Part-Time Jobs in Poland for International Students

 

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for international students looking for a combination of recognised universities, relatively manageable living costs, and access to the wider European market. For students, studying abroad also brings practical financial questions: how much will daily expenses cost, and can you work while completing your degree?

The good news is that part-time jobs in Poland can be accessible to international students, particularly those enrolled in full-time programmes. Depending on your nationality and residence status, you may be able to work without obtaining a separate work permit. At the same time, employment rules differ between students with different immigration statuses, so checking your individual situation is essential.

From hospitality and retail to tutoring, administration, IT, and university positions, Poland offers a range of opportunities. This guide covers the rules, popular jobs, salaries, language requirements, job-search strategies, and practical tips international students should know in 2026.

Can International Students Work Part-Time in Poland?

Yes. International students can work in Poland, and the rules are particularly favourable for students enrolled in full-time studies.

According to Poland's official study portal, non-EU/EEA students holding a student visa or temporary residence permit for full-time studies generally do not need a separate work permit. EU/EEA citizens and holders of a Card of the Pole also have access to work without a work permit under the applicable rules.

Importantly, there is no general 20-hour-per-week limit imposed on full-time international students simply because they are students. The key requirement is that employment remains compatible with the purpose of their stay and their studies.

Students should nevertheless check their visa or residence conditions before accepting employment, particularly if they are not enrolled in a full-time programme.


 

Working Rules for Non-EU Students

Full-Time Students

A non-EU student staying in Poland on a visa issued for full-time studies, or on the relevant temporary residence permit, can generally work without a separate work permit. The Office for Foreigners confirms that this right can also continue while a student is waiting for a temporary residence decision, provided the required conditions are met.

This gives eligible students considerable flexibility. However, employment should not become a substitute for attending classes or meeting academic requirements.

Part-Time and Other Study Programmes

The situation is different for students enrolled in part-time, postgraduate, MBA, or other forms of education that do not qualify as "studies" under Poland's immigration rules.

Poland's Office for Foreigners distinguishes full-time first- and second-cycle studies and long-cycle master's studies from certain other educational programmes.

If you are studying part-time or under another residence category, check your work authorisation separately rather than assuming the rules for full-time students apply to you.

Popular Part-Time Jobs in Poland

International students can find employment across a variety of sectors. Your Polish-language skills, previous experience, location, and study schedule will influence which opportunities are available.

Hospitality and Restaurants

Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and catering businesses are common sources of student employment. Typical positions include:

  • Waiter or server
  • Barista
  • Kitchen assistant
  • Reception assistant
  • Hotel staff
  • Catering and event assistant

These jobs can be convenient for students because employers may offer evening or weekend shifts.

Retail and Supermarkets

Retailers frequently need staff for customer service, cashier duties, inventory, and shelf-stocking. Supermarkets and shopping centres can offer positions that fit around university timetables.

Polish-language ability is particularly useful in customer-facing roles, although some businesses in major student cities may have positions where English is sufficient.

Tutoring and Language Jobs

Students with strong academic or language skills can consider tutoring. Mathematics, science, programming, English, and other languages can all provide opportunities depending on local demand.

International students who speak multiple languages may have an advantage when working with language learners or international families.

IT and Digital Jobs

Poland has a substantial technology and business-services sector. Students with skills in programming, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, data analysis, or web development can search for flexible roles related to their expertise.

These positions may provide greater professional relevance than a general student job, particularly for students hoping to build a career in Poland after graduation.

University and Research Positions

Universities can also provide opportunities such as research assistance, administrative support, laboratory work, library assistance, or departmental projects.

For master's and doctoral students, an academic position can be particularly valuable because it combines employment with experience related to their field.

Do You Need to Speak Polish?

Not necessarily, but Polish can significantly expand your employment options.

Poland's official study portal notes that many jobs do not require knowledge of Polish, while also recommending that international students develop at least a basic understanding of the language.

English-speaking opportunities are more common in international companies, IT, research, shared-service centres, tourism, and businesses that regularly work with foreign customers.

However, Polish is valuable for jobs involving local customers. Even basic phrases can help with workplace communication and everyday interactions.

Students should also consider learning Polish for long-term career development. Strong language skills can make it easier to move from casual student employment into internships and graduate-level positions.

How Much Can Students Earn in Poland?

Student earnings vary according to the industry, contract type, location, experience, and number of hours worked.

For 2026, Poland's statutory minimum wage for employees is PLN 4,806 per month. For certain civil-law contracts, including qualifying contracts of mandate and service contracts, the statutory minimum hourly rate is PLN 31.40 per hour from 1 January 2026.

These figures should not be interpreted as a guaranteed student salary. The applicable minimum depends on the type of contract and circumstances, and deductions for taxes or social insurance may affect take-home pay.

Students should therefore compare the actual contract, expected net income, working hours, commuting expenses, and schedule flexibility before accepting a position.

Best Cities for Student Jobs in Poland

Job availability varies considerably by city.

Warsaw

As Poland's largest business centre, Warsaw offers opportunities in finance, IT, hospitality, retail, customer service, and international companies.

Kraków

Kraków has a large student population and a strong tourism and business-services sector. Hospitality and international-company positions are particularly relevant.

Wrocław

Wrocław is home to numerous universities and international businesses, creating opportunities in technology, business services, customer support, and hospitality.

Gdańsk and the Tri-City Area

Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot offer opportunities connected to tourism, hospitality, logistics, services, and international business.

Poznań

Poznań's business and industrial sectors provide opportunities in areas such as retail, logistics, customer support, and business services.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Poland

A combination of online searches and university resources usually works best.

Job Portals

Poland's official study portal recommends online job boards and specifically points students toward Pracuj.pl.

Other useful searches include terms such as:

  • praca dla studentów — jobs for students
  • praca dodatkowa — additional/part-time work
  • praca na pół etatu — half-time work
  • student job
  • part-time
  • weekend job

Using Polish search terms can reveal vacancies that may not appear in English-language searches.

University Career Services

Check your university's career office, student portal, faculty websites, and campus noticeboards. Universities can be useful sources of research, administration, tutoring, and student-assistant positions.

LinkedIn and Company Websites

International companies often advertise student and working-student positions directly through their career pages and LinkedIn.

Tips for Getting a Part-Time Job

Prepare a Focused CV

Your CV should clearly present your degree, previous experience, language skills, technical abilities, and availability. Tailor it to the position rather than sending exactly the same CV everywhere.

Mention Your Languages

Put English, Polish, and any other languages prominently on your CV. Multilingual skills can be particularly useful in Poland's international business environment.

Be Flexible

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability can make you more attractive to hospitality and retail employers.

Check the Contract

Before starting, understand whether you are being hired under an employment contract, contract of mandate, or another arrangement. The type of contract can affect pay, deductions, benefits, and other employment conditions.

Do Not Ignore Your Studies

Although eligible full-time students may work without a separate work permit, studying remains the main reason for their residence. Poland's official study portal specifically reminds students that attending classes, completing assignments, and passing courses should remain their focus.

Working in Poland After Graduation

Part-time employment can also help international students develop professional contacts before graduation.

Graduates of full-time university studies in Poland have broad access to the labour market and do not require a work permit for employment.

Third-country graduates who want additional time to search for employment or establish a business can also apply, subject to the applicable conditions, for a temporary residence permit for graduates. The permit is granted once for nine months.

This makes relevant student employment particularly useful for students hoping to transition into a professional career in Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students work part-time in Poland?

Yes. Eligible full-time international students can generally work without a separate work permit. Non-EU students must hold the appropriate visa or residence status.

How many hours can a student work in Poland?

There is no general 20-hour weekly restriction for eligible full-time students. However, students must comply with their immigration status and ensure employment does not interfere with their studies.

Do I need Polish to find a student job?

No. Some positions are available in English, particularly in international companies, IT, research, tourism, and business services. However, Polish can significantly increase the range of available jobs.

What are the most common student jobs in Poland?

Popular options include hospitality, retail, tutoring, customer service, administration, IT, logistics, research assistance, and university jobs.

What is the minimum hourly wage in Poland in 2026?

For qualifying civil-law contracts subject to the statutory minimum hourly rate, the 2026 rate is PLN 31.40 per hour. The statutory minimum monthly wage for employees is PLN 4,806.

Can I work in Poland after graduating?

Yes. Graduates of full-time university studies in Poland can generally work without a work permit. Eligible third-country graduates may also apply for a nine-month temporary residence permit to seek employment or establish a business.

Conclusion

Part-time jobs in Poland can help international students supplement their income while developing communication, teamwork, technical, and professional skills. Opportunities range from restaurants and retail to tutoring, IT, research, administration, and university employment.

For eligible non-EU students enrolled in full-time studies, one of the major advantages is that a separate work permit is generally not required. However, students in part-time or other educational programmes may have different conditions, so checking their individual residence status is essential.

Poland has become an increasingly popular destination for international students looking for a combination of recognised universities, relatively manageable living costs, and access to the wider European market. For students, studying abroad also brings practical financial questions: how much will daily expenses cost, and can you work while completing your degree?

The good news is that part-time jobs in Poland can be accessible to international students, particularly those enrolled in full-time programmes. Depending on your nationality and residence status, you may be able to work without obtaining a separate work permit. At the same time, employment rules differ between students with different immigration statuses, so checking your individual situation is essential.

From hospitality and retail to tutoring, administration, IT, and university positions, Poland offers a range of opportunities. This guide covers the rules, popular jobs, salaries, language requirements, job-search strategies, and practical tips international students should know in 2026.

Can International Students Work Part-Time in Poland?

Yes. International students can work in Poland, and the rules are particularly favourable for students enrolled in full-time studies.

According to Poland's official study portal, non-EU/EEA students holding a student visa or temporary residence permit for full-time studies generally do not need a separate work permit. EU/EEA citizens and holders of a Card of the Pole also have access to work without a work permit under the applicable rules.

Importantly, there is no general 20-hour-per-week limit imposed on full-time international students simply because they are students. The key requirement is that employment remains compatible with the purpose of their stay and their studies.

Students should nevertheless check their visa or residence conditions before accepting employment, particularly if they are not enrolled in a full-time programme.

Working Rules for Non-EU Students

Full-Time Students

A non-EU student staying in Poland on a visa issued for full-time studies, or on the relevant temporary residence permit, can generally work without a separate work permit. The Office for Foreigners confirms that this right can also continue while a student is waiting for a temporary residence decision, provided the required conditions are met.

This gives eligible students considerable flexibility. However, employment should not become a substitute for attending classes or meeting academic requirements.

Part-Time and Other Study Programmes

The situation is different for students enrolled in part-time, postgraduate, MBA, or other forms of education that do not qualify as "studies" under Poland's immigration rules.

Poland's Office for Foreigners distinguishes full-time first- and second-cycle studies and long-cycle master's studies from certain other educational programmes.

If you are studying part-time or under another residence category, check your work authorisation separately rather than assuming the rules for full-time students apply to you.

Popular Part-Time Jobs in Poland

International students can find employment across a variety of sectors. Your Polish-language skills, previous experience, location, and study schedule will influence which opportunities are available.

Hospitality and Restaurants

Restaurants, cafés, hotels, and catering businesses are common sources of student employment. Typical positions include:

  • Waiter or server
  • Barista
  • Kitchen assistant
  • Reception assistant
  • Hotel staff
  • Catering and event assistant

These jobs can be convenient for students because employers may offer evening or weekend shifts.

Retail and Supermarkets

Retailers frequently need staff for customer service, cashier duties, inventory, and shelf-stocking. Supermarkets and shopping centres can offer positions that fit around university timetables.

Polish-language ability is particularly useful in customer-facing roles, although some businesses in major student cities may have positions where English is sufficient.

Tutoring and Language Jobs

Students with strong academic or language skills can consider tutoring. Mathematics, science, programming, English, and other languages can all provide opportunities depending on local demand.

International students who speak multiple languages may have an advantage when working with language learners or international families.

IT and Digital Jobs

Poland has a substantial technology and business-services sector. Students with skills in programming, graphic design, digital marketing, content creation, data analysis, or web development can search for flexible roles related to their expertise.

These positions may provide greater professional relevance than a general student job, particularly for students hoping to build a career in Poland after graduation.

University and Research Positions

Universities can also provide opportunities such as research assistance, administrative support, laboratory work, library assistance, or departmental projects.

For master's and doctoral students, an academic position can be particularly valuable because it combines employment with experience related to their field.

Do You Need to Speak Polish?

Not necessarily, but Polish can significantly expand your employment options.

Poland's official study portal notes that many jobs do not require knowledge of Polish, while also recommending that international students develop at least a basic understanding of the language.

English-speaking opportunities are more common in international companies, IT, research, shared-service centres, tourism, and businesses that regularly work with foreign customers.

However, Polish is valuable for jobs involving local customers. Even basic phrases can help with workplace communication and everyday interactions.

Students should also consider learning Polish for long-term career development. Strong language skills can make it easier to move from casual student employment into internships and graduate-level positions.

How Much Can Students Earn in Poland?

Student earnings vary according to the industry, contract type, location, experience, and number of hours worked.

For 2026, Poland's statutory minimum wage for employees is PLN 4,806 per month. For certain civil-law contracts, including qualifying contracts of mandate and service contracts, the statutory minimum hourly rate is PLN 31.40 per hour from 1 January 2026.

These figures should not be interpreted as a guaranteed student salary. The applicable minimum depends on the type of contract and circumstances, and deductions for taxes or social insurance may affect take-home pay.

Students should therefore compare the actual contract, expected net income, working hours, commuting expenses, and schedule flexibility before accepting a position.

Best Cities for Student Jobs in Poland

Job availability varies considerably by city.

Warsaw

As Poland's largest business centre, Warsaw offers opportunities in finance, IT, hospitality, retail, customer service, and international companies.

Kraków

Kraków has a large student population and a strong tourism and business-services sector. Hospitality and international-company positions are particularly relevant.

Wrocław

Wrocław is home to numerous universities and international businesses, creating opportunities in technology, business services, customer support, and hospitality.

Gdańsk and the Tri-City Area

Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot offer opportunities connected to tourism, hospitality, logistics, services, and international business.

Poznań

Poznań's business and industrial sectors provide opportunities in areas such as retail, logistics, customer support, and business services.

Where to Find Part-Time Jobs in Poland

A combination of online searches and university resources usually works best.

Job Portals

Poland's official study portal recommends online job boards and specifically points students toward Pracuj.pl.

Other useful searches include terms such as:

  • praca dla studentów — jobs for students
  • praca dodatkowa — additional/part-time work
  • praca na pół etatu — half-time work
  • student job
  • part-time
  • weekend job

Using Polish search terms can reveal vacancies that may not appear in English-language searches.

University Career Services

Check your university's career office, student portal, faculty websites, and campus noticeboards. Universities can be useful sources of research, administration, tutoring, and student-assistant positions.

LinkedIn and Company Websites

International companies often advertise student and working-student positions directly through their career pages and LinkedIn.

Tips for Getting a Part-Time Job

Prepare a Focused CV

Your CV should clearly present your degree, previous experience, language skills, technical abilities, and availability. Tailor it to the position rather than sending exactly the same CV everywhere.

Mention Your Languages

Put English, Polish, and any other languages prominently on your CV. Multilingual skills can be particularly useful in Poland's international business environment.

Be Flexible

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability can make you more attractive to hospitality and retail employers.

Check the Contract

Before starting, understand whether you are being hired under an employment contract, contract of mandate, or another arrangement. The type of contract can affect pay, deductions, benefits, and other employment conditions.

Do Not Ignore Your Studies

Although eligible full-time students may work without a separate work permit, studying remains the main reason for their residence. Poland's official study portal specifically reminds students that attending classes, completing assignments, and passing courses should remain their focus.

Working in Poland After Graduation

Part-time employment can also help international students develop professional contacts before graduation.

Graduates of full-time university studies in Poland have broad access to the labour market and do not require a work permit for employment.

Third-country graduates who want additional time to search for employment or establish a business can also apply, subject to the applicable conditions, for a temporary residence permit for graduates. The permit is granted once for nine months.

This makes relevant student employment particularly useful for students hoping to transition into a professional career in Poland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students work part-time in Poland?

Yes. Eligible full-time international students can generally work without a separate work permit. Non-EU students must hold the appropriate visa or residence status.

How many hours can a student work in Poland?

There is no general 20-hour weekly restriction for eligible full-time students. However, students must comply with their immigration status and ensure employment does not interfere with their studies.

Do I need Polish to find a student job?

No. Some positions are available in English, particularly in international companies, IT, research, tourism, and business services. However, Polish can significantly increase the range of available jobs.

What are the most common student jobs in Poland?

Popular options include hospitality, retail, tutoring, customer service, administration, IT, logistics, research assistance, and university jobs.

What is the minimum hourly wage in Poland in 2026?

For qualifying civil-law contracts subject to the statutory minimum hourly rate, the 2026 rate is PLN 31.40 per hour. The statutory minimum monthly wage for employees is PLN 4,806.

Can I work in Poland after graduating?

Yes. Graduates of full-time university studies in Poland can generally work without a work permit. Eligible third-country graduates may also apply for a nine-month temporary residence permit to seek employment or establish a business.

Conclusion

Part-time jobs in Poland can help international students supplement their income while developing communication, teamwork, technical, and professional skills. Opportunities range from restaurants and retail to tutoring, IT, research, administration, and university employment.

For eligible non-EU students enrolled in full-time studies, one of the major advantages is that a separate work permit is generally not required. However, students in part-time or other educational programmes may have different conditions, so checking their individual residence status is essential.

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