Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and part-time work may help students build professional connections, gain experience, and support some of their living expenses.
However, Saudi students may need help navigating job searches in a foreign country. Common challenges include competition from local job seekers, unfamiliar employment rules, language barriers, and adapting to workplace norms. This article explores several destinations Saudi students may want to consider when looking for part-time work while studying abroad.
Top Countries for Saudi Students to Find Work
As a Saudi student, you should consider living expenses, job-market conditions, and student-work restrictions before choosing a destination. The countries below are not ranked universally, as the best choice will depend on your academic program, budget, language skills, and immigration status.
1. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates may appeal to Saudi students because of its proximity to Saudi Arabia and its cultural familiarity. However, living expenses vary significantly by emirate and city. Housing, transportation, groceries, and other costs can be especially high in major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so students should prepare a realistic budget before accepting a job.
Saudi citizens are GCC nationals and do not need an entry visa to visit the UAE. However, the right to work is separate from the right to enter the country. An employer must follow the applicable UAE employment process for GCC nationals. The UAE also offers a training and work permit for eligible students. Part-time opportunities depend on the employer, the permit terms, and the student’s qualifications. Arabic-language skills may be useful for some customer-facing roles.
2. Malaysia
Malaysia can be an attractive study destination for students seeking a relatively affordable lifestyle. However, international students should not assume that they can work throughout the academic year.
According to Education Malaysia Global Services, international students with valid Student Passes may work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays lasting more than seven days. Prior approval from the Department of Immigration is required, and applications must be made through the student’s educational institution. Permitted workplaces include restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini-markets, and hotels. International students are not permitted to work as cashiers. Students should confirm that a role is permitted before accepting it.
3. Canada
Canada provides a clear route for eligible international students to work while studying. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, eligible students may work off campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms and may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Students should not rely on employment income alone to cover their costs. For study-permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025, a single applicant studying outside Quebec must show at least CAD 22,895 for first-year living expenses, excluding tuition and transportation costs. This proof-of-funds requirement is not a guarantee of actual living costs, which vary by city and personal circumstances.
Minimum wages in Canada vary by province, territory, and sector. The federal minimum wage applies to federally regulated employers and increased to CAD 18.15 per hour on April 1, 2026. Students should check the rate that applies to their employer and location. Campus career centers, student-support offices, and university departments may also advertise part-time positions or research-assistant opportunities, although availability varies.
4. Germany
Germany can be attractive to Saudi students because many state-funded universities charge no tuition fees for bachelor’s programs and most master’s programs, although exceptions apply. According to DAAD, students should generally budget between €900 and €1,200 per month, depending on their location. The latest DAAD social-survey figure cited on its website is an average of €876 per month, while visa applicants generally need to show that they have €992 per month available.
Saudi students are third-country nationals under German immigration rules. According to the German government’s Make it in Germany portal, students from third countries may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency. Alternatively, they may work up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. During semester breaks, they may work without those hourly restrictions. Students can explore roles in restaurants, shops, universities, research institutions, and other workplaces. Translation or interpreting work may also be an option for students with the required language skills.
5. Australia
Australia offers a high standard of living and part-time opportunities across sectors such as retail, hospitality, customer service, and administration. However, students must comply with their visa conditions. Most Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. The temporary relaxation of working-hour restrictions introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic has ended.
Students should also budget carefully. According to Study Australia, international student visa applicants must provide proof of at least AUD 29,710 in financial capacity. Actual living costs vary and may be higher. Pay also depends on the worker’s age, industry award, agreement, and employment type. As of June 2, 2026, the adult award-free National Minimum Wage is AUD 24.95 per hour. It will increase to AUD 26.44 per hour from the first full pay period starting on or after July 1, 2026. Students should check the Fair Work Ombudsman website for the rate that applies to their job.
Saudi students can search for campus roles, customer-service work, and Arabic-language tutoring opportunities, subject to employer requirements and visa conditions. According to the 2021 Census, 3.2% of Australia’s population identified as Muslim. This may help some Saudi students find established communities and cultural resources, although it does not guarantee demand for a particular type of work.
We hope this article has the information you need. If you are interested, make sure to check out available courses for Saudi students.
