, and a labour market test may be required to determine if there are other equally qualified candidates for the position.

If you are an international student in Austria and plan to do an internship, the work permit requirements may vary depending on your citizenship status and the nature of the internship. Here are the key points to consider:

  • EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you are generally allowed to work in Austria during your studies without a work permit. This includes internships, and there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work. You can also establish your own company or initiate the process of setting up a startup during your studies.
  • Third-Country Nationals with a Student Residence Permit: If you are a third-country national (i.e., not from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or a country with equal rights), the work permit requirements depend on the nature of the internship.
  • Compulsory Internship as part of Degree Programme: If the internship is a compulsory part of your degree programme, your employer must notify the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) at least three weeks before you start work. The employer should submit documents from your university confirming that the internship is required. The AMS will issue a "'notification confirmation'," which allows you to complete the internship without an additional work permit.
  • Erasmus+ Internship: If you are interested in an Erasmus+ internship, it is recommended to contact your Austrian university and the Austrian Agency for Internationalisation and Education (OeAD). They will provide specific information and guidance on the requirements for these internships.
  • Internships up to 20 hours per week: If you plan to work up to 20 hours per week during your studies, your employer can apply for a work permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung") from the AMS. The AMS will check if you have a valid Student Residence Permit and if all the required documents are provided.
  • Internships exceeding 20 hours per week: If the internship requires more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may conduct a labour market test ("Ersatzkraftverfahren") to determine if other skilled workers are already registered for that specific position. Only if there are no suitable candidates will the work permit be granted.
  • Voluntary Internships: For voluntary internships ("Volontariat") lasting up to three months, third-country nationals can receive a confirmation authorising employment ("Anzeigebestätigung") from the AMS.
  • Visa Requirements: It is important to note that third-country nationals usually need a visa for internships in Austria. If the internship lasts up to six months, a Visa for Gainful Employment is typically required. For longer internships, a residence permit, such as the Residence Permit for Special Cases of Gainful Employment ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit"), may be necessary.
  • Other Resources: For specific information regarding internships, you can refer to the Austrian Exchange Service (OEAD) and the Austrian National Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft), which provides counselling on work-related topics. Additionally, international organisations like AIESEC and IAESTE offer further information and opportunities for internships.

Remember, it is crucial to comply with the work permit regulations in Austria, and your studies should always be your top priority. If you have any specific questions or concerns, it is recommended to seek guidance from the relevant authorities or immigration services.

shunstudent

Work permits for compulsory internships

If you are an international student in Austria and need to complete a compulsory internship as part of your degree programme, your employer must notify the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) of the internship at least two to three weeks before you start work. The employer should send the notification and the documents from your university stating that a compulsory internship is required. The AMS will issue a 'notification confirmation', which allows you to complete your internship.

If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit - Student and would like to work more than 20 hours per week alongside your studies, the AMS may carry out a special procedure called a labour market test as part of your application for a work permit. In this process, the AMS determines if other skilled workers are already registered for the specific position. Only if this is not the case will the work permit be granted.

For internships lasting up to 90 days within 180 days, non-EU citizens typically require a Schengen visa (Visa C) but do not need a residence permit. For internships extending beyond 90 days but less than six months, a residence visa (Visa D) becomes necessary. This is particularly relevant for interns engaged in activities that qualify as 'gainful employment'. Non-EU/EEA or Swiss nationals pursuing internships longer than six months in Austria must obtain a residence permit. The Red-White-Red Card, valid for 12 months, is an ideal option for qualified interns and facilitates their immigration, settlement, and employment in Austria.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work in Austria without a work permit, but they must register their stay with the local authorities within three days of arrival. For internships that are not considered compulsory, the same rules apply regarding work hours and permits as for other types of employment.

shunstudent

Extending student residence permits

International students in Austria with a Residence Permit – Student can extend it for as long as they are studying in Austria and even for one year after graduation. However, students must meet certain requirements, including earning at least 16 ECTS credits per year and having sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance.

To extend a residence permit in Austria, individuals must apply for a renewal before their current residence permit expires. The application must be submitted in person to the Immigration and Residence Authority responsible for their place of registered residence. The application fee ranges from €160 to €250, and applicants must provide the following documents:

  • Application form
  • Passport
  • EU passport-sized photo not older than 6 months (with invoice)
  • Proof of accommodation in Austria (e.g., rental contract, last 3 rental payments)
  • Proof of health insurance coverage (e.g., copy of Austrian e-card)
  • Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., copies of salary slips, savings account)

For students specifically, additional documents are required for the extension of the Residence Permit – Student. These include:

  • Confirmation of continuing university enrolment
  • Proof of successful study (equivalent to at least 16 ECTS credits per academic year)
  • Application form for holders of a "Residence Permit – Student"
  • Proof of successful completion of a degree programme (for those seeking to extend their stay to look for a job or start a business)

It is important to note that the extension of a residence permit may also depend on the type of permit held and that there are different paths to obtaining long-term residence permits in Austria. For example, the Long-Term Resident EU permit allows individuals to extend their stay in Austria every five years, but periods with a Student Residence Permit only count for half of the years.

Frequently asked questions

International students with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours per week in Austria.

If you want to work more than 20 hours per week, your employer must apply for an employment permit. The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) will then carry out a labour market test to determine if there are other skilled workers registered for the specific position.

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, you can work unrestricted hours in Austria during your studies.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment