Study abroad·United States· 6 min read

Campus Jobs and Work-Study: Working While Studying in the USA

A factual guide to the Federal Work-Study program and on-campus employment at US universities — how they work, who is eligible, how much you can earn, and what rules apply to international students.

Key facts

Federal Work-Study: Need-based federal aid program; eligibility determined by FAFSA for eligible US students
On-campus employment: Available at most universities regardless of Work-Study award
F-1 on-campus work: Generally permitted up to 20 hours/week during term; full-time during breaks — verify on studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Off-campus work (F-1): Requires specific authorization (CPT, OPT, or other) — verify current rules on uscis.gov
Pay rate: At minimum the applicable federal or state minimum wage; varies by job and institution

What is Federal Work-Study?

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded financial-aid program in the United States that provides part-time employment opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need. It is administered by participating universities under a cost-sharing arrangement with the federal government.

FWS awards appear in a student's financial-aid package if they file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and their school determines eligibility. Having a Work-Study award does not guarantee a specific job — it means you have an award amount you can earn through qualifying employment, typically on campus. Students must then find and apply for FWS-eligible positions posted by their university.

FWS is available to US citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. International students on F-1 visas are generally not eligible for FWS. Verify your eligibility with your university's financial-aid office.

Need-based federal program; award determined via FAFSA
Award appears in financial-aid package — not automatic cash payment
Students must apply for and be hired into FWS-eligible jobs
Earnings go directly to the student (not credited to the university bill)
Not available to most international students — verify eligibility

On-campus employment (outside Work-Study)

Separate from the Work-Study program, most US universities employ students directly in campus jobs — as library assistants, lab aides, dining-hall staff, administrative assistants, campus tour guides, and many other roles. These positions are open regardless of whether a student has a Work-Study award and may be available to international students as well as domestic ones.

On-campus jobs are typically posted through the university's student employment office or an internal job portal. Pay is at least the applicable federal or state minimum wage; higher-skilled or specialized roles may pay more. Availability and hours vary by institution and department.

Work rules for international students (F-1 visa)

F-1 visa holders are generally authorized to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and full-time during official university breaks, without needing additional work authorization. This is a general rule under current federal regulations — specific conditions apply and rules may change.

Off-campus work for F-1 students requires specific authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for work directly related to your program as part of your curriculum, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for work experience in your field before or after graduation. Unauthorized off-campus employment is a serious visa violation.

This information is provided as a factual background summary only and is not immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules change — always verify your current authorization with your Designated School Official (DSO) and consult studyinthestates.dhs.gov and uscis.gov for official current rules before taking any employment.

On-campus work up to 20 hr/week during term generally permitted for F-1 — verify current rules
Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization — not automatic
Unauthorized off-campus work is a visa violation — confirm before accepting any off-campus job
Consult your DSO for guidance specific to your situation
CPT and OPT rules: verify on uscis.gov and with your DSO

Finding and making the most of campus jobs

Campus jobs offer more than income — they build US work experience, professional references, and connections to faculty or staff. Popular on-campus roles include research assistant positions (especially at research universities), teaching assistant or tutoring roles, library and IT support, dining services, and student-affairs roles.

To find openings, check your university's student employment portal, the financial-aid office (for Work-Study listings), and individual department websites. Apply early in the semester, as popular positions fill quickly. Earnings from campus employment are generally taxable income in the United States and must be reported on a tax return. Consult your university's international student office or a tax adviser for guidance on tax obligations.

Check your university's student employment portal early each semester
Research assistant and TA roles can offer higher pay and academic experience
Earnings are generally taxable in the USA — file a tax return as required
International students: consult your international student office for tax guidance

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Federal Work-Study award?

US citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens apply by completing the FAFSA (at studentaid.gov). If your university participates in the FWS program and your financial need qualifies, a Work-Study award may be included in your aid package. International students are generally not eligible for FWS; contact your financial-aid office to confirm.

Can international students work on campus without special authorization?

Yes. F-1 students are generally authorized to work on campus at the institution that issued their I-20, up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during official breaks, without a separate work permit. However, immigration rules carry specific conditions and can change — always verify with your DSO and on studyinthestates.dhs.gov before starting work.

How much can I earn from a campus job?

Pay varies by job, university, and state minimum-wage law. Campus jobs pay at least the applicable minimum wage; skilled or specialized positions may pay more. Work-Study earnings are governed by the FWS award amount — you work until you earn that amount for the year. Verify specific pay rates by reviewing job postings on your university's student employment portal.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Federal Student Aid — Federal Work-Study program; Study in the States — on-campus employment for F-1 students.

Last verified: 2026-06-09.