The laws for international students have become more flexible since 2026, but “40 hours per week” usually means full-time work during scheduled academic breaks. To ensure academics come first, most countries limit the number of students who can take classes at once.
But as of July 1, 2026, some policy changes worldwide have made it easier to work full-time or more.
1. Australia (The Leader in 2026)
In 2026, Australia will give international students the biggest increase in their work rights.
- Starting July 1, 2026, the rule is that students can only work 60 hours every two weeks (30 hours a week on average) during study terms.
- 40+ Hours Strategy: International students can work as many hours as they want during all official university breaks, including summer, winter, and spring holidays.
- The “Masters by Research” Exception: If you are working towards a Master’s by Research or a Doctoral (PhD) degree, you can work as much as you want all year, even during the semester.
2. The 24-Hour Shift in Canada
Canada is still a top choice, but it strictly controls hours during active study periods to keep the job market balanced.
- The Rule: Starting in 2026, students can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus while they are in class.
- 40+ Hours Strategy: You can work as many hours as you want during scheduled breaks, like the 4-month summer break or the 1-month winter break. This is when students work 40 to 50 hours a week to save money for the next semester.
- Co-op Work Permits: If your program requires you to do a “co-op,” or internship, you can work 40 hours a week during that time because it is part of your curriculum.
3. Germany (The Rule of 140 Days)
In March 2026, Germany changed its rules to give non-EU students more freedom.
- The rule says that international students can work 140 full days (or 280 half-days) every year.
- 40+ Hours Strategy: If you use your “full days”, you can work more than 20 hours a week. You can work 40 hours a week for a few months during the holidays or even during the semester, as long as you don’t go over the 140-day limit.
- Academic Assistants: Working as a “HiWi” (student research assistant) at the university often doesn’t count towards this 140-day limit, which means you can work even more hours.
4. France (The Annual Limit of 964 Hours)
France has a “bank” of hours each year instead of a strict weekly limit, which gives them a lot of freedom.
- The rule is that you can work a total of 964 hours a year, which is 60% of a normal full-time year.
- The 40+ Hours Strategy: The total comes out to about 20 hours a week on average, but the law lets you work full-time (35–40 hours a week) during your holidays (Christmas and Summer) until you reach your 964-hour limit.
- Minimum Wage: The French minimum wage (SMIC) is €12.02 per hour in 2026, which is enough to make a comfortable living during these full-time jobs.
5. Summary of Who Can Work Full-Time (2026)
Crucial 2026 Warning: Working 40 hours per week during the semester violates visa rules in a country that caps hours at 20 or 24, which can lead to immediate deportation. Always verify your specific university’s “holiday calendar,” as you can only work 40 hours on dates officially labelled as “vacation” by the school.
