Cyprus has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for international students—thanks to affordable tuition fees, English-taught programs, and a safe Mediterranean lifestyle. For International students, Cyprus is even more appealing because it offers good part-time work opportunities, reasonable living costs, and a friendly international environment.
To ensure students work safely and legally, Cyprus has clear work rules for non-EU students. This guide explains everything about working in Cyprus as an international student, including hours, salary, job options, documents, and the special 5-month vacation period when students can work full time.
1. Can Students Work in Cyprus?
Yes, they can.
International students are allowed to work part-time while studying, but only under specific legal conditions and only in approved job sectors.
2. Work Rules for International Students in Cyprus (2025)
Cyprus has specific work guidelines for non-EU students:
2.1 Work Authorization
You must receive official work approval before starting any job.
Allowed Work Hours During Semester
- a. 20 hours per week
- b. Allowed only in approved sectors
- c. Work must not interfere with class schedules
The 5-Month Vacation Period (Full-Time Work Allowed!)
One of the biggest advantages for international students in Cyprus is the long vacation period of up to 5 months every year.
During this period, students are legally allowed to work full-time—usually 30 to 38 hours per week, depending on the employer and job sector.
What is the 5-month vacation period?
Most universities in Cyprus follow this academic structure:
- -Studies run for 7 months (2 semesters)
- -Students then get a long 5-month vacation/break
This long break is mainly between:
May → September
Why is this important?
Students can work full-time for 5 months- Earnings can go up to €900–€1,200 per month
- Many students save money for next semester
- Tourism & hospitality sectors offer high-demand jobs in summer
This is one of the biggest reasons Cyprus is considered a budget-friendly European study destination.
3. Allowed Job Sectors for Students in Cyprus
Students are legally allowed to work only in specific industries:
3.1 Food & Hospitality
- -Restaurants
- -Cafés
- -Hotels
- -Catering
3.2 Retail & Supermarkets
- -Mini markets
- -Bakeries
- -Grocery shops
3.3 Agriculture & Farming
- -Greenhouses
- -Seasonal picking
3.4 Cleaning & Support Services
- -Housekeeping
- -Office cleaning
3.5 Delivery & Logistics
- -Delivery helper
- -Warehouse support
3.6 Car Wash Jobs
- -Car wash assistant
- -Vehicle cleaning
4. Work Permit Process
Students cannot begin working until official permission is issued.
Steps:
Find an employer
Employer submits your documents to the Labour Department
Approval issued in 2–4 weeks
You can start working legally
5. Student Salary in Cyprus (2025)
Hourly Salary Range:
- €5–€7 per hour – regular shifts
- €7–€9 per hour – night/weekend/holiday shifts
Monthly Earnings:
- During semester: €400–€650
- During 5-month full-time vacation: €900–€1,200
The 5-month vacation is the main time when students can earn well.
6. Cost of Living for Students
With part-time work + full-time summer work, students can comfortably manage expenses.
| Expense | Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
| Rent | €250–€350 |
| Food | €150–€220 |
| Transport | €20–€30 |
| Phone/Internet | €20 |
| Miscellaneous | €50–€80 |
| Total Monthly Cost | €450–€650 |
7. Types of Part-Time Jobs
Popular student jobs include:
Restaurants & Cafés:
Waiter, dishwasher, kitchen helper.
Hotels & Tourism:
Housekeeping, cleaning, support staff.
Retail:
Shelf restock, packer, helper.
Delivery Jobs:
Food delivery, store delivery.
Car Wash:
Vehicle cleaning, customer help.
Agriculture:
Seasonal picking, greenhouse work.
8. Language Requirements
English is enough for most jobs.
Basic Greek helps in:
- -Customer-facing jobs
- -Faster job placement
- -Higher salary opportunities
9. How to Find Jobs in Cyprus
Online Job Portals
- -CyprusJobs.com
- -JobsCyprus.com
- -CareerJet
- -Facebook groups (very active)
Walk-In Applications
Restaurants, hotels, and shops accept CVs directly.
Networking
Most International students find jobs through friends and seniors.
10. Important Rules to Avoid Visa Problems
- Do not work without a permit
- Do not exceed weekly hour limits
- Work only in approved sectors
- Keep your residence permit valid
- Inform employer if you change jobs
Cyprus immigration is strict—following rules is important.
11. Taxes for Students
Students often pay very low or zero tax because their income is low. Some small deductions (1–3%) for social insurance may apply.
12. After Graduation: Can Students Work Full-Time?
Yes. After studies, students may apply for:
1. Standard Work Permit
- -Tourism, hotel, hospitality, services.
2. EU Blue Card
- -For skilled jobs (IT, engineering, business).
- -Cyprus has growing demand in:
- -Tourism & hospitality
- -IT & digital services
- -Business administration
- -Logistics
Conclusion
Cyprus is a student-friendly European study destination that allows international students to work legally, earn enough to manage living expenses, and enjoy a peaceful lifestyle. With the 5-month full-time vacation period and regular 20-hour work rules, students can balance study, earnings, and experience effectively.
For International students seeking affordable education, safe living, and job opportunities, Cyprus remains a practical and promising choice.
