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English-Speaking Student Jobs in Austria: Your complete guide

Finding student jobs – illustration of two students searching for jobs with laptop and tablet

Searching for a job is hard. And when you're an international student in Austria, there's a whole extra layer to it — unfamiliar systems, job listings full of requirements you don't recognize, and nobody really telling you where to start. On top of that, the best student jobs rarely show up where you'd expect them: companies don't post internships and part-time roles on expensive job boards.

Nejo crawls thousands of company career pages every day, so you find the opportunities others simply miss.

Not confident in German yet? Flip on our English-only filter and see only jobs where German isn't required.

1.000+ Student jobs near you

We scour the career pages of numerous companies every day for you and bring all student jobs together in one place. Simply click on a category and discover exciting jobs near you.

We scour the career pages of numerous companies every day and bring all student jobs together in one place.

Why International Students Use Nejo

Many student jobs never appear on traditional job boards. Why? Because companies often have no budget for expensive job portals when hiring for internships, part-time roles, or working student positions. These jobs end up only on company career pages — and that’s exactly where Nejo looks.

Working and Studying: Your Guide to the Perfect Student Job

According to the Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2023 (IHS/BMWF) 69% of students in Austria are employed, up from 65% in 2019. The most common reasons: financial necessity (72%) and the desire to afford more (71%).

Accoridng to EUROSTUDENT VIII 56% of students in Austria work throughout the semester, with another 13% working occasionally. While 55% of local students find jobs related to their studies.

Working while studying is no longer the exception. It has long since become the norm.

Why a Student Job in Austria is Worth It

A student job offers much more than just financial benefits. Here's what you can gain:

Before you start your job hunt, here are some important legal aspects to consider.

Regulations for EU/EEA Students

Minor Employment Threshold

Minor Employment Threshold 2026

The marginal employment limit (Geringfügigkeitsgrenze) in 2026 is €551.10 per month.

The advantage: if you earn below this threshold, your gross salary equals your net salary — no social security contributions and no income tax. You are still covered by accident insurance!

More details here.

Good to know: The threshold was exceptionally not increased for 2026 and remains at the 2025 level. Check at the start of each year whether the limit has changed.

Access to the Austrian labor market

  • EU/EEA students have unrestricted access to the Austrian labor market and are treated the same as Austrian students.
  • There are no work permit requirements.
  • However, if you take up a student part-time job or paid internship, you may need to apply for Austrian health insurance.

Regulations for Non-EU Students

Residence Permits & Work Authorization

As a non-EU student, you likely have one of the following residence permit options:

Special Case: Mandatory Internships

  • If you’re doing an internship required by your university, the employer only needs to obtain an Anzeigebestätigung (notification confirmation) from AMS.
  • Must be requested three weeks before the internship starts.
  • Your university must confirm that the internship is part of your studies.
  • No standard work permit needed.

Practical Tips for Work-Study Balance

Our Nejo experts recommend working no more than 20 hours per week alongside full-time studies. This leaves enough time to focus on your coursework and keeps unnecessary stress at bay.

Our Advice:

When in doubt, your degree always comes first. If you find the workload getting too much, here are your options:

Talk to your employer early about reducing your hours. Plan study-only days well ahead of exams and intensive learning periods. Quit the job if it comes to it — your degree matters more in the long run.

Important Considerations

  • Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to renew their residence permit.
  • Income from work should not interfere with studies.
  • Always track working hours carefully to stay within legal limits.
  • Employers must obtain necessary permits before you start working.

For detailed labor market access regulations for non-EU citizens, visit

Work in Austria.

Staying in Austria After Graduation

Good news! Austria offers several options for non-EU graduates to remain and work after completing their studies.

Work in Austria Support Services

We recommend reaching out to Work in Austria (ABA), the official Austrian Business Agency, for free support:

  • Consultation and guidance on job searches.
  • Step-by-step assistance with Red-White-Red Card applications.
  • English-language advice on salary requirements and qualifications recognition.
  • 100% free services!

Plan ahead—even before graduation—to ensure a smooth transition into Austria’s job market. For more details on post-graduation work options, visit

Work in Austria.

Finding English-Speaking Jobs in Austria: Top Sectors & Opportunities

Looking for positions where you can work in English? While German is the primary business language in Austria, there's a growing number of sectors and companies where English is either the main working language or where German skills aren't strictly required. Here's where you're most likely to find English-speaking opportunities:

Finding English-Speaking Positions

  • Look for keywords like "English-speaking environment" or "German skills not required"
  • Focus on international companies and startups
  • Check university job boards - they often post English-friendly positions
  • Network at international student events
  • Join English-speaking professional groups on LinkedIn

Remember: Even if a job posting is in German, don't be afraid to apply if you match the qualifications. Some companies are willing to consider international candidates, especially for student positions, but might default to posting in German. You can always send your application in English with a note explaining your language situation.

Practical Tips for Balancing Work and Study

It is generally recommended to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week alongside full-time studies. This way, you'll have enough time for learning and avoid unnecessary stress.

Smart Planning Tips

  • Be open with your employer about being an international student - many companies offer flexible hours
  • Use semester breaks for more working hours
  • Keep a digital calendar to coordinate university and work commitments
  • Start with fewer hours and increase gradually as you adjust to studying in a new country

Expert Tip

Remember: Your degree should always come first! If you feel the workload is too much, you have several options:

  • Talk to your employer early about reducing your hours
  • Plan time off well in advance for intensive study periods before exams
  • If necessary, quit the job - your degree is more important in the long run
  • Consider switching to a more flexible position that better suits your study schedule

The Ultimate Application Toolkit for International Students!

Better application documents mean better chances of landing your dream job! Our Application Toolkit has everything you need for a successful job application. From CV templates to interview tips.

Note:

Our detailed blog posts are currently only available in German. We recommend using Google Chrome's built-in translator or browser extensions like "DeepL Translate" to read them in English. Most images and templates in the articles are language-neutral and can be easily adapted for English applications.

In this interview, Katinka Georgina Györfi, an international student from Hungary shares her experience and insights on securing and working in student jobs in Austria. Read on to learn about her journey, the strategies she used, and her advice for other English-speaking students.

"My name is Katinka Georgina Györfi, and I’m originally from Debrecen, Hungary. I’m currently studying Business & Economics at the Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien, with a focus on Sustainability Reporting and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. I moved to Austria two years ago when I started university."

Katinka Georgina Györfi

International Student at WU in Austria

What type of student job are you currently working in, and how did you secure this position?

I work as a working student in market research at IMWF Austria. Shortly after I began my studies, a university friend recommended me for a few research projects. That initial involvement quickly evolved into a permanent position with the company.

What methods did you use to discover job opportunities?

Before being offered my current position, I applied for various internships I found through job platforms and on LinkedIn. I also made sure to network actively and engage with professionals who visited our lectures at the university.

How has your experience been working in Austria as a student?

I work in a relatively small, dynamic community full of young professionals, which creates a relaxed and collaborative atmosphere. I particularly value the company’s flexibility with work hours—this is crucial as university schedules can be unpredictable. Additionally, my supportive team has been instrumental in helping me improve my professional German. Overall, the flexibility and encouragement I’ve received have made my experience incredibly positive and enriching.

What advice would you give to other English-speaking students looking for a job in Austria?

I recommend that applications in English are only submitted to companies that advertise their opportunities in English. Otherwise, a high level of German might be expected. Also, I suggest getting involved in community activities by joining student organizations and attending events for young professionals to build valuable networks and enhance your skillset.

Useful Resources for International Students in Austria

University Job and Career Portals

Many universities have their own job boards with internships & part-time jobs. Here are some important links:

Grants & Financial Support

Scholarships, allowances & funding opportunities for students:

Public Transport & Student Discounts

Travel cheaper with student tickets:

Apartment & Shared Housing Search for Students

Find affordable apartments and shared flats:

Frequently Asked Questions

This article was first published on .

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