Quick Comparison: Work Rights 2025
| Country | During Term | During Breaks | Avg Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (F1) | 20 hrs on-campus | 40 hrs on-campus | $12-18 |
| UK | 20 hrs | Unlimited | £12.71+ |
| Canada | 24 hrs off-campus | Unlimited | CAD 15-20 |
| Australia | 48 hrs/fortnight | Unlimited | AUD 26.44+ |
USA Work Rules (F1 Visa)
On-Campus Employment
- Hours: 20 hours/week during term, 40 hours during breaks
- Eligibility: From day one of enrollment
- Social Security Number: Required (apply through university)
Types of On-Campus Jobs
- Library assistant
- Research assistant
- Dining hall staff
- IT help desk
- Department assistant
- Tutoring services
Wages & Earnings
- Hourly rate: $10-$18
- Annual potential: $8,000-$15,000 (₹6.6-12.4 lakhs)
Off-Campus Work
Strictly limited to authorized programs:
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): After 1 academic year, for internships related to your major
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months after graduation (36 months for STEM)
Warning: Unauthorized off-campus work can result in visa termination and deportation.
UK Work Rules (Student Visa)
Work Hours
- During term: 20 hours/week for degree-level courses
- During vacations: Unlimited hours
- Below degree level: 10 hours/week maximum
National Minimum Wage (April 2026)
| Age | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| 21+ | £12.71 |
| 18-20 | £10.85 |
| Under 18 | £8.00 |
Monthly Earning Potential
Working 20 hours/week at £12.71 = £1,017/month (approx ₹1.05 lakh)
Graduate Route
After completing your degree, the Graduate Route allows:
- 2 years of unrestricted work for Bachelor's/Master's graduates
- 3 years for PhD graduates
Canada Work Rules (Study Permit)
2025 Update: Increased Hours
- Off-campus: Now 24 hours/week during sessions (increased from 20)
- On-campus: Unlimited hours
- Scheduled breaks: Unlimited hours
Co-op Work Permits
If your program includes mandatory work terms (co-op), you'll receive a co-op work permit allowing full-time employment during work terms.
Provincial Minimum Wages (2025)
| Province | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Ontario | CAD 17.60 |
| British Columbia | CAD 18.25 |
| Alberta | CAD 15.00 |
| Quebec | CAD 16.60 |
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Masters graduates: up to 3 years regardless of programme length (8+ month programmes)
- 2+ year program: 3-year PGWP
- Open work permit allowing any employer
Australia Work Rules (Subclass 500)
Current Limits
- During sessions: 48 hours per fortnight (approximately 24 hours/week)
- During breaks: Unlimited hours
- Note: Reduced from unlimited hours in 2023
Minimum Wage
- National minimum: AUD 26.44/hour
- Casual loading: Additional 25% for casual roles
- Effective casual rate: ~AUD 33/hour (incl. 25% casual loading)
Monthly Earning Potential
48 hrs/fortnight at AUD 26.44 = AUD 1,269/fortnight or AUD 2,538/month (approx ₹1.40 lakh)
Fair Work Protections
International students have the same workplace rights as Australian workers:
- Minimum wage protection
- Safe working conditions
- Freedom from discrimination
Best Jobs for International Students
On-Campus Opportunities
- Library assistant
- Research assistant
- Student ambassador
- IT support
- Tutoring/teaching assistant
- Cafeteria/dining services
Off-Campus Options
- Retail sales associate
- Food service/hospitality
- Customer service
- Private tutoring
- Freelance (if permitted)
- Delivery services
How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Monthly Earning Potential by Country
| Country | Hours | Rate | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 80/month | $15 | $1,200 (₹1 lakh) |
| UK | 80/month | £12.71 | £1,017 (approx ₹1.05 lakh) |
| Canada | 96/month | CAD 17.60 | CAD 1,690 (approx ₹1.05 lakh) |
| Australia | 96/month | AUD 26.44 | AUD 2,538 (approx ₹1.40 lakh) |
Living Expenses Coverage
Part-time work typically covers 30-60% of monthly living expenses. Plan to supplement with savings or family support.
Wage data current to the 2026 upratings (UK April, Australia July, BC June, Quebec May, Ontario October) | INR conversions are indicative
