Switzerland is one of the top 20 wealthiest countries in the world and is praised for its excellent standard of living. It is home to several highly-ranked universities and one of the safest countries in Europe. Switzerland is also a popular tourist destination which generates several part-time and full-time jobs every year. So, if you are looking for part-time jobs in Switzerland, this guide will help you explore your options and understand the eligibility criteria, rules and regulations, average pay, and a lot more.
Highlights of the Blogs:
- With a part-time job in Luxembourg, you can earn up to CHF 1,500 (INR 1,45,410) to CHF 1,800 (INR 1,74,490) per month depending on the type of job
- The top companies offering part-time jobs in Switzerland are Nestlé, Migros, and Swiss Post
- The best online sites for searching for part-time jobs are Jobs.ch, Karriere.at, Tutti.ch, and Adia
Brief Overview on Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Switzerland
Switzerland offers international students a supportive environment for part-time work opportunities, balancing a high-quality education with a strong job market. Known for its thriving industries in finance, technology, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality, Switzerland is an attractive destination for students seeking professional experience alongside their studies. Under Swiss law, international students holding a valid student visa can work up to 15 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during semester breaks, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study.
Swiss part-time jobs often lead to valuable networking and potential full-time employment, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel, where multinational companies frequently hire. Additionally, Switzerland's strong visa policies provide international graduates with options to extend their stay if they secure full-time employment, making the transition from student to professional smoother.
Benefits of Doing a Part-Time Job in Switzerland
If you are considering part-time work in Switzerland, you need to know the landscape of student work. There are not one but many benefits of doing part-time jobs in Switzerland, especially for international students. Let us take a look at some of these benefits:
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Cover expenses: The first and foremost advantage of having part-time work in Switzerland is that it will add as a source of income and help you cover a major part of your expenses.
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Work experience: Whether you are doing paid or unpaid work in Switzerland, it will add meaningful work experience to your CV and show your hard work and enthusiasm.
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Financial responsibility: You are on your own while studying abroad. As international students, an important part of your journey in Switzerland will be to manage your expenses and operate within a budget. Having part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students will help you in being mindful of your finances and also develop responsible saving and spending habits.
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Skill enhancement opportunity: Among the several benefits of doing part-time jobs for students in Switzerland is that it will prove to be a worthy skill enhancement opportunity. You will learn to balance your studies and work as well as time management, effective communication, teamwork, initiative, and a lot more.
Suggested: Cost of studying in Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland for International Students
You will have to fulfill some eligibility criteria for part-time jobs in Switzerland to be able to apply for on and off-campus work. The eligibility criteria are quite simple, take a look yourself:
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You must have a valid visa to study in Switzerland and a residence permit as well.
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At least 6 months of your stay in Switzerland must be over at the time you apply for part-time jobs.
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Your intention to work in Switzerland must be specified to the relevant immigration authority.
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Your employer must apply for a work permit at the cantonal Office for Economy and Labor.
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The part-time job you apply for should not exceed 15 hours per week during semesters.
Suggested: Working in Switzerland
Types of Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland
Part-time jobs for international students in Switzerland mainly include on-campus jobs and off-campus jobs. Let us take a look at the different types of part-time jobs available for students in Switzerland:
1. On-campus Jobs
The easiest and most convenient part-time jobs for students in Switzerland are on-campus jobs. Finding jobs on campus will help you save a lot of time and money that would be otherwise spent on traveling. You will be able to easily manage your studies and work because you will be on campus. However, finding jobs on campus is comparatively difficult due to limited opportunities. Some common on-campus job titles are as follows:
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Library assistant
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University cafeteria
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Campus tour guide
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Administrative Office
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Tech support staff
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Teaching Assistant
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Laboratory Assistant
2. Off-campus Jobs
You will find many off-campus part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students. It is advisable to target jobs that are close to your campus. While applying for off-campus jobs, make sure you are adhering to the rules and regulations for part-time work in Switzerland. Take a look at the most commonly available part-time jobs for international students in Switzerland:
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Call center agent
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Private tutor
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Freelance worker
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Tourist guide
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Retail outlets
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Cashier
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Dog walker
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Staff at hotels, resorts, and other tourist destinations
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Security guard
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Housekeeper
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Delivery person
Rules & Regulations of Part-Time Jobs for International Students in Switzerland
Students from EU/ EFTA countries have no restrictions regarding part-time jobs for students in Switzerland. International students with residence permits will have to abide by certain rules and restrictions for part-time jobs in Switzerland for international students. Here are the rules and restrictions regarding part-time jobs in Switzerland that concern you as an international student:
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International students can only work for a maximum of 15 hours per week during the semester while full-time work is allowed during semester breaks.
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As per the 6-month residence rule, international students have to live and study in Switzerland for at least 6 months before applying for part-time jobs for international students in Switzerland.
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Switzerland is known as a multilingual country where several languages including German, French, Italian, and Roman are spoken. You are expected to know at least one language other than English to blend well in your workplace. You can take language courses to become proficient in any of these languages.
Top Companies for Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland
Switzerland is an attractive destination for those seeking part-time work, especially students and expats. Many well-established companies in the country offer flexible hours and competitive wages, allowing part-time employees to balance work with other commitments. Here are some top companies:
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Companies |
Details |
|---|---|
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Nestlé |
Sector: Consumer Goods Roles: Administrative assistants, interns, and customer support roles Nestlé offers part-time roles, especially at their headquarters in Vevey, with flexible schedules for students and professionals. |
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Migros |
Sector: Retail Roles: Cashiers, stock clerks, customer service As one of Switzerland’s largest retailers, Migros frequently hires part-time workers across its numerous stores nationwide. |
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UBS and Credit Suisse |
Sector: Banking and Finance Roles: Financial analysts, administrative support, customer service These major banks offer part-time positions in support roles, including internships and entry-level finance roles. |
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Swiss Post |
Sector: Logistics and Postal Services Roles: Mail carriers, customer service representatives, logistics support Swiss Post provides various part-time opportunities, especially in logistics and customer care |
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Zürich Insurance Group |
Sector: Insurance Roles: Administrative assistants, marketing, customer service Zürich Insurance Group hires part-time staff in roles that support its insurance services and customer relations. |
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McDonald’s |
Sector: Fast Food and Hospitality Roles: Waitstaff, kitchen crew, cashiers McDonald’s offers flexible part-time roles ideal for students and others seeking work with adaptable schedules. |
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Coop |
Sector: Retail Roles: Cashiers, sales assistants, warehouse workers Another major Swiss retailer, Coop has part-time opportunities across Switzerland, particularly in sales and logistics roles. |
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Sector: Technology Roles: Internships, administrative roles, project support Google’s Zurich office offers part-time internships and support roles for students, providing excellent exposure to the tech industry. |
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Swiss International Air Lines |
Sector: Aviation Roles: Customer service agents, ground staff SWISS offers part-time positions at airports and administrative offices, especially suited for those interested in aviation and hospitality. |
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Hiltl |
Sector: Hospitality (Restaurant) Roles: Kitchen assistants, waitstaff, baristas As one of Switzerland’s renowned vegetarian restaurants, Hiltl provides flexible part-time work in its busy hospitality settings. |
Average Part-Time Salary For International Students in Switzerland
If you are looking for a minimum wage for part-time jobs in Switzerland, let us tell you that there is no fixed minimum wage rate in Switzerland. You can expect to be paid around 20-26 CHF per hour for various part-time jobs in Switzerland.
Average Pay Scale
The average wage for part-time work in Switzerland is 23 CHF per hour and you can expect to earn around 2,200 to 2,800 CHF per month. Take a look at the table below to learn more about job fields and their respective average pay per hour:
|
Job Field |
Average Pay Per Hour |
|---|---|
|
Library Assistant |
CHF 22 (INR 2,130) |
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Teaching Assistant |
CHF 24 (INR 2,330) |
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Tourist Guide |
CHF 20 (INR 1,940) |
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Private Tutor |
CHF 21 (INR 2,040) |
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Dog Walker |
CHF 16 (INR 1,550) |
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Housekeeper |
CHF 18 (INR 1,750) |
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Delivery Person |
CHF 23 (INR 2,230) |
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Security Guard |
CHF 24 (INR 2,330) |
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Call Center Agent |
CHF 22 (INR 2,140) |
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Retail Assistant |
CHF 24 (INR 2,330) |
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Waitstaff |
CHF 19 (INR 1,350) |
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Administrative Assistant |
CHF 27 (INR 2,620) |
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Event Staff |
CHF 21 (INR 2,040) |
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Babysitter |
CHF 25 (INR 2,810) |
Ways to Find a Part-Time Job in Switzerland
You can track down part-time jobs in Switzerland through various sources. Before you start looking for part-time jobs for international students in Switzerland, make sure you have your CV, cover letter, and educational records in one place. Some of the ways are mentioned below:
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Job portals: There are several job portals available to find and apply for part-time jobs for students in Switzerland according to your preference of location, type of work you are interested in, hours of work, etc.
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University career service: Your university’s career service will also keep you informed regarding part-time jobs in Switzerland and also publish job openings on campus through bulletin boards.
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Recruitment agencies: You can register with recruitment agencies to receive regular job updates that match your skills and interests and also get help in applying and appearing for interviews.
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Newspapers: Local newspapers advertise job openings around you with all relevant details.
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Networking: Job positions in Switzerland are commonly filled through references and contacts. Keeping in touch with people who can help you apply for jobs can be of great help. You can also join professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to find potential job opportunities in Switzerland.
Online Platform To Find Part-Time Jobs in Switzerland
Searching for part-time jobs in Switzerland is convenient with a variety of online platforms catering to different industries and work styles. Whether you’re a student or professional seeking flexible work, these job portals offer a range of options suited to your needs. Here are some of the top sites for finding part-time roles across Switzerland:
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Jobs.ch
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Indeed
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Glassdoor
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JobScout24
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LinkedIn
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StudentJob.ch
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Karriere.at
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JobUp.ch
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Tutti.ch
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Adia
From the Desk of Yocket
Navigating part-time work as an international student in Switzerland opens doors to income, experience, and skill-building opportunities while balancing studies. From on-campus roles to positions in renowned Swiss companies, these jobs not only cover living expenses but also offer valuable insights into Swiss culture and work practices. Just remember to follow the rules on working hours, eligibility, and required permits to make the most of your experience.
For personalized support on finding part-time jobs, securing necessary permits, or any study-abroad questions, Book a consultation call today with Yocket experts to get one-on-one guidance tailored to your journey in Switzerland. Let our experts help you achieve a smooth, successful study and work experience!
