Working part-time while studying abroad can help you earn money, gain experience, and build confidence. Most European countries allow international students to work legally while studying. In this guide, you will learn about the best part-time jobs, how to find them, how much you can earn, and the rules for working in Germany, France, and Sweden.
Why Work Part-Time as a Student?
- Helps you manage living expenses
- Boosts your resume with international work experience
- Improves your language and communication skills
- Increases your independence and confidence
General Rules for Student Work in Europe
| Country | Work Hours Allowed | Minimum Wage (Approx.) | Taxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 20 hours/week | €12/hour | Income tax after €520/month |
| France | 20 hours/week | €11.65/hour | Social security applies |
| Sweden | No fixed limit | SEK 120–150/hour | Taxes based on total income |
⚠️ Always check with your university or local migration office for updated work rules.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
1. On-Campus Jobs
- Library assistant
- IT support
- Lab helper
- Receptionist or office assistant
Benefits:
- Flexible hours
- Located within campus
- Priority given to enrolled students
2. Retail and Supermarket Jobs
- Cashier
- Stock organizer
- Customer service assistant
Skills needed:
- Basic language understanding
- Friendly attitude
3. Cafés, Restaurants, and Fast Food
- Waiter/waitress
- Kitchen assistant
- Barista
Pros:
- High availability
- Tips can increase earnings
4. Delivery Jobs
- Food delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo)
- Parcel delivery (part-time courier)
Requirements:
- Bike or scooter
- Mobile phone with data
- Valid student visa and local registration
5. Babysitting or Pet Sitting
- High demand in cities like Paris, Berlin, Stockholm
- No hard skills required
- Great option for students with good communication
6. Freelancing
- Content writing
- Graphic design
- Video editing
- Web development
Platforms to use:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer
- PeoplePerHour
Important: You must check if freelancing is allowed under your visa.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Europe
1. University Career Services
Most universities offer student job portals or notice boards where employers post part-time roles.
2. Online Job Portals
| Website | Country | Type of Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Indeed.com | All | All categories |
| StudentJob.eu | EU-wide | Student jobs and internships |
| Glassdoor | All | Office, tech, service |
| Leboncoin.fr | France | Babysitting, local work |
| Jobbsafari.se | Sweden | Local part-time jobs |
| Meinestadt.de | Germany | Regional and part-time |
3. Mobile Apps
- Uber Eats (delivery)
- Bolt (ride sharing, delivery)
- Wolt (food delivery)
4. Local Facebook Groups
Search “[City name] Student Jobs” or “Indians in [City]” for community referrals and job posts.
How Much Can You Earn?
| Country | Average Monthly Earnings (Part-Time) |
|---|---|
| Germany | €600–€900 |
| France | €500–€850 |
| Sweden | SEK 8,000–12,000 |
Depends on work hours and job type
Tax and Legal Points
- Students must get a tax ID or personal number in the country
- Earnings above a limit may be taxed
- Some countries offer a basic income exemption for students
- Never work illegally — it may affect your visa status
Tips to Get a Job Faster
- Prepare a local-style resume/CV
- Learn basic phrases in the local language
- Get a recommendation letter from your university
- Be flexible with shifts and job types
- Apply early — before semester starts
Final Advice
Balancing study and work is possible with proper time management. Always follow the legal work limits, pay attention to your academics, and treat part-time work as an opportunity to grow. Whether you want to earn some income or gain experience, part-time jobs in Europe are accessible and rewarding for international students.