Study and work abroad in 2026: complete guide with 8 countries and updated salaries

Working legally while studying abroad allows you to cover part of the living costs, gain international experience, and improve your fluency in the local language. This guide presents the 7 main destinations that offer this opportunity, with updated data on salaries, visas, and working conditions.

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How does working during the exchange work

International students can legally work in multiple countries, as long as they meet specific requirements. The work permit is generally linked to the student visa and includes weekly hour limits.

Main rules:

• Work allowed during term time: 20 hours a week in most countries
• Vacation period: full time (40 hours per week)
• Minimum course duration: varies between 14 and 25 weeks depending on the destination
• Job Types: Hospitality, Retail, Customer Service, Construction

You don't leave your country with guaranteed employment. A work permit gives you the legal right to search for vacancies upon your arrival. Work part-time during an exchange can cover monthly expenses such as food, transportation and leisure.

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Minimum wages updated for January 2026

The values below represent the legal minimum wage in each country. Many employers pay above these amounts, especially for roles that require specific experience or qualification.

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Countries with the highest hourly wages

Australia: AUD$ 24.95 per hour (approximately R$ 13,700 monthly for 40 hours a week)

The Australian salary is one of the highest in the world. For students who work 20 hours a week, the monthly income is around AUD$ 1,896. Qualified professionals generally receive more than the minimum.

Germany: €13.90 per hour (approximately R$ 15,300 monthly for 40 hours a week)

The German wage increased by 8.4% in January 2026. The country's strong economy allows workers to have good purchasing power. The next adjustment is already scheduled for January 2027, when the amount will rise to €14.60 per hour.

Ireland: €14.15 per hour (approximately R$ 14,400 monthly for 40 hours a week)

Ireland maintains one of the highest minimum wages in Europe. Dublin and other Irish cities offer plenty of places for international students, especially in the hospitality and technology sectors.

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Destinations with a balance between salary and cost of living

New Zealand: NZ$ 23.50 per hour (approximately R$ 12,700 monthly for 40 hours a week)

The country has the third highest minimum wage in the world. The cost of living is more affordable than in Australia, allowing for greater savings during the exchange.

Canada: CAD$ 17.40 per hour on average (approximately R$ 12,900 monthly for 40 hours a week)

The salary varies between provinces, from CAD$ 15.00 to CAD$ 19.00 per hour. Ontario and British Columbia have the highest values. Exchange in Canada offers pathways to permanent residence.

Spain: €1,184 monthly (14 annual installments)

The Spanish salary is paid 14 times a year. The cost of living varies widely between regions, with Madrid and Barcelona being more expensive than other Spanish cities.

Malta: €996 monthly (€229.44 weekly)

Malta combines affordable cost of living with access to the European market. The country has 300 days of sunshine a year and offers British English as its official language. The cost of housing is 40 to 60% lower than Dublin or London.

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Dubai: differentiated system

Dubai has no fixed minimum wage. The amounts are negotiated directly between employer and employee. Students earn between 3,000 and 10,000 AED monthly (R$ 4,300 to R$ 14,300), depending on the qualification and level of English.

Unique advantage: The United Arab Emirates does not charge personal income tax. The entire salary is left with the worker.

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Ireland: European hub with easy access

Ireland allows students to legally work with language courses of 25 weeks or more. During the term of office, 20 hours per week are allowed. On holidays (June to September and December 15 to January 15), the charge can be 40 hours a week.

Main sectors:

• Hospitality: hotels, restaurants, pubs
• Retail: stores, supermarkets
• Customer service: call centers, support
• Technology: companies like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft are based in Dublin

The Irish visa allows for successive renewals, making it possible to study and work for up to 2 years. The immigration process is less bureaucratic than other European countries.

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Australia: lifestyle and competitive salaries

The Australian student visa allows for 48-hour biweekly work during term time. On vacation, there is no time limit. Courses must last at least 14 weeks.

Main cities:

• Sydney: largest labor market, highest cost of living
• Melbourne: intense cultural life, good employability
• Brisbane: tropical climate, lower costs
• Perth: high salaries, lower competition

Australia allows visa renewal and offers pathways to permanent residence. Exchange in Australia includes job search support.

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New Zealand: quality of life and nature

New Zealand balances attractive salaries with a controlled cost of living. The visa allows 20 hours a week during classes and full time during holidays. Courses must be at least 14 weeks long.

Country differential:

• Best work-life balance in the world
• Welcoming and multicultural population
• Preserved nature and outdoor activities
• Low crime rate

Auckland concentrates more employment opportunities, but smaller cities like Wellington and Queenstown offer a higher quality of life with lower costs.

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Germany: strong economy and residency pathway

Germany does not allow working with a basic language visa. To work legally, you must be enrolled in:

• University preparatory course (Studienkolleg)
• Vocational course (Ausbildung)
• Undergraduate or graduate

Students can work 120 full days or 240 part-time jobs per year. The salary of €13.90 per hour makes it possible to cover living costs in most German cities.

Advantages:

• Free public universities after Studienkolleg
• Blue Card facilitates permanent residence
• Strong job market in engineering and IT
• IT opportunities in Germany for qualified professionals
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Spain: family atmosphere and digital nomadic visa

Spain offers two main routes:

Traditional exchange: A student visa allows working 30 hours a week with a language or professional course. The country has a strong presence of international companies in Madrid and Barcelona.

Digital nomadic visa: It allows remote work for foreign companies while you live in Spain. The minimum income required is €2,646 per month.

The cost of living varies widely. Cities like Valencia, Seville, and Granada are 30 to 40% cheaper than Barcelona or Madrid.

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Malta: Mediterranean sun with official English

Malta is the only Mediterranean country with English as its official language. The student visa allows work of 20 hours a week with a course of 12 weeks or more.

Why choose Malta:

• Cost of living 33% below the European average
• 300 days of sunshine a year
• British English
• Easy access to other European countries
• International student community

The country is small and safe. The majority of jobs are in hospitality, online gaming, and customer service.

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Canada: Pathways to permanent residence

Canada has a more complex process than other destinations. It is not possible to work with a basic language course. The options are:

Co-op programs: Professional courses that combine study and work. Half of the program is in the classroom, half is a paid internship in the course area.

Public College: 1- to 2-year programs that entitle you to a Post-Graduation Work Permit. You can work 20 hours a week during the course and full time after graduation.

O college in Canada is the main gateway for those seeking permanent residence. The Canadian government has specific programs to retain international students.

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Dubai: technology, security and tax exemption

Dubai does not have a minimum wage set by law. Each employer negotiates directly with the employee. Students earn between 3,000 and 10,000 AED monthly, depending on position and proficiency in English.

Unique Features:

• Zero income tax (you keep 100% of the salary)
• Second safest city in the world for women
• Technology hub with companies like Google
• Specific Hubs: Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park
• Simplified visa process

The work letter is issued by the school 6 weeks after arrival. The climate is hot (up to 50°C in summer), but between November and April the temperatures are around 29°C.

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Types of jobs available

Jobs for international students focus on sectors that do not require specific qualification or advanced fluency in the local language.

Hospitality:

• waiter
• Bar Attendant
• Kitchen assistant
• Hotel Receptionist
• Housekeeper

Retail:

• salesperson
• Repositor
• teller
• Customer service

Other sectors:

• Delivery
• Civil construction (assistant)
• housekeeping
• Caregiver (babysitter, elderly care)
• Seasonal agriculture

Jobs that require advanced English or a specific qualification pay above minimum wage. Areas such as technology, engineering, and healthcare have better salaries, but require training and appropriate visa.

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How to get a job abroad

The job search works in a similar way in every country. Persistence and networking are key.

Effective strategies:

• Adapt your resume to the local format (one page, clear objective)
• Deliver resumes in person at establishments
• Use online platforms: Indeed, Seek, LinkedIn
• Attend networking events for students
• Ask for referrals from colleagues who already work
• Demonstrate availability and flexibility of schedules

The average time to find a job ranges from 1 week to 1 month. Arrive prepared with some financial reserve for the first few months.

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Required documentation and visas

Each country has a specific visa process. General steps include:

Basic documents:

• Passport valid for 6 months after the end of the course
• Proof of enrollment at a recognized institution
• Financial proof (varies by country)
• Compulsory health insurance
• Criminal record certificate (some countries)

Application process:

• Ireland: visa issued upon arrival, registration required
• Australia: online application before the trip
• New Zealand: online application, biometrics in some cases
• Germany: face-to-face interview at the consulate
• Canada: complete pre-trip process
• Spain: in-person application, waiting time of 30 to 60 days
• Malta: application by the school upon arrival
• Dubai: application by the school upon arrival

A visa preparation should start 3 to 6 months in advance.

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Comparison: which country is best for you

There is no single answer. The best destination depends on your goals and profile.

Choose Australia if:

• Prioritize high salary
• Do you want a tropical climate?
• Look for a relaxed lifestyle
• Do you plan to renew your visa and stay longer?

Choose Ireland if:

• Do you want easy access to other European countries?
• Search simplified visa process
• Prefers temperate climate
• Do you like pub life and Celtic culture?

Choose Germany if:

• Search for free university
• Do you want to work in IT or engineering?
• Are you planning permanent residence in Europe
• Are you interested in learning German?

Choose Canada if:

• Permanent residence is a priority
• Search for recognized professional training
• Do you want a high quality of life
• Prefers climate with 4 seasons

Choose Spain if:

• Do you want Mediterranean climate
• Search for controlled cost of living
• Do you like Latin culture?
• Are you interested in remote work (digital nomad)

Choose Malta if:

• Budget is a priority
• Do you want sun all year round
• Do you prefer a small and safe country?
• Search British English with warm weather

Choose New Zealand if:

• Nature is important to you
• Search for quality of life above salary
• Do you want a safe and peaceful country
• Do you like outdoor sports

Choose Dubai if:

• Do you want to avoid income tax?
• Seek maximum security
• Do you like technology and modernity?
• Do you want negotiable salary above the minimum

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Realistic financial planning

Working during the exchange reduces costs but does not eliminate the need for financial planning. Wages cover monthly expenses (food, transportation, leisure), but not the initial investment.

Reserve resources for:

• Course and accommodation (first weeks or months)
• Airline ticket
• Visa and documentation
• Compulsory health insurance
• Initial expenses at the destination
• Emergency reserve (2 to 3 months of costs)

Income from work allows you to:

• Cover food and transportation
• Pay for leisure and travel
• Extend your stay in the country
• Save for future goals
• Live more comfortably and independently

Exchange to change your career requires more robust planning, as vocational courses have a longer duration.

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Cultural adaptation and language

The level of English required varies depending on the destination and type of employment. For hospitality and retail jobs, intermediate level (B1/B2) is sufficient. Functions that require intense communication require greater fluency.

Make it easier to adapt:

• Please arrive with at least basic English
• Attend school social events
• Live with people of other nationalities
• Force yourself to speak the local language on a daily basis
• Be patient with the adjustment period (4 to 8 weeks)

Culture shock it's normal and temporary. The experience of working abroad accelerates language learning and makes it easier to adapt.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy has 17 years of experience connecting people to international opportunities in different countries. Our specialized team offers full support from planning to your arrival at the destination, including guidance on job search, documentation, and cultural adaptation. Contact us to build your personalized study and work abroad plan.