UK vs Canada vs Australia for Pakistani Students in 2026–27: Cost, Visa Risk and Work Rights
Three popular destinations, three different trade-offs. A side-by-side comparison with the numbers that matter in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Work limits differ widely — from about 20 hours a week in the UK to no fixed limit in Sweden.
- Rules are printed on your visa or permit: always follow those conditions.
- Never plan to fund tuition from part-time work — it is a supplement, and some visas restrict it heavily.
- Breaking work rules can cancel your visa and damage future applications.
"Can I work while studying?" is the second question after "How much will it cost?" Here are the broad rules for popular destinations in 2026. Always confirm on your visa, permit or the official immigration website before accepting any job.
Summary table
| Destination | Typical rule during term | Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Up to 20 hours per week (degree-level courses) | Full-time in official holidays |
| Canada | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus | Full-time in scheduled breaks |
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight | Unlimited in scheduled course breaks |
| USA | On-campus up to 20 hours; off-campus only via CPT/OPT | On-campus full-time in breaks (conditions apply) |
| Ireland | 20 hours per week | Up to 40 hours per week |
| New Zealand | Up to 25 hours per week (eligible students) | Full-time in holidays |
| Germany | 140 full days or 280 half days per year | Counted within the same allowance |
| France | About 964 hours per year (roughly 20 hours per week) | Included in the annual limit |
| Italy | Up to 20 hours per week (about 1,040 hours per year) | Included |
| Finland | About 30 hours per week on average | Full-time in holidays |
| Sweden | No fixed hour limit — studies come first | — |
| Poland | Full-time students at Polish universities may work without a separate permit | — |
| Hungary, Lithuania, Romania | Part-time within permit rules; check conditions | — |
| Turkey | Work permit needed; usually after the first year | — |
| Malaysia | Very limited, specific conditions | — |
| Dubai/UAE | Permit and university approval required | — |
| China | Restricted; permission required | — |
Rules that trip students up
- Hours are calculated differently. Per week, per fortnight and per year are not the same.
- Some jobs are excluded. Self-employment, professional sports or certain roles may not be allowed.
- Course-level matters. The UK's 20-hour rule applies to degree-level courses; foundation and language courses can differ.
- Dependants are separate. Family members have their own rules.
- Placements/internships may count. Check how your university treats them.
How much can you realistically earn?
Part-time wages vary by country and city. Treat earnings as a way to cover groceries and transport, not tuition. Visa funding rules require you to show you can pay without relying on work. See how to show funds.
Choosing a country if work matters to you
- Strong work rights: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland.
- Moderate with post-study route: UK, Ireland, Germany.
- Restricted: Malaysia, China, Dubai.
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Frequently asked questions
Which country allows the most work for students?
Poland lets full-time students at Polish universities work without a separate permit, and Sweden has no fixed hour limit — but studies must come first. Canada, Australia and New Zealand also allow substantial hours.
Can I work full-time during holidays?
Many countries allow full-time work during scheduled breaks (UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, USA on-campus rules vary). Check your visa conditions.
Is it legal to work without a permit?
Only where the law expressly permits it. Unauthorised work can lead to visa cancellation and bans.
Abroad In Consultants editorial team. Written by our Islamabad counselling team from official sources and day-to-day experience with Pakistani applicants. Rules change often — please confirm the latest requirements with the official authority or our counsellors before acting. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.