For many Nigerian students, studying abroad is not just about academics. It’s also about opportunity — to gain international work experience, support themselves financially, and build a better future. But can you legally work on a student visa?
The answer is yes — in many countries, working part-time as a student is fully legal and often encouraged by the host government. Thousands of Nigerian students are already taking advantage of these rules in countries across Europe, North America, and Oceania.
In this guide, we’ll explore the countries where Nigerian students can work while studying, how the rules work, and what jobs Nigerians are doing there right now.
Top Countries Where Nigerian Students Can Work While Studying
Canada
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week
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During holidays: Full-time
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Restrictions: Must be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
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Common jobs: Retail, warehouse, food delivery, on-campus roles
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Example: Chiamaka, a student in Toronto, works part-time at a local supermarket and tutors high school math online.
United Kingdom
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week (degree level)
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During holidays: Full-time
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Restrictions: University must be registered as a licensed sponsor
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Common jobs: Caregiving, retail assistant, hotel staff
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Example: Tunde, studying in Manchester, works with a care agency on weekends and full-time during summer.
Germany
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Work hours during school: 120 full days or 240 half days per year
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During holidays: Can use full quota
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Restrictions: Jobs related to studies are preferred; B1 German helps
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Common jobs: Kitchen help, call center, warehouse, tutoring
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Example: Aisha in Hamburg balances studies with a weekend cleaning job at a hostel.
Australia
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Work hours during school: Up to 24 hours per week (recently revised)
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During holidays: Unlimited
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Restrictions: Must maintain academic progress
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Common jobs: Hospitality, cleaning, delivery services
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Example: Femi in Melbourne delivers groceries part-time and saves for rent and school materials.
Ireland
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week
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During holidays: Up to 40 hours per week
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Restrictions: Must be enrolled in an approved full-time course
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Common jobs: Supermarkets, warehouse jobs, café work
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Example: Mary in Dublin got a job at a local café through her university’s student services.
New Zealand
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week
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During holidays: Full-time if enrolled in a full-time course of 1+ year
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Restrictions: English language students must meet study requirements
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Common jobs: Farms, cafes, aged care, logistics
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Example: Emmanuel in Christchurch works on weekends as a warehouse assistant.
France
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Work hours during school: Up to 964 hours per year (approx. 20 hours/week)
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During holidays: Up to limit
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Restrictions: Employer must declare job to authorities
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Common jobs: Babysitting, hotel cleaning, restaurant help
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Example: Ifeoma in Lyon works at a bakery in the mornings before class.
Finland
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Work hours during school: Up to 30 hours per week
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During holidays: Full-time
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Restrictions: Linked to course duration and study field
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Common jobs: Student support roles, cleaning, kitchen help
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Example: Kingsley in Helsinki works part-time at a university library front desk.
Norway
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week
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During holidays: Full-time
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Restrictions: Must renew work permit every year with student visa
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Common jobs: Construction, cleaning, delivery
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Example: Esther works evenings at a local pizzeria while studying engineering.
United States
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Work hours during school: Up to 20 hours per week (on-campus only)
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During holidays: Up to 40 hours (on-campus or authorized training)
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Restrictions: Limited to on-campus jobs unless approved for CPT/OPT
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Common jobs: Library assistant, campus dining, research assistant
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Example: Samuel at a university in Texas works part-time at the campus bookstore.
How Nigerians Are Finding Student Jobs Abroad
Many Nigerian students use a combination of resources to find jobs, including:
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University career centers and on-campus job boards
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Official job platforms such as JobBank, Indeed, or LinkedIn
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Student WhatsApp and Telegram groups (Be cautious — scams exist. Avoid paying upfront.)
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Local Nigerian student associations for networking and referrals
Documents Needed to Work Legally as a Student Abroad
To work legally during your studies, you usually need the following:
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Valid student visa approval letter
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Resident permit or national ID (for EU/EEA countries)
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Proof of enrollment at your institution
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Employment contract or internship approval (if required)
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Bank account and tax registration (in some countries)
Conclusion
Working while studying abroad is not only legal in many countries—it’s an advantage. Nigerian students around the world are already doing it, using part-time jobs to fund their education, gain international experience, and build future careers.
But success starts with preparation. Research the right country, understand the legal work limits, gather your documents, and plan your move carefully.
The world is open—legally, and with opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I work full-time on a student visa?
In most countries, you can work full-time during official holidays, but are limited to part-time hours during the academic term.
Do I need a separate work permit if I have a student visa?
Usually not. Most student visas automatically include work rights, but you must check your visa conditions carefully.
What happens if I work more than the allowed hours?
Working beyond the legal limit can lead to visa cancellation or future entry bans. Always follow local immigration rules.
Can I continue working after graduation?
Yes, but you may need to apply for a post-study work visa or transition to a work permit, depending on the country.
Which country is the easiest for Nigerians to combine work and study?
Canada, UK, and Ireland are currently among the most flexible countries for Nigerians to legally work and study with minimal restrictions.
