Studying in Europe is a dream for thousands of international students every year. Countries like Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and the Netherlands offer world-class education and an amazing cultural experience.
However, living in Europe can be expensive. Rent, food, transportation, and daily expenses can quickly add up.
That’s why many international students choose to work part-time while studying.
The good news is that most European countries allow students to work legally during their studies. Part-time jobs help students cover daily expenses, gain international work experience, and build useful skills.
In this guide, we will explore the 7 best part-time jobs for international students in Europe in 2026, including salary expectations and where to find these jobs.
1. Restaurant or Cafe Worker
One of the most common part-time jobs for international students in Europe is working in restaurants or cafes.
Many restaurants, fast food chains, and coffee shops regularly hire students for part-time shifts.
Typical roles include:
Waiter / waitress
Kitchen assistant
Dishwasher
Barista
These jobs are easier to get because they usually don’t require advanced language skills.
Average Salary
Students can earn around:
€10 – €15 per hour depending on the country.
Best Countries for This Job
Germany
Spain
Italy
France
Why This Job is Good
Flexible working hours
Easy to find in big cities
Good for improving communication skills
2. Delivery Rider
Food delivery jobs are one of the most popular part-time jobs for international students in Europe.
Delivery jobs have become extremely popular in Europe because of food delivery apps.
Companies like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Wolt often hire students.
Students usually deliver food using:
Bicycle
Electric bike
Scooter
Average Salary
Students can earn around:
€12 – €18 per hour including tips.
Advantages
Flexible working hours
No boss supervision
Extra tips from customers
This job is especially popular in cities with many restaurants and students.
3. Supermarket Assistant
Supermarkets frequently hire part-time workers to help with daily tasks.
Typical responsibilities include:
Arranging products on shelves
Helping customers
Working at the cashier
Stock management
Average Salary
€11 – €14 per hour.
Popular Supermarkets for Student Jobs
Lidl
Aldi
Carrefour
Tesco
Why Students Like This Job
Stable schedule
Legal contracts
Good work environment
4. University Campus Jobs
Many universities in Europe offer part-time jobs inside the campus.
These jobs are perfect for students because they are flexible and usually close to classrooms.
Examples include:
Library assistant
Administrative assistant
IT support
Research assistant
Average Salary
€12 – €16 per hour.
Benefits
Work inside university
Flexible schedule
Great for building academic connections
5. Warehouse Worker
Warehouse jobs are also common in many European cities.
Large companies and logistics centers regularly hire part-time workers for tasks such as:
Packing products
Sorting parcels
Labeling shipments
Loading goods
Average Salary
€12 – €17 per hour.
Popular Companies
Amazon warehouses
DHL logistics centers
Local distribution centers
These jobs may require physical effort but they usually pay slightly more than restaurant jobs.
6. Hotel or Hostel Staff
Tourism is a huge industry in Europe, which means hotels and hostels often hire students.
Common roles include:
Reception assistant
Housekeeping
Breakfast service
Guest support
Average Salary
€10 – €15 per hour.
Best Countries for Hotel Jobs
Italy
Spain
France
Portugal
Students who speak basic English can easily find work in tourist areas.
7. Freelance Online Work
Many students prefer working online instead of physical jobs.
Freelance online jobs allow international students in Europe to earn money while studying.
Freelance work allows students to earn money from home using digital skills.
Examples include:
Graphic design
Content writing
Social media management
Translation
Video editing
Average Earnings
€10 – €30 per hour depending on skills.
Popular Platforms
Fiverr
Upwork
Freelancer
This is one of the best options for students who want flexible work hours.
How Many Hours Can Students Work in Europe?
Working hours depend on the country.
But most European countries allow international students to work:
20 hours per week during studies
And full-time during holidays.
For example:
Germany Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Always check the official immigration rules of your country before starting work.
Where to Find Student Jobs in Europe
Here are some popular ways to find part-time jobs.
1. Online Job Websites
Popular websites include:
Indeed
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
2. University Career Centers
Most universities help students find part-time work.
3. Local Facebook Groups
Many cities have Facebook groups where employers post student jobs.
4. Walking into Shops
In Europe, it is common to walk into restaurants or cafes and ask if they are hiring.
Bring a printed CV with you.
Tips to Get a Part-Time Job Faster
Here are some useful tips.
Make a European Style CV
European employers prefer a simple one-page CV.
Include:
Contact details
Education
Skills
Languages
Work experience
Learn Basic Local Language
Even basic knowledge of the local language helps a lot.
Apply to Many Jobs
Don’t wait for one job. Apply to multiple places.
Be Flexible
Working evenings or weekends increases your chances.
Final Thoughts
Part-time jobs are a great way for international students to support themselves while studying in Europe.
They not only help cover living expenses but also provide valuable international work experience.
Whether you work in a restaurant, supermarket, delivery service, or online freelance platform, there are many opportunities available.
The key is to prepare a strong CV, apply regularly, and stay consistent.
With the right effort, you can easily find a part-time job and enjoy your student life in Europe.
