Studying abroad offers numerous advantages to Pakistani students, such as exposure to diverse cultures, enhanced academic opportunities, and personal growth. However, one key concern for many students and their families is the financial aspect of studying abroad. Students can manage their expenses by taking a part-time job while studying abroad. Part-time jobs will not only help students financially but will also allow them to build interpersonal skills. In this article, we will explore how much Pakistani students can earn through part-time jobs while studying abroad by considering various factors.
Part-Time Job Opportunities For International Students
Part-time job opportunities vary depending on the country and institution where Pakistani students will pursue their education. Some universities don’t allow international students to work part-time, while others encourage them but under certain conditions such as limited work hours, students can only work during semesters, students can’t work if they are on a semester break etc. Be advised to research all terms and conditions of part-time work at your institution. There are two main types of part-time jobs while studying abroad; On-Campus and Off Campus.
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On-Campus Jobs:
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On-campus jobs refer to employment opportunities within the premises of a college or university campus. These jobs are typically offered to students by the educational university/ institution itself or by businesses located on campus. On-Campus jobs makes it easier for students to balance work and academics. These jobs often offer flexible working hours that can be tailored to accommodate a student's class schedule. Examples of on-campus jobs include:
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Library assistant
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Campus tour guide
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Cafeteria worker
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Social media manager
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Teaching assistant for a professor etc.
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Off-Campus Jobs:
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Off-campus jobs are employment opportunities that are located outside the boundaries of the educational institution. These jobs are typically provided by businesses, organizations, or individuals in the surrounding community. Off-campus jobs offer a wide range of employment options in various industries, allowing students to explore different career paths. Off-campus jobs provide students with a chance to gain independence and experience the professional world beyond the campus environment. Examples of off-campus jobs include:
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Retail or hospitality jobs,
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internships with external companies,
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Part-time jobs at restaurants or cafes
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Delivery boy
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Tutor
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Freelancing etc.
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Factors Influencing Earning Potential Abroad
Several factors influence the earning potential of Pakistani students working part-time while studying abroad. Various factors like cost of living, skills, time duration etc., really affect how much a Pakistani student can earn part-time while studying abroad:
Minimum Wage Laws:
Firstly, the minimum wage laws of the host country play a significant role. The respective wages differ from country to country, as well as from city to city. Countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many European nations generally have higher minimum wages compared to others. This means that Pakistani students studying in these countries may have a higher earning potential.
Working Hours:
Moreover, the number of hours a student is legally allowed to work also affects their earnings. In some countries, international students are allowed to work a certain number of hours per week during the academic year, with the possibility of working full-time during vacations. It is important to adhere to these regulations to maintain legal status while studying abroad.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in the host country is another crucial factor. Living expenses like transportation and food, can vary significantly from country to country and even within different cities. Students must consider their accommodation, transportation, food, and other essential expenses when evaluating their potential earnings from a part-time job.
Living Cost In UK |
Experience and Skill Set:
In most countries, work experience and skill sets play a crucial role in securing higher-paying jobs. If Pakistani students have some experience and skill set in a certain field, they can definitely get a higher-paying part-time job. Also, your language proficiency can help you a lot while getting a part-time job because then the language barrier won’t be a problem.
Salaries Of International Students Working Part-Time
As we mentioned earlier the salary for a part-time job while studying abroad can vary depending on several factors, including the country you're studying in, the type of job, your qualifications, your skills and the local labor market conditions. In most countries, part-time jobs for students pay an hourly wage. The rates can range from minimum wage to a higher amount, depending on the job and location. Some countries may have different minimum wage levels for students due to labor market conditions. Following are the expected range of salaries for students working part-time abroad:
Part-time Jobs in USA:
Allowed working hours |
Pakistani students can work part-time in USA for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during official breaks. |
Wage/ Hour |
The wage for international students varies by state but typically ranges from $7.25 to $15 per hour. |
Part-time Jobs in UK:
Allowed working hours |
Pakistani students working part-time in UK are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. |
Wage/ Hour |
The wage for international students ranges from £8.91 to £24.33 per hour. |
Part-time Jobs in Australia:
Allowed working hours |
International students in Australia on student visas can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the academic year and full-time during scheduled course breaks. |
Wage/ Hour |
The wage for international students working in Australia ranges from is AUD 25.38 to AUD 35 per hour. |