Euronews Business takes a closer look at work permit rules and average wages for international students in Europe.
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How much can student work and earn in Europe?
In most European countries on the list, international university students can only work up to 20 hours per week. A few countries have a lower threshold such as Luxembourg (15 hours) and the Netherlands (16 hours). In many countries, students are allowed to work more hours—and even full time—during summer or academic breaks.
Estimated hourly wages range from €3.32 in Bulgaria to €18 in Luxembourg and €17–19 in Iceland. In half of the countries, wages are below €8.
After Bulgaria, Hungary (€4.19), Estonia (€4.30), Latvia (€4.47), and Slovakia (€4.69) are among the lowest in Europe.
On the higher end of the scale, after Luxembourg and Iceland, are Norway (€16.86), Denmark (€14.74), the Netherlands (€14.40), and the UK (€14.09), all with wages above €14 per hour.
According to StudiesIn.com, based on the maximum allowed weekly hours and average hourly wages, students in the UK are able to earn up to £977 (€1,127) per month. In Germany and Spain, the figure is around €1,111. International students are likely to receive up to €900 per month in France, and between €600 and €750 in Italy.
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What drives students’ choices abroad?
“Cost of living and tuition fees are often primary considerations, especially for those seeking affordable options without compromising educational quality,” Tom Miessen said.
He explained that countries with highly regarded universities, such as the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, naturally attract students focused on academic excellence and international recognition.
“However, practical aspects like access to work opportunities and favorable post-study immigration policies are equally critical, as students aim for seamless transitions from education to employment,” he added.
Tom Miessen of StudiesIn also noted that cultural compatibility and language accessibility also play significant roles, with a growing preference for countries offering English-taught programs and inclusive environments. Proximity to their home countries can influence choices for students from neighbouring regions, while safety, quality of life, and social amenities impact overall attractiveness.
“Students weigh these factors in a way that aligns with their financial capacity, career aspirations, and personal preferences, resulting in a nuanced decision-making process across Europe,” Miessen said.
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Share of international students in Europe
The share of higher education students from abroad in 2023 varied widely across Europe, with an EU average of 8.4% according to Eurostat.
Luxembourg had by far the largest share, with 52.3% of its higher education students coming from abroad. It was followed, considerably behind, by Malta (29.6%) and Cyprus (22.3%). Greece (3.0%), Croatia (3.7%), and Spain (4.3%) recorded the lowest shares.
When looking at actual numbers, the UK has the highest number of international students from abroad. According to the House of Commons Library, in 2023/24 there were 732,285 overseas students studying at UK higher education providers or 23% of the total student population.
In the EU, Germany has the highest number of international university students at over 420,000, followed by France (276,000), Italy (106,000) and Spain (102,000).