Part-time work can help students manage some of the costs associated with studying abroad. Students considering an undergraduate or master’s degree in Belgium can explore scholarship opportunities, compare cities for students, and research the country’s universities. However, tuition and living costs in Belgium can still place considerable pressure on a student’s budget.
This article outlines five types of part-time work that students may find in Belgium and explains the current rules international students should consider when combining employment with their studies.
Ways to Work While Studying in Belgium
Current student-job listings in Belgium include positions in retail, hospitality, tutoring, events, marketing, logistics, and cleaning. Pay, schedules, and eligibility requirements vary by employer, location, age, sector, and experience. Employers must follow the applicable wage scales and employment rules, so students should review their contract and the current vacancy details before accepting a position.
1. Retail Sector Jobs
Students can find part-time work in supermarkets, bakeries, cafés, clothing stores, and other retail businesses. Current listings include positions such as cashier, shop assistant, stock replenisher, order fulfillment assistant, and delivery worker. Some employers require particular language skills, relevant experience, or a driver’s license. Depending on the vacancy, shifts may be available during the week, in the evening, on weekends, or during holidays. Students can review current opportunities through retail job portals and official employment services.
2. Tutoring Jobs
Tutoring may be available in person or online. Current listings from My Sherpa advertise private tutoring positions at approximately €19 per hour, although rates and available subjects may change. Schola ULB recruits higher education students to provide academic support to primary and secondary school pupils in Brussels. Schola ULB classifies this work as reimbursed volunteering rather than ordinary paid employment. Its official compensation information states that reimbursement averages €21 for a 1.5-hour tutoring session or €28 for a two-hour session. Applicants should review the current eligibility criteria, subjects, locations, and schedules before applying.
3. Business Startups
International students may also find student jobs or internships with startups. These positions can involve marketing, content creation, customer support, business development, administration, or technology. Company pages such as SYMPL NV and startup job listings can be useful starting points. However, vacancies, pay, required skills, and minimum study levels change frequently, so students should rely on the conditions stated in each current posting rather than assuming that a particular hourly rate or year-of-study requirement applies.
4. Events and Management
Event staffing is another common source of flexible student work. Roles may include welcoming guests, serving food and drinks, promotional work, event logistics, and behind-the-scenes support. Beyond Mars advertises flexible student event positions in several Belgian cities. MD Hospitality also lists student positions in hospitality and events. Availability and compensation depend on the assignment, employer, and applicable wage scale, so students should check the current vacancy before applying.
5. Cleaning Services
Students may also find part-time cleaning and household-help positions. The work can include cleaning homes, offices, common areas, furniture, and other facilities. Some vacancies require previous experience, while others emphasize reliability, availability, and willingness to learn. Current openings can be found through student-job platforms, employment agencies, and regional employment services. Because vacancies change quickly, students should verify the employer, duties, schedule, pay, transportation requirements, and contract terms before accepting a position.
Belgium offers students a wide variety of academic programs, access to scholarship opportunities, and legal pathways for eligible international students to work while studying. Before accepting a job, students should confirm the conditions on their residence permit, monitor their Student at Work hours, and review the current contract and vacancy details.
We hope this article provides the information you need. To learn more about studying abroad, explore our Belgium Study Guide and Available Courses for International Students!
