Part-Time Work as a Student (Japan vs Korea) 2026: The Source-Linked Checklist (Singapore)
TL;DR
Japan (official): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/work-in-japan/part-time-jobs/ Korea (official): https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/work/aboutForeignerEmploymentSystem.do Korea visa verification tool:…
20 Jan 2026, 00:00 Z
Reviewed by
Marcus Pang·Managing Director (Maths)
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> **Q:** Can I work part-time while studying in Japan or Korea?
> \
> **A:** Often yes, but only if you follow the official conditions for your student status and get the required permissions. This guide is intentionally “source-linked”: it tells you where to verify the rules and what to check before you accept a job.
> **TL;DR**
> - Japan (official): https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/work-in-japan/part-time-jobs/
> - Korea (official): https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/work/aboutForeignerEmploymentSystem.do
> - Korea visa verification tool: https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101
> - Don’t plan your budget assuming part-time work will cover everything.
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alt="Students studying and planning together, discussing work and study balance."
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*Status:* Last reviewed 2026-01-20. This is a planning guide, not legal advice. Always verify your current conditions on official pages and follow your university’s international office guidance.
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## 1) Japan: the official rules to read first
Start here (Study in Japan, official):
* https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/work-in-japan/part-time-jobs/
That page explicitly highlights:
* you may need specific permission before working,
* there are conditions you must follow,
* and violating conditions can have serious consequences.
It also warns against unrealistic financial planning that relies on part-time work alone.
---
## 2) Korea: the official rules to read first
Start here (Study in Korea, official):
* https://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ko/work/aboutForeignerEmploymentSystem.do
That page includes a section on:
* part-time work permits for international students,
* eligibility conditions, and
* permissible hours (with caveats and references to official sources).
For visa-category verification, use the Korea Visa Portal’s Visa Navigator:
* https://www.visa.go.kr/openPage.do?MENU_ID=10101
---
## 3) The “before you accept a job” checklist (works for both countries)
Before you accept any part-time job, verify:
* Is part-time work permitted under my student status/visa category?
* Do I need written permission from immigration or my university?
* What are the weekly hour limits (term time vs holidays)?
* Are certain job types prohibited?
* Will this affect my attendance requirements and academic standing?
Then do one practical thing:
* email your university’s international office and ask:
- “What is the correct process for part-time work permission for international students in my programme?”
---
## 4) Budgeting reality check (parents and students)
Even if part-time work is permitted, treat it as:
* “support” money, not “primary funding” money.
Budget checklist:
* https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/scholarships/Japan-vs-Korea-Student-Budget-Singapore-Practical-Cost-Checklist-Guide-2026
---
## 5) Next action (today)
Pick one:
* Read the Japan official part-time page and highlight the rules you must follow.
* Read the Korea official employment-system page and screenshot the “part-time” section for reference.
* If you’re still deciding between Japan and Korea:
- https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/Study-Abroad-Japan-vs-South-Korea-Checklist
