Many Bangladeshi students dream of working part-time to earn money, gain experience, and ease their living expenses while studying abroad.
But here’s the catch:
Each country has different laws, limits, and permissions for international students.
At PathBridge Education, we ensure you understand what’s allowed — and what’s not — in each Southeast Asian country we serve. This guide breaks down where you can work, how many hours, and what kind of jobs you can do legally as an international student.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
✅ Allowed
Yes — international students can work part-time, but only under specific conditions.
| Rule | Details |
| Hours allowed | 20 hours per week (during semester breaks or holidays only) |
| Types of jobs allowed | Restaurants, mini-marts, hotels, petrol stations |
| Jobs not allowed | Cashier roles, massage/spa centers, or any job that impacts moral character |
| Work permit needed? | Yes — apply through EMGS and university’s international office |
PathBridge Tip:
Plan to work during semester breaks, not regular weeks — working without permission can risk visa cancellation.
🇸🇬 Singapore
✅ Allowed
Yes — international students at approved universities can work part-time during term and full-time during holidays.
| Rule | Details |
| Hours allowed | 16 hours per week during term |
| Holiday work | Full-time allowed |
| Eligible institutions | Must be a full-time student at a government-approved institution (e.g., NUS, NTU, SIM, PSB Academy) |
| Work permit needed? | No — but you must inform your school |
Common Jobs:
Retail assistant, event crew, café server, tutoring, admin support.
✅ Singapore also offers Internship and Training Employment Pass for post-study work.
🇹🇭 Thailand
⚠️ Restricted
Thailand does not officially allow international students to work part-time under a student visa.
| Rule | Details |
| Part-time allowed? | ❌ No legal provision under student visa |
| Exceptions | Some internships arranged by the university |
| Risks | Working illegally can result in deportation or visa cancellation |
PathBridge Tip:
Focus on paid internships during semester breaks or explore project assistant roles within campus.
🇵🇭 Philippines
⚠️ Limited & Case-Specific
The Philippines has limited provisions for international student employment.
| Rule | Details |
| Part-time allowed? | Rare — only with approval from Commission on Higher Education (CHED) |
| Internships? | Allowed if arranged via university or program |
| On-campus jobs | May be allowed with university permission |
| Off-campus work | Usually not permitted under regular student visa |
Advice:
Use this time to focus on studies, networking, and skills training. Explore part-time options only if approved officially.
🇮🇩 Indonesia
⚠️ Not Allowed
Indonesia currently does not allow part-time jobs under the standard student visa.
| Rule | Details |
| Work permitted? | ❌ Not under student visa |
| Alternatives | Volunteer work, internships organized by school |
| Risk | Working illegally may result in fines or deportation |
✅ However, students can take internships or training programs via their university with proper documentation.
💬 Summary Table
| Country | Part-Time Allowed | Max Hours / Notes |
| Malaysia | ✅ Yes | 20 hrs/week (semester break only) |
| Singapore | ✅ Yes | 16 hrs/week (term) / full-time (breaks) |
| Thailand | ⚠️ Not officially | Only internships via university |
| Philippines | ⚠️ Very limited | On-campus only, case-by-case |
| Indonesia | ❌ Not allowed | Only academic internships |
📚 Smart Advice for Students
“Part-time jobs should support your study journey — not distract from it.”
- ✅ Always prioritize academic performance
- ✅ Never work without permission
- ✅ Use part-time work to improve communication and job-readiness
- ✅ Avoid jobs that are cash-based and undocumented
🎓 Final Words for Parents
At PathBridge Education, we ensure:
- Your child understands what’s legal and safe
- You stay informed about part-time job regulations
- We help your child explore internships and on-campus roles where available
📞 Want Personalized Guidance?
Book a Free Career & Work Eligibility Consultation today — and we’ll explain exactly what’s possible in your child’s chosen country.
