Over 5 million students pack their bags each year to study abroad—and most of them work part-time to stay afloat? If you’re dreaming of leaving your country for school, you’re not alone—and you’ve got options. There are countries with the best support for international students, where you can work part-time and study in 2025, gaining not just a degree but real-life skills and experience.
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Whether you want to fund your tuition, build your résumé, or simply manage your living costs, here are 10 countries that make studying and working for international students not just possible—but smart.
1. Canada
Canada isn’t just cold weather and maple syrup, I would say its where work meets warm welcomes as it’s a global hub for international students. You can work up to 20 hours a week during school and go full-time during holidays.
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Popular part-time jobs include roles in retail, food services, and on-campus positions. Many universities also have career centers to help you find jobs that match your skill set. You’ll find strong Nigerian communities in cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, which can make your transition much smoother.
Canada also offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) that lets you work for up to three years after finishing your program. That’s a solid pathway to permanent residency if you’re interested.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in canadaÂ
2. Australia
Australia is more than kangaroos and beaches. Here you can study hard, Surf Later, It’s one of the most flexible countries to study and work abroad. As a student, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks, and there are plenty of jobs in retail, food service, and customer support. The universities are top-tier, and the work-life balance is sweet.
Wages in Australia are relatively high, especially for part-time roles in hospitality, retail, and administration. Many students can cover a portion of their living costs through work. And with cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane hosting world-renowned universities, you’ll find plenty of academic and job opportunities.
Australia also provides a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) that allows international graduates to stay and work after completing their degrees.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Australia
3. United Kingdom
The UK has long been a favorite for Nigerian students, and it still shines for Class and Cash. While you’re hitting the books, you can work up to 20 hours a week, and many universities help you find on-campus or nearby jobs. From London to Manchester, there’s always something going on—and always a gig available if you’re looking.
Job options for students range from retail and hospitality to administrative roles in schools and libraries. Some courses even offer work placements, giving you practical experience in your field of study.
One big advantage for Nigerian students is the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing your degree.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in ukÂ
4. Germany
Germany is your place if you want Free Education and a Side Hustle. Many public universities have no tuition fees, and as an international student, you can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, and jobs are widely available in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. Even if you don’t speak German, there are English-speaking opportunities in startups, restaurants, and customer service centers.
Germany has strong pathways for you to stay and work after graduation, especially if you study in high-demand fields like engineering, IT, and health sciences.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Germany
5. Ireland
Ireland may be small Country, but its job market is strong and student-friendly for big opportunity. You can work 20 hours a week during school and full-time during holidays. It’s especially good if you’re into tech, finance, or healthcare. Plus, the Irish love a good chat—you’ll fit right in!
Ireland’s tech and finance sectors are booming, with major global companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft headquartered in Dublin. Many universities offer career services and internships that make it easier for you to get experience in your area of study.
If you complete a degree at level 8 or higher, you may be eligible for a one-year or two-year stay-back option to look for full-time work.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Ireland
6. New Zealand
New Zealand gives you stunning landscapes and the chance to earn while you learn. International students can work 20 hours weekly during semesters and full-time during breaks. The vibe is chill, the people are friendly, and the cost of living is lower than in nearby Australia.
Universities are well-regarded, especially in areas like environmental science, agriculture, and business. And with a lower cost of living than neighboring Australia, it’s easier to manage your expenses with part-time work.
After graduation, you can apply for a Post Study Work Visa, allowing you to stay and work in New Zealand for 1–3 years depending on your qualification.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in New Zealand
7. United States
Yes, the U.S. has more rules—but it also has more opportunities. You’ll likely start by working on-campus (up to 20 hours per week). For off-campus work, you can explore Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), both of which allow you to gain real-world experience in your field of study. OPT is especially valuable, as it lets you work for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM students) after graduation.
It’s not as flexible as other countries, but the long-term opportunities in the U.S. are vast if you plan ahead.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in United States
8. Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you’ll find modern universities and a strong support system for international students. You can work 16 hours a week during the school year and full-time during summer. Big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam offer English-speaking jobs in customer service, delivery, and IT.
Jobs for students include work in cafes, delivery services, and tutoring. Major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven are also home to international companies and startups, giving you opportunities beyond basic part-time roles.
You can also apply for a search year (zoekjaar) after graduation to look for a full-time job.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Netherlands
9. Sweden
Sweden keeps things simple. You’re allowed to work as much as you want as long as it doesn’t affect your studies. The work culture is relaxed but productive, and the universities are highly ranked worldwide. It’s a great place to build a future while soaking in innovation and snowy vibes.
Sweden’s universities are known for research and innovation, and English-taught programs are widespread. If you’re into sustainability, business, or IT, Sweden is an excellent choice.
Stay-back option: After completing your degree, you can apply for an extension to stay and seek work for up to 12 months.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Sweden
10. Finland
Finland’s system allows you to work up to 30 hours per week, which is higher than most countries on this list. It’s clean, safe, and tech-savvy. Plus, many companies welcome English-speaking students—especially in IT, engineering, and service roles. After graduation, there’s a real chance to stay and work full-time.
Many part-time jobs don’t require Finnish, especially in Helsinki and other major cities. Fields like education, tech, and game development are booming. Universities are supportive, and most provide dedicated career services to help you find work.
After graduation, you can apply for a two-year residence permit to search for full-time employment.
step-by-step guide on How to study and work in Finland
Conclusion
So, where should you go? The answer depends on your goals, budget, and dream lifestyle. But if you’re looking for countries with the best balance of education and work, the 10 listed here are all winners. In each one, you can work part-time and study, making your study abroad journey less stressful and way more rewarding.
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