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Are part-time work opportunities available to help manage living expenses while studying abroad in UAE/Italy?

31 Aug 2026 · Answered by Gagandeep Singh · 2 min read
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Yes, part-time work is available in both the UAE and Italy, though rules differ. The UAE requires a MOHRE work permit and university NOC, capping hours around 15 to 20 weekly, with zero income tax. Italy caps work at 20 hours weekly, requiring a Codice Fiscale before starting any job.

Gagandeep Singh
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If you are studying in the UAE or Italy, you can take on part-time work to help manage your day-to-day costs, but you should not expect it to cover your full tuition and living expenses in either country. Each country has its own legal framework governing how many hours you can work and what paperwork you need first. Understanding these differences will help you plan your budget realistically before you arrive.

Work Rules and Limits: UAE vs Italy

FeatureUnited Arab EmiratesItaly
Weekly Hour LimitAround 15 to 20 hours (per university NOC)20 hours per week (strict cap)
Annual Hour LimitBound by contract, not a fixed yearly number1,040 hours maximum per year
Legal AuthorizationStudent Visa plus university NOC plus MOHRE work permitStudent Residence Permit plus Codice Fiscale
Income Tax0% income taxTaxable, though the first 8,500 euros a year is generally exempt

Typical Jobs and Earnings in Each Country

In the UAE, you need a No Objection Certificate from your university, usually requiring a GPA of 2.5 or higher, before an employer can sponsor your part-time work permit through MOHRE, and private tutoring here can pay as much as AED 75 to 150 per hour. In Italy, your residence permit for study automatically allows part-time work once you obtain a Codice Fiscale, and options include collaborazione 150 ore campus contracts paying around 8 to 10 euros hourly, or tourism and hospitality roles in cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan. In both countries, your earnings will help with variable pocket expenses but will not cover your full tuition and housing costs on their own.

My Advice

Secure your core funding for tuition and housing before you travel, and treat part-time work in either the UAE or Italy strictly as a supplement to cover day-to-day costs like groceries and local transport.

How much can you actually earn part-time in Italy?

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