Student jobs and internships in European countries

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can work in Spain without any permit, just like Spanish students.

• University internships (prácticas académicas externas) are part of your studies and do not have to be paid. Since 1 January 2024 students on internships – paid or unpaid – are registered with the Social Security by the university, company or training centre: you are covered (e.g. for accidents) and the time counts towards your pension.
• After graduation you can be hired on a training contract to gain work experience (contrato formativo); pay follows the collective agreement and may not be lower than the minimum wage.
• Seasonal jobs: tourism and farming hire many extra workers – for example for the grape harvest in September.

Students from outside the EU with a long-term study stay for higher education may work for up to 30 hours a week without a separate work permit, as long as the job is compatible with their studies.

Thinking of studying there first? See Studying in Spain – practical information.