May 28, 2025
Job Sectors
10 mins read

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in Finland for International Students

It is one of the most exciting experiences of many an international student coming to Finland to start his or her journey. Perhaps, alongside the studies, you may be interested in finding Part-Time Jobs in Finland. This can facilitate integration into Finnish society and bring work experience, but it will also serve as a beneficial means of income during your stay abroad.

The job market in Finland is diversified, and you will find opportunities in many sectors. With or without a background in hospitality, retail, customer service, or even academic tutoring, there is bound to be something for everyone; just identify your skill set and interests. Understanding the landscape of job market implications in Finland can better prepare you for your job search journey.

You should find out what laws and regulations concern international students about part-time working in Finland. Generally, as a non-EU/EEA student, you have permission to work up to 25 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Networking is important in seeking job opportunities in Finland. Professional networks at your university, visitations to job fairs, and professional networks will build different connections that raise your chances of landing a suitable position.

A Finnish application would also require polishing up your CV and cover letter to fit Finnish standards and language conventions. Relevant skills, relevant experiences, and cultural awareness help the application stand out to employers.

By discussing the job market environment, knowing their legality, networking, and presenting oneself professionally with well-tailored applications, one will be adequately prepared and confident as they begin the journey to look for jobs in Finland.

Key Highlights

  • Finland allows international students to work part-time, offering opportunities to earn extra cash and gain valuable experience.
  • Legal working hours are capped at 30 hours per week during semesters but unrestricted during breaks, providing flexibility for students.
  • While there's no fixed minimum wage, student earnings range from €9 to €13 per hour, often higher for evening and weekend shifts.
  • Popular industries include healthcare, hospitality, retail, and IT, catering to diverse skills and interests.
  • Knowing basic Finnish can be beneficial, particularly for roles involving customer interaction or outside major cities.

Understanding Part-Time Jobs in Finland

For international students, working part-time in Finland does not only help with money; it has a lot of advantages. You get the experience of the culture, grow as a person, and develop personally and professionally. By seeing how people work in Finland, you learn about their values and society.

Also, the skills you gain and the connections you make can help you in your future career. Whether you improve your language skills or get hands-on experience, taking these chances helps you make the most of your time studying in Finland.


 

Legal Working Hours for International Students

Navigating the laws about working in Finland is important for international students. Your student residence permit shows how many hours you can work during your time here. Usually, you can work up to 30 hours per week when classes are happening.

But it is a refreshing change during semester breaks. In summer and winter breaks, you can work as much as you want. It simply means that you take full-time jobs with no bounds. This helps the students gain practical experience or earn more money during the vacations.

It's very important to follow these rules to have a legal and smooth work experience in Finland. Be sure to understand the details of your residence permit. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask the right people for help.

Overview of Minimum Wage and Earnings

Finland is special because it doesn’t have a national minimum wage. This means how much money you can make can change based on things like your job, the industry, and your work experience. Don't worry about the lack of a set minimum wage. Student part-time jobs in Finland offer excellent pay and a fantastic chance to earn some extra cash.

Most students receive somewhere between €9 and €13 an hour, which is relatively higher compared to many of the European countries. You will get more money if you are willing to work evenings or weekends since that seems to attract a premium. Some activities like software engineering jobs also pay very well even if it is a part-time job.

Types of Part-time Work

Job TitleDescriptionSkills Useful
BartenderServe drinks and attend customersHospitality, Social
Delivery DriverDeliver packages/foodNavigation, Time Mgmt
WaiterTake orders and serve foodCustomer Service
Teaching AssistantAssist students and teachersSubject Knowledge
Research AssistantHelp in data gathering and analysisAcademic, Analytical
Library AssistantOrganize books, help patronsOrganizational
Administrative Asst.Office support and schedulingOffice Tools, English
FreelancerIndependent work (writing, design, coding)Creative, Digital
GardenerMaintain gardens and plantsManual, Outdoor Work
Seasonal WorkerHandle produce during harvest seasonPhysical Endurance

Beginner's Guide to Finding Part-Time Jobs

Starting up a job search in a new country might appear really daunting, but being smart about it would definitely make all the difference. First, you must get all your documents ready. While doing that, look for job platforms that focus on Finland.

First, make a clear and accurate resume. It should show your skills, experience, and education. Next, look at online job boards that include part-time jobs, like Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn. Don’t forget that networking is important. Use your university’s career services, go to job fairs, and try to meet people who work in your field.

Necessary Documents and Preparations

Before you begin applying for your job, there's a need to have all these essential documents ready. These are the documents that will essentially aid in your application process. Your Finnish residence permit is very important as it shows you can work lawfully in the country of Finland.

You should also gather other important documents such as your passport, CV, and proof that you are enrolled in a Finnish university. Having your Finnish Social Security Number (SSN) handy can be helpful. It can make tax and job matters easier.

Remember that not all employers ask for all this documentation, but having it demonstrates readiness and professionalism. It may just put you in the better candidate's box.

Document TypePurposeRequired For All Jobs?
Residence PermitLegal proof of work eligibilityYes
Passport & CVIdentity & Skills SummaryYes
University EnrollmentStudent status confirmationOften
Finnish SSNFor tax/employment formalitiesSometimes

Finding Your Sector: Where to Begin

Looking at fields that fit your interests and using your current skills and experience can help you narrow down which direction to take in your job search. It's the same way with Finland, where there is a strong need for skilled workers in healthcare, in the high-technology industry, and even in tourism.

If you're studying health care, then you can be placed into dozens of job opportunities, or if you have skills like software engineering, information technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, in the tech field. It doesn't matter much whether you speak Finnish or not. To a certain extent, basic Finnish language knowledge would help in certain jobs that concern working with the public or working in smaller towns.

Step-by-Step Process to Find Part-Time Jobs in Finland

Undertaking research for a part-time jobs in Finland as an international student can be much easier if you break it down into smaller steps. Begin by putting together the most powerful resume and cover letter representing your skills and experiences.

Once you get all your documents ready, you can receive excellent job postings through the job portals and university career services. Carefully apply and adjust the application for each post while mentioning skills that would suit best. Prepare yourself for interviews and think about common questions. In the end, practice your answers so that you may make a good impression that lasts.

Step 1: Crafting an Effective Resume

Your resume is very important. It is the first thing potential employers will see. You need to make it clear and well-structured. This document should show your skills, experiences, and qualifications effectively.

Start with your education. List the schools you attended and the degrees you earned.

Next, focus on your work experience. Talk about the jobs you have held. Highlight the roles and tasks that show your skills. Use numbers to describe your achievements. This helps to show your impact more clearly.

Make sure to adjust your resume for each job. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job requirements.

If assistance is required with this step, university career services can be contacted for advice on how best to shape a resume for Finnish employers.

Step 2: Job Portals and University Boards

Now that your resume is ready, it's time to enter the labor market. There are numerous online platforms where international students can find job opportunities in Finland. Websites like Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn have many job postings. You can organize these by industry, location, and type of job.

Look into career portals of the best universities, such as the University of Helsinki or Aalto University, in case you need a focused search. They often employ part-time to their students. Registration with well-known recruitment agencies may give special job offers also. Observe new postings because the job market can change very soon.

Step 3: Application for the Job – Tips and Tricks

More than submitting an excellent resume is required to become a successful applicant in the application process. Take time to write a strong cover letter that goes with your application. In it, explain your unique skills and why you want this particular job.

Look into the company's background and values. Customize your words to show that you are truly interested in their mission. Besides, knowing the Finnish language is not a must for every job; however, any kind of language skills would be beneficial. Particularly jobs dealing with customer service or in small towns will appreciate this. It proves that you can adapt and fit in.

Step 4: Preparation for the Interview

Congratulations for getting that interview! This is your time to shine and show how you, in terms of skills and personality, can fit in what the company needs. Take some time researching the history, services, and workplace culture for the company before the big day.

Prepare short and intriguing answers to common interview questions. Focus on your skills and experiences that are important for the job. Show your excitement for the chance and your knowledge of the Finnish work culture. Lastly, don't forget to ask good questions at the end of the interview. Asking about the company's plans or details about the job shows that you are interested and ready to take initiative.

Step No.TaskDescription
1Craft ResumeHighlight skills, adjust per job
2Search PlatformsUse job boards and university resources
3Write Cover LetterCustomize for each employer
4Prepare for InterviewResearch company and rehearse answers

Conclusion

A part-time jobs in Finland can be a fantastic experience for an international student. It offers both professional benefits and cultural insights. It's important to know the legal rules, which job sectors are available, and the steps to get a job. If you create a strong resume, use job websites, and prepare well for interviews, you can boost your chances of getting a good part-time job. It is also crucial to time-manage and prioritize your studies while working. Remember that each job application helps you learn, and persistence is also important. With a focused strategy, you can investigate the job search in Finland and develop your time studying abroad.

FAQs

Can international students work more than 20 hours a week?

During semesters, international students in Finland can only work up to 30 hours each week. When it's winter break, there are no limits on working hours, so students can work full-time.