Working during your study

Usually you will have sufficient time during your studies to earn some extra money. Regardless of whether you actually need the money, it’s always wise to work while you study. You'll gain valuable work experience and you'll meet lots of people, which may be useful during and after your study.

Many students find a part-time job doing catering, babysitting or working in a call centre or a shop. You can also try to look for a job more in line with your study as this may be useful for the future. The Hague has a number of specialised student temp agencies. Since most student job websites are in Dutch, it's best to drop by a temp agency in person to get registered.

Here are a few websites to get you started:

• Student Talent
• StudentenWerk
• Stufee
• Den Haag XL
• ASA Student Den Haag

The Hague offers plenty of great jobs, not just for the locals but for international students as well. If you are planning to work in the Netherlands, it is wise to check whether you meet the requirements.  Some students, depending on their country of origin, are only allowed to work a maximum of 10 hours per week. The website of Nuffic has more information on working while studying.

How much will you earn?

Once you have found a job, you need to agree on your salary. The Netherlands has determined minimum wages depending on the employee's age. If you are between 15 and 23 years, you will receive at least the minimum wage for youth. You can find the exact amounts on the Dutch government website under the theme ‘Working conditions'. You can also download the brochure The minimum wage, everyone is entitled to it.

Your new employer might have a collective labour agreement, which is called the CAO in the Netherlands. A CAO contains agreements about salaries and working hours. It also helps you to verify your salary range. Of course, it’s also possible to agree upon a salary with your new supervisor.

Earning money on top of a student grant

If you receive a student grant, an extra earnings limit applies. Every year, the IB-groep determines the amount you are allowed to earn in addition to your student grant. The maximum amount is about € 13,000 in supplementary income per year. Please visit the website of the IB-groep for the exact amount and what you should do if you expect to earn more than this.

Paying taxes

In some cases, international students have to pay taxes. Whether or not this applies to you depends on the agreements made between your country of origin and the Netherlands. Please consult your tax department for more information.