International students may want to gain exposure to an industry they are interested in or supplement their income while studying abroad. A country’s immigration and employment rules can significantly affect whether and how an international student may work during their studies.
The ability to earn income can help with some living expenses while also providing useful work experience. However, students should not assume that part-time employment will cover their tuition or living costs. Work rights depend on factors such as the student’s visa, course, level of study, and academic calendar. Read on to compare five destinations where Nepali students may be able to work while pursuing higher education.
Top Countries for Nepalese Students to Find Work
1. Australia
Australia is a popular study destination for international students. Holders of an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course of study or training is in session, subject to their visa conditions.
As of June 2026, Australia’s National Minimum Wage is AUD 24.95 per hour for employees who are not covered by an award or registered agreement. From the first full pay period starting on or after July 1, 2026, the National Minimum Wage will increase to AUD 26.44 per hour. Actual minimum pay rates may vary depending on the employee’s award, agreement, age, and type of employment.
Students with permission to work can apply for part-time roles in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and customer service. Job availability, working hours, and pay vary by location and employer. Students should check the conditions attached to their visa before starting work.
2. Canada
Canada allows eligible international students to work while studying. Students who meet the requirements can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular school terms or semesters. During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays or reading weeks, eligible students can work unlimited hours off campus.
Students must continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. Self-employed students must also keep track of the hours they work off campus. To work in Canada, students need a Social Insurance Number and the appropriate work condition printed on their study permit.
Eligible students can apply for part-time jobs in a range of sectors, but a study permit does not guarantee employment. Before accepting a position, students should confirm that the job and working hours comply with their study permit conditions.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand may be an option for international students who want to gain work experience during their studies. Depending on their course and visa conditions, eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week. Some students may also be permitted to work full-time during certain scheduled breaks.
Students should not assume that app-based delivery work is automatically permitted. Immigration New Zealand states that international students cannot be self-employed. Students must work for an employer and have an employment agreement. Each student should check the work conditions recorded on their eVisa or visa letter before accepting a job.
4. UK
The United Kingdom has different work limits depending on the student’s course and education provider. Under the UK Student visa rules, students taking a full-time course at degree level or above with an eligible sponsor can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time outside term time.
Students taking an eligible full-time course below degree level can generally work up to 10 hours per week during term time. Other types of study, including part-time study, may not permit employment. Student visa holders are generally not allowed to be self-employed or engage in business activity. Part-time earnings may help with some expenses, but students should not rely on employment to cover their tuition or living costs.
5. USA
The United States has many higher education institutions, but employment rules for international students can be more restrictive than those in the other destinations listed above. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, F-1 students may not work off campus during their first academic year, although they may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
With approval from their Designated School Official, F-1 students can generally work in an on-campus job for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. After the first academic year, some F-1 students may qualify for authorized off-campus employment, such as Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or employment based on severe economic hardship. Students should not assume that ordinary off-campus jobs at food outlets, gas stations, or offices are automatically permitted.
We hope this overview helps you shortlist a destination with suitable opportunities as a Nepali student. Make sure to check out our Scholarships Page and the available courses for Nepalese students for information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
