According to the Annual International Student Survey (AISS), about 31% of international students report having a part-time paid job alongside their studies. While Dutch students do so even more frequently (68-79% depending on the institution), international students often face extra hurdles such as language barriers, permit rules, and uncertainty about legal eligibility.

Non-EU/non-EEA students with a study residence permit are generally allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year. In summer (June, July, August), they may work full-time hours. This is on condition that their employer obtains a work permit (TWV).

How to Find a Part-Time Job in the Netherlands

Here are good ways to start looking:

1. University Job Portals and Career Centres
2. Universities often have internal listings for student assistant roles, library helpers, event support, research helping, etc. These are helpful because they tend to understand students’ schedules.
3. Student Job Agencies and Platforms
4. Some agencies/websites specialize in “student jobs” like flexible, part-time roles. Also general job boards (Indeed.nl, StudentJob.nl, YoungCapital.nl) have filters for part-time/student work.
5. Local Businesses
6. Cafés, retail shops, supermarkets, restaurants often hire students. Walking in with a CV (or asking in person) can sometimes yield more success, especially in smaller towns.
7. Networking & Social Media
8. Student groups, social media, university bulletin boards, or even messaging classes or groups. Sometimes jobs are shared by word of mouth.
9. Freelancing / Online Work
10. If you have a skill (languages, design, programming, writing, tutoring), you can do side gigs or remote work. This gives more flexibility.
11. Summer / Seasonal Work
12. During summer months (June, July, August), more full-time roles may open up (e.g. in hospitality, festivals, tourism), particularly useful if you want to earn more then.

Click here to get a  list of Part-time job openings👉 https://www.inforens.com/membership

Application Process for Part-Time Jobs in NL

Here’s a step-by-step path:

1. Prepare a Dutch/English CV
2. Highlight education, language skills (Dutch helps but isn’t always required), past work (if any), availability (which days/times).
3. Cover Letter / Short Application
4. Keep it relevant: why you want the job, how many hours you can work, if you speak any Dutch/English, what experience or strengths you have.
5. Find Employers Who Will Apply for the Work Permit (if needed)
6. For non-EU/EEA students, employers must apply for the TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning = work permit). You will need to secure that before you can start. Make sure the employer agrees to do it. 
7. Interviewing / Meeting the Employer
8. Be punctual, professional but friendly. Be clear about your hours (how much time you can commit).
9. Follow Up
10. After an interview, a polite email or message is usual. Being proactive helps.

Struggling with the application process? 

Our mentors are here to help you every step of the way. 

Click here 👉 Inforens mentors

Legal Rules & Eligibility

Here are the rules you must know, especially as an international (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) student:

Need for Work Permit (TWV)

• If you are from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, you need a work permit (TWV) for paid employment.
• The employer applies for the TWV on your behalf.

Hours Allowed (Non-EU/EEA Students)

• You can choose one of the following options:
• Work up to 16 hours per week during the academic year, or
• Work full-time during summer months (June, July, August)
• You cannot combine both options in the same year.

EU/EEA/Swiss Students

• No work permit is required.
• There are no legal restrictions on working hours based on nationality.

Residence Permit

• You must hold a valid student residence permit.
• The permit usually mentions whether and under what conditions you are allowed to work.

BSN Number & Health Insurance

• You must register with the municipality to obtain a BSN (Burger Service Nummer).
• Once you start paid work, Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory.

How Much Do Part-Time Jobs Pay?

Pay depends heavily on the job type, employer, your age, experience, and whether you're in a city or smaller town. Here are rough expectations and examples:

• For many “standard” part-time jobs in retail, cafés, supermarkets: €10 to €14/hour is common.
• More skilled or tutoring roles may pay more.
• Employers are required to respect the Dutch minimum wage (which depends on age), and for all work, taxes and social premiums will be deducted. 

Do Students Pay Taxes in NL?

Yes, any income is taxed. Some key points:

• Your employer will deduct income tax and social security premiums from your gross pay. 
• If you earn below certain thresholds, your net income after deductions may still be modest.
• You need to file tax returns if required. Usually, if taxed correctly through payroll, that's handled automatically but keeping payslips is important.

Balancing Work & Study

Working part-time is helpful, but here’s how to do it without hurting your studies:

• Prioritize your class schedule when committing to job hours.
• Use summer months wisely — many go for heavier work then.
• Choose flexible jobs (that allow shift swapping or predictable hours).
• Don’t overcommit — study hours + transit + rest are all important.

Example: What You Might Expect

Barista / Café Worker

• Hourly Pay: €11–€14
• Pros: Flexible hours, social environment, tips possible
• Cons: Physically demanding, split shifts, basic Dutch may be required

Retail / Shop Assistant

• Hourly Pay: €10–€13
• Pros: Regular shifts, indoor work, less physically demanding
• Cons: Less flexibility, weekend work common, limited tips

University Student Assistant

• Hourly Pay: €12–€15
• Pros: Strong CV value, research/project exposure, predictable tasks
• Cons: Limited vacancies, specific skills or academic background often required

Tutoring / Language Teaching

• Hourly Pay: €15–€25 (subject-dependent)
• Pros: High pay, flexible schedule, remote options available
• Cons: Requires strong subject knowledge or credentials, client-finding takes effort

Seasonal Hospitality / Tourism

• Hourly Pay: Higher rates during peak summer months
• Pros: More working hours, higher total income potential, energetic work environment
• Cons: Temporary roles, long hours, physically demanding work

Risks & What to Avoid

• Never start working before your TWV permit is approved (if required). Doing so can lead to fines for employer and jeopardize your residence status. 
• Avoid “undeclared work” (paid in cash without contract) — no legal protection, no insurance, risk for both you and employer
• Be sure your job doesn’t violate your residence permit conditions.

Conclusion

Are You Ready to Work & Study in the Netherlands?

Working part-time as an international student in the Netherlands offers more than just extra money. It builds confidence, language skills, local networks, and useful experience for your future. With clear rules around permit, hours, and insurance, you can work safely and legally.

📞 Book a free Personalized call and take the first step toward your success story.

✨Want expert career guidance and connect with visa-sponsored grads?

     Join the Globetrotter plan → https://www.inforens.com/membership