Working While Studying in Austria: What Non-EU Students Need to Know

One of the questions we hear most from non-EU students planning to study in Austria is: can I actually work while I'm there? The answer is yes! The rules are more generous than most people expect, but there are a few important details that catch students off guard, especially when it comes to finding a job.

This post covers everything you need to know about working as a non-EU student in Austria: hour limits, how the permit process actually works, and what's different for internships. It's part of our complete guide to the Austrian student residence permit.

How many hours can you work?

Your student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student) gives you the right to work part-time alongside your studies.

Holders of the Student Residence Permit Austria can work up to 20 hours per week without a labour market check

Going above the relevant limit for your level doesn't make working illegal, but it does mean the AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice — Austria's labour market authority) can run a check to confirm no Austrian or EU candidate is available for the role first. That adds several weeks of uncertainty to the process. Most students stick to the standard limits to keep things clean, but there are options to increase the allowed working hours.

Who applies for your working permit?

This is the detail that catches people off guard when they start job hunting: in Austria, you don't apply for your own work permit. Your employer does.

When a company wants to hire you, they apply to the AMS for an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) on your behalf — before you start work. Processing typically takes four to six weeks. The permit is tied to that specific employer, so if you change jobs, your new employer needs to apply for a fresh one.

A few things worth knowing before you start applying for jobs:

• Tell employers upfront. Most companies in Vienna and Graz know how the employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) process works, but it's better to raise it early than to have it come as a surprise at the offer stage

• You cannot start work until the permit is approved, not submitted. Make sure to factor this into your timeline with your employer

• There are no exceptions for small jobs. Even marginal employment for a few hours a week still requires the full permit. Nothing is informal

What about internships?

Internships are where the rules get more nuanced, and it's worth knowing which situation you're in before you start the application process.

Compulsory degree internship

If your internship is a formal, mandatory part of your degree programme, meaning your university can issue written confirmation that completing it is required to finish your studies, the process is significantly simpler. Your employer only needs to submit a notification to the AMS, rather than applying for a full employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung). The AMS then issues a confirmation, usually within two to three weeks, and that's what authorizes you to start.

Optional or independent internship

If the internship is something you're pursuing on your own initiative, not required by your curriculum, it's treated like regular employment. Your employer applies for the standard employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) through the AMS, and the usual four to six week timeline applies.

If you're not sure which category your internship falls into, ask your university's international office. They can confirm whether a written statement of compulsory status is available for your programme.

A note on job hunting in Austria as a non-EU student

The Austrian job market is increasingly open to international students, particularly in Vienna, Graz, and Linz. Tech, engineering, healthcare, and hospitality are areas where students regularly find part-time roles. German language skills open significantly more doors, but English-language roles do exist, particularly in international companies and the startup scene.

One practical tip: when reaching out to potential employers, mention the work permit requirement early. For most established companies it's a routine process, but for smaller businesses or startups that haven't hired a non-EU student before, giving them time to understand what's involved can make the difference between a smooth hire and a withdrawn offer.

Ready to get your application sorted?

Understanding your working rights is one thing — getting the residence permit that unlocks them is another. mypaperwork guides you through the full application from document prep to submission, so you arrive in Austria with everything in order.

Start for free and check your eligibility in a few minutes.

Information in this article reflects Austrian immigration requirements as of 2026. Rules and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current requirements through the OeAD or during your mypaperwork eligibility check.