2026年留学生兼职打工政策与机会全解析：英澳加美四国对比

For international students, balancing academics with part-time work is a crucial aspect of the study abroad experience. It not only helps offset living expenses but also provides valuable local work experience and cultural immersion. However, each country has its own set of rules, wage standards, and job search channels. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the latest policies, pay rates, and practical opportunities for international students in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States as of 2026.

United Kingdom: Work Rights and Opportunities

Policy Overview

The UK allows most international students on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4) to work part-time during their studies. The key rules are:

• During term-time: Up to 20 hours per week for degree-level students; 10 hours per week for students on courses below degree level (e.g., foundation programs).
• During holidays: Full-time work is permitted.
• Work types: You can work in most jobs, but you cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or take a permanent full-time position.

These rules are clearly stated on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or digital immigration status. Always check the vignette or digital status for the exact conditions. For official details, visit the UK Government’s Student visa work page.

Minimum Wage and Typical Earnings

As of April 2025, the UK National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates are:

• Aged 21 and over (National Living Wage): £11.44 per hour
• Aged 18-20: £8.60 per hour
• Under 18: £6.40 per hour
• Apprentice rate: £6.40 per hour

Most international students are over 21 and thus entitled to at least £11.44 per hour. In cities like London, many part-time jobs in retail, hospitality, and tutoring pay between £12 and £15 per hour. Working the maximum 20 hours per week during term can yield around £228–£300 weekly, which significantly contributes to living costs.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students

Job Search Channels

• University Career Services: Most UK universities have a dedicated job portal for students, advertising on-campus and local part-time roles.
• Online Platforms: Indeed, Reed, and StudentJob UK are popular. LinkedIn is also widely used for networking and internships.
• Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Hays and Adecco often recruit for temporary roles suited to students.
• Networking: Part-time work is frequently found through word-of-mouth, so engage with peers and faculty.

Australia: Updated Student Visa Work Conditions

Policy Overview

Australia has seen several changes to student visa work rights in recent years. From 1 July 2023, the cap on work hours was reintroduced, but with a slight increase:

• During term-time: 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours per week).
• During scheduled course breaks: Unlimited work hours.
• Post-study work rights: The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows graduates to work full-time, with extended durations for degrees in areas of skill shortage.

It is critical to note that work rights commence only after your course has started. You cannot work before your course begins. For the most current information, refer to the Department of Home Affairs – Work conditions for student visa holders.

Minimum Wage and Typical Earnings

Australia has one of the highest minimum wages globally. As of 1 July 2025, the national minimum wage is $24.10 per hour (AUD). Casual employees, including many students, receive a 25% loading, bringing the minimum casual rate to $30.13 per hour. This makes part-time work particularly lucrative.

Typical student jobs pay:

• Hospitality (waiter, barista): $25–$35 per hour (casual rates)
• Retail: $28–$35 per hour
• Tutoring: $30–$50 per hour
• Administration/Data Entry: $28–$35 per hour

Working 20 hours a week at $30 per hour yields about $600 AUD weekly, a substantial sum that can cover rent and living expenses in most Australian cities.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students

Job Search Channels

• University Job Boards: Most universities have an online career hub with part-time and casual listings.
• Seek and Indeed: Major job search engines with filters for casual/part-time work.
• Gumtree and Facebook Groups: Often used for local casual jobs, but exercise caution regarding scams.
• Recruitment Agencies: For office temp work, agencies like Hays and Randstad are useful.

Canada: Balancing Study and Work

Policy Overview

Canada offers some of the most flexible work conditions for international students. As of 2026, the key rules are:

• During academic sessions: 24 hours per week off-campus (this was increased from 20 hours in 2024 to address labor shortages).
• During scheduled breaks: Full-time work is allowed.
• On-campus work: Unlimited hours, as long as you hold a valid study permit and are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Co-op and Internships: If your program includes a required work component, you must apply for a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

It is essential to start working only after your study program has commenced. For authoritative details, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – Work off campus as an international student.

Minimum Wage and Typical Earnings

Canada’s minimum wage varies by province. As of 2026, some examples:

• Ontario: $17.20 per hour (as of October 2025)
• British Columbia: $17.40 per hour (as of June 2025)
• Alberta: $15.00 per hour
• Quebec: $15.75 per hour

Student jobs often pay above minimum wage, especially in sectors like hospitality and retail where tips supplement income. Typical earnings range from $16 to $22 per hour. Working 24 hours a week at $18 per hour yields around $432 CAD weekly.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students

Job Search Channels

• University Career Centers: Offer job boards, resume workshops, and career fairs.
• Online Platforms: Indeed.ca, Workopolis, and LinkedIn are widely used.
• Government Job Bank: Job Bank Canada lists part-time and student positions.
• Networking: Many jobs are found through friends, professors, and community groups.

United States: Navigating Strict Regulations

Policy Overview

The U.S. has the most restrictive work rules for international students on F-1 visas. Work is generally limited to on-campus employment:

• On-campus: Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year; full-time during breaks. Employment must be on the school’s premises, including affiliated commercial firms that provide services to students.
• Off-campus: Strictly regulated. After one academic year, students may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) related to their field of study. Severe economic hardship may also qualify for off-campus work authorization.

Unauthorized off-campus work is a violation of F-1 status and can lead to deportation. Always consult your Designated School Official (DSO) before accepting any employment. For official guidelines, see U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Working in the United States.

Minimum Wage and Typical Earnings

Federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have higher rates. For example:

• California: $16.50 per hour (as of 2026)
• New York: $16.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester)
• Washington: $16.28 per hour

On-campus jobs typically pay between $10 and $18 per hour, depending on the role and location. Working 20 hours a week at $15 per hour earns $300 USD weekly, which may only partially cover living expenses in high-cost areas.

Popular On-Campus Jobs for Students

Job Search Channels

• University Career Services: The primary resource for on-campus jobs. Check your school’s student employment portal.
• Handshake: A popular platform connecting students with on-campus and approved off-campus opportunities.
• Departmental Listings: Many departments hire their own students for research and teaching roles.
• Networking: Faculty and academic advisors can be instrumental in finding research positions.

Comparative Analysis: Key Differences at a Glance

Tips for Balancing Work and Study

1. Prioritize Academics: Your primary purpose is studying. Ensure work hours do not compromise your grades.
2. Understand Tax Obligations: In most countries, you’ll need a tax file number (or equivalent) and may be required to file taxes, even if you earn below the taxable threshold.
3. Build a Schedule: Use a planner to block out classes, study time, work shifts, and rest. Stick to it.
4. Communicate with Employers: Be upfront about your student status and exam periods. Many employers are flexible with student schedules.
5. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local labor laws, including breaks, overtime, and anti-discrimination protections.
6. Save for Emergencies: Part-time income can be unpredictable. Build a small buffer for unexpected expenses.

FAQ

Q1: Can I work full-time during holidays in all four countries?

Yes, in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US (on-campus), international students are generally allowed to work full-time during official university breaks. However, in the US, off-campus work during breaks still requires authorization through CPT or OPT unless you have an on-campus job.

Q2: What happens if I exceed the allowed work hours?

Exceeding the work limit is a violation of your student visa conditions. Consequences can include visa cancellation, deportation, and being barred from re-entry. In the UK, employers are also required to check your right to work, and non-compliance can affect both you and the employer.

Q3: Are internships considered part of the work hour limit?

In most cases, yes. In the UK, work placements that are part of your course may be exempt, but you should confirm with your university. In Canada, co-op work permits have separate rules. In the US, CPT and OPT are separate authorizations and do not count toward the 20-hour on-campus limit, but they must be approved in advance.

Q4: Can I work remotely for an employer in my home country while studying?

This is a grey area. In the UK and Australia, any work performed while physically in the country counts toward the hour limit, regardless of where the employer is based. In the US, remote work for a foreign employer may be considered unauthorized employment. Always seek advice from your international student office.

References

1. UK Government. (2026). Student visa: Work. https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/work
2. Department of Home Affairs, Australia. (2026). Working on a student visa. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500/working
3. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2026). Work off campus as an international student. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
4. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (2026). Working in the United States. https://www.ice.gov/sevis/employment
5. Job Bank Canada. (2026). Job search. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/