Part-time Work Options in Finland for International Students

Many international students explore part time jobs in Finland to support themself financially and cover some expenses. Finland allows international students to work part-time, if they are enrolled in a full-time study programme. Overseas students are allowed to work 30 hours per week in Finland. It helps students to cover the living costs while studying in Finland.

There is no minimum universal wage in Finland, however, most of the employees are protected by a collective agreement that specifies the minimum pay rate for different sectors. Wages in the collective agreement are usually determined as per the skills, experience, and geographical situation of the workplace. However, the minimum wage in most professions in Finland is amongst the highest in Europe. In this blog, we will help you to understand the options available for part-time jobs in Finland for international students.

Related Read:

• Jobs in Finland for Indian Students
• Job Sectors in Finland
• Student Guide to Finland

How Many Hours Students Can Work Part-time in Finland

As a student, you are allowed to work part-time for up to 30 hours per week in Finland along with your studies (during the semester). Also, during the summer breaks or holidays, there are no restrictions on the number of hours you can work, so you can work full-time if desired when classes are not in session.

Minimum Wages for Part-time Work in Finland

There is no minimum wage in Finland, however, the lowest wages range between 7 to 8 Euros per hour. Students usually earn between 9 to 13 Euros per hour depending on the nature of their work and the sectors they are working in. Working on Sundays and evening hours pays better, and there is good money in a sector like information technology and software engineering.

Apart from this, there are two peak seasons in a year when employers look for new staff. In December, just before the winter break, and just before the summer break. There is plenty of chance to find work during these times of the year, however, it is good to apply in advance.

Types of Part-time Work

Working in restaurants, cleaning or food delivery or newspaper delivery are some of the most common and popular part-time jobs for Finnish and international students. Part-time cleaners work through a reputable Finnish company and it is not a job to look down upon. Students have the option to take up cleaning work in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, offices, and ferries.

There are different types of jobs if you go to work in a restaurant. One needs to have a hygiene passport to demonstrate that one knows how to handle unpacked and perishable goods. Employers prefer students who have already obtained a hygiene passport, so, it is better to get one before applying for these jobs.

Part Time Jobs in in Finland for International Students

Here are some part-time work options in Finland for international students. Remember, you need to have required skills to get the job.

• Exam Guard Duty / Exam Supervisors: These are invigilator jobs that you can do at your university.
• Summer Jobs: These are available from December to March. You must reach out to your university’s career centre to apply for these jobs.
• Assistant Jobs: Research assistant/teaching assistant/lab assistant are some of the top student jobs in Finland. These increase the value of your resume as well.
• Mail / Newspaper Delivery: It is great for students who like to wake up early in the morning. It is not a demanding job and can be managed with your academics.
• Restaurant Jobs: These jobs usually involve dishwashing, working as a cashier, packaging, etc. However, you have to apply for a hygiene passport to be eligible for these jobs. Obtaining this certificate is simple.
• Cleaning Jobs: These depend on your employer and can fetch you decent money.
• Food Delivery: It is the most popular part-time job due to its flexible working hours and high pay. Wolt and Foodora are the food delivery companies that offer excellent opportunities to students.

Where to Find Part-time Jobs in Finland

Stay alert and keep networking within and outside the campus. Students often find jobs through a recommendation of a friend or someone you might know. Also, use the career services at your university and keep your LinkedIn profile updated with your latest resume and details.

Other than this, job announcements are published on job websites/portals. Also, you can explore websites of companies to find exclusive openings. TE service is a popular government job search portal. Monster, Adecco, The Hub, and Barona are other popular job-seeking pages. Cleaning companies like Sol and Freska and food delivery companies Foodora and Wolt are popular among students looking for part-time work.

How to Find a Part-time Job in Your Field

Finding a job in your major may take more time, so, understand the importance of networking and start it from day one. Also, proactively use the career services of your university. There is going to be a huge demand for people with a technology background. In fact students working in the IT field and software programmes like digitization, data analytics, robotics, and artificial intelligence are paid well for part-time jobs while studying.

Apart from this, the tourism and healthcare sectors also require skilled workers. However, for work in the healthcare sector, one needs at least basic Finnish language skills (B1 level). Learning Finnish at the start of your education is a good idea, so, it will improve your future job prospects.

Conditions for Working Part-time in Finland

You need to be eligible to work in Finland. Other than this, here are some conditions that you should know:

• There is no restriction on working hours during semester breaks.
• Studies should not be compromised while doing part-time work.
• Attendance should be met while working part-time.
• You need to score grades as set by the university
• Universities offer career services that help students to find internship course-related jobs
• Students can work as research assistants for research programmes run by the universities
• You can find off-campus part-time job opportunities in the local newspapers and job sites.

Part-time income will not be enough to pay for the entire study expenses. Also, getting a job after completing your studies may require knowledge of a certain level of the Finnish language. Even if you work part-time, you need to pay income tax in Finland. The tax amount depends on the nature of your job and salary. Non-European students have more job restrictions in comparison to EU/EEA nationals.