Working Students In Austria: What's Allowed?

Whether or not students can work while studying in Austria depends on several factors, including their nationality, the type of work, and their residence status. Students from EU/EEA countries have unrestricted access to the Austrian job market and can work without a permit, provided their studies remain the top priority. On the other hand, students from non-EU/EEA countries, or third-country nationals, may need a residence permit and a work permit to work while studying. Additionally, the weekly working hours for international students are limited, and they must maintain a minimum number of ECTS credits per year to prove their academic success.

Working in Austria as an EU/EEA citizen student

As an EU or EEA citizen student, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market during your studies. This means that you can work full-time, part-time, or be marginally employed. You can also take on traineeships or internships. However, it is important to ensure that your studies remain the top priority and are not negatively affected.

To work in Austria, you must obtain a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung") and register as a resident in Austria. EU/EEA nationals must obtain residence registration confirmation ("Meldebestätigung") from the municipal department ("Magistrat") or the district administrative authority ("Bezirkshauptmannschaft") within six months of their arrival in Austria.

There are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work as an EU/EEA citizen student. However, it is important to maintain a balance between your work and studies.

If you are an international student from an EU/EEA country, you do not need a work permit to work alongside your studies.

There are several job portals where you can search for job opportunities, such as www.studentjob.at, www.unijobs.at/jobs, and www.willhaben.at/jobs. You can also send "unsolicited applications" to companies that interest you, along with your CV and a letter of motivation.

Working in Austria as a third-country national student

If you are a third-country national student in Austria, you will need a residence permit to study. This is called the Residence Permit – Student. You can extend this permit as long as you are studying in Austria, and even for one year after graduation. To be eligible, you must meet several requirements, including earning at least 16 ECTS credits per year, having sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance.

If you want to work alongside your studies, you can do so with a work permit for up to 20 hours per week. Your employer will need to apply for this work permit, known as the Beschäftigungsbewilligung, from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). You will also need a work permit for marginal employment.

If you want to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test as part of your work permit application. This is to determine if another suitably qualified person is available to fill the position. Only if this is not the case will the work permit be granted.

If you are doing a traineeship or internship that is a mandatory part of your degree programme, your employer must report your internship to the AMS at least three weeks before you start work. The university must confirm in writing that the traineeship or internship is necessary to complete your studies.

If you are about to graduate or have recently graduated and have not yet found a job, you can extend your Residence Permit – Student for another year to allow you to search for full-time employment.

Once you have found a job, you and your employer can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates.

Work permits and visas for international students

Whether you are allowed to work in Austria depends on your nationality, the kind of work, and, for third-country nationals, the type of residence title.

EU/EEA citizens

As an EU or EEA citizen, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market during your studies. You can work full-time, part-time, or as a marginally employed person, and you can also do traineeships or internships. However, it is important that your studies are not negatively affected and that you are officially registered in Austria. You must obtain a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung") for this purpose.

Third-country nationals

If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit – Student and would like to work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, you can do so with a work permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung"). Your employer must apply for this work permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). If you would like to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test ("Ersatzkraftverfahren") to determine if there are any equally qualified Austrian job-seekers who can be placed in that position instead of you.

Compulsory internships

If you have to complete a compulsory internship as part of your degree programme, your employer must notify the AMS of the internship at least three weeks before you start work. The employer should send the notification and the documents from your university/university of applied sciences stating that a compulsory internship is required. The AMS will issue a 'notification confirmation', which allows you to complete your internship.

Traineeships/internships

If you are a third-country national studying at a university or university of applied sciences and the traineeship or internship is part of your studies, your employer does not need to apply for a work permit for you. However, they must report the traineeship or internship to the AMS in a timely manner. Your university must confirm in writing that the traineeship or internship is necessary to complete your studies or will be credited to your studies.

Extending your Residence Permit – Student

If you meet the requirements for the Residence Permit – Student, you can extend it as long as you are studying in Austria and even for one year after graduation. The requirements include earning at least 16 ECTS credits per year, having sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance, etc. You must submit your application for extension during the three-month period before your current residence permit expires.

Red-White-Red Card for Graduates

If you have finished your studies and found a job, or if your current employer wants to hire you full-time after you graduate, you and your employer can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates. This card is also applicable to third-country nationals who graduated from an Austrian university and found a job offer applicable to their studies.

Job opportunities for students in Austria

Austria offers many opportunities for students to work alongside their studies. The process for getting a job differs depending on your nationality and the type of work you are seeking.

For students from an EU/EEA country

Students from an EU or EEA country have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market during their studies. This means that you can work as a marginally employed person, part-time or full-time, and do traineeships or internships. However, it is important that your studies are not negatively affected, and that you are officially registered in Austria with a Registration Certificate (“Anmeldebescheinigung”). You must also obtain residence registration confirmation (“Meldebestätigung”) within six months of arriving in Austria.

For students from a third country

If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit – Student and would like to work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, you can do so with a work permit (“Beschäftigungsbewilligung”). Your employer can apply for this permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). You will also need a work permit if you are in marginal employment.

If you are seeking to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test (“Ersatzkraftverfahren”) as part of your application for a work permit. In this process, the AMS determines if other skilled workers are already registered for the specific position. Only if this is not the case will the work permit be granted.

Internship opportunities

If you are a third-country national and your university or university of applied sciences requires you to do a traineeship or internship as part of your studies, your employer does not need to apply for a work permit for you. They simply need to report your studies to the AMS in a timely manner. Your university must confirm in writing that the traineeship or internship is necessary to complete your studies or will be credited to your studies.

Job opportunities

There are many job opportunities for students in Austria, with almost two-thirds of students working to support themselves financially. Students can work in restaurants, bars, or seek employment that aligns with their passions and skills. The ABA Job Platform offers job opportunities in many sectors and fields, with positions available in both English and German.

Student jobs and their impact on studies

Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but it is possible for students in Austria to do both. The impact of student jobs on studies depends on several factors, including the number of working hours, the type of job, and effective time management.

Work Permit Requirements:

Students' ability to work in Austria depends on their nationality and residence status. EU/EEA citizens have unrestricted access to the labour market and can work full-time, part-time, or as marginally employed without a work permit. However, they must obtain a Registration Certificate and ensure their studies remain the top priority.

Third-country nationals with a Residence Permit - Student can work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit, which their employer must apply for. If they wish to work more than 20 hours, a labour market test may be conducted to determine if there are already registered job seekers available for the position.

Managing Studies and Work:

Students should aim for a balance between work and studies to ensure their academic progress is not negatively affected. It is recommended to start with a less demanding job and gradually increase the workload as you gain knowledge in your field of study.

Job Search Strategies:

When looking for a job, students can explore various sectors, such as catering, bicycle delivery services, gardening, offices, supermarkets, and home help. Job portals, unsolicited applications to companies of interest, and newspaper job advertisements are also good avenues to explore.

Time Management:

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and studies is crucial. Students should aim to work a maximum of two days or 16 hours a week during term time. This allows them to earn money while still having time for their studies. Working more during holiday breaks can also help students increase their income and save for financial emergencies.

In conclusion, student jobs can provide a valuable source of income while studying in Austria. By following the necessary legal requirements, managing their time effectively, and maintaining their studies as a priority, students can successfully balance work and academic life.

Frequently asked questions