Part-Time Jobs for Students
How to find part-time work in the Netherlands: popular jobs, where to look, and what to expect. Earn extra income, build local experience, and meet people outside your programme. Study in NL also shares practical job-hunting tips for students and internationals.
Already Covered: Work Rules & Visa
For right to work and the work rules (hour limits, permits, etc.) as an international student in the Netherlands, see our Working on Student Visa guide.
Popular Part-Time Jobs for Students
Common, student-friendly roles you see across Dutch cities
Hospitality (Horeca)
Café / restaurant staff (waiter, barista, kitchen assistant), hotel front desk, housekeeping
What to expect: Evening/weekend shifts; fast pace; Dutch helps, but English can be enough in bigger cities and tourist areas.
Retail and Supermarkets
Cashier, shelf-stacking, store assistant
What to expect: Structured shifts; reliable hours; sometimes basic Dutch is preferred.
Delivery and Quick-Commerce
Food delivery rider, grocery delivery, warehouse picker/packer
What to expect: Flexible scheduling; physically active; weather-proof gear matters.
Logistics and Warehouses
Order picking, packing, sorting
What to expect: Early/late shifts; often English-friendly; agencies frequently recruit for these roles.
Customer Service and Support
Call centre, chat/email support (especially if you speak multiple languages)
What to expect: Strong communication skills; sometimes remote / hybrid options.
On-Campus and University Roles
Student assistant, library/helpdesk, events support, research assistant (field-dependent)
What to expect: Many universities advertise student vacancies via internal career portals.
Tutoring and Freelance Gigs
Tutoring (maths, languages), design, coding, translation, social media
What to expect: You will need a clear portfolio/profile and reliable availability.
Where to Look for Part-Time Jobs
Five channels to explore — start with multiple at once
Your University Career Services (Often Underrated)
Check your university's career portal and faculty mailing lists. Some institutions explicitly point students to internal vacancy channels and affiliated agencies.
Big Job Boards and Student Job Sites
Common starting points include:
Student Staffing Agencies
Agencies can be especially useful for short shifts and flexible work (hospitality, logistics, events). Examples include large recruiters and student-focused agencies in many cities.
English-Speaking Job Pages
If your Dutch isn't strong yet, use "English-speaking" filters and expat/student job pages (availability varies by city and sector).
Local Networks
Don't underestimate classmates and housemates, student associations, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook housing groups (often also share job leads).
What Employers Typically Expect
A Practical, "Dutch-Style" CV
Keep it clear and structured (1 page is often enough for student roles). For inspiration, universities and career services provide sample CV guidance.
Availability and Reliability
- Consistent weekly availability (e.g., 2–3 fixed days)
- Willingness to work evenings / weekends
- Showing up on time (this matters a lot in NL work culture)
Basic Admin Readiness
Many employers will ask for:
- Your BSN
- A Dutch bank account (or an EU IBAN)
- A copy of your ID/passport
Sort your BSN and bank setup early so you don't lose offers due to admin delays.
Tips to Find a Job Faster
Search by city + "English" + job type (e.g., "Utrecht English warehouse", "Rotterdam barista English").
Apply in batches: 10–20 applications/week beats 1–2 "perfect" applications.
Walk-in for Horeca: many cafés/restaurants still hire via quick in-person chats (bring a short printed CV).
Be honest about schedule: exam periods and holidays. Dutch employers prefer clarity over last-minute changes.
Learn survival Dutch: even basic phrases can make you more employable (and improve customer-facing confidence).
What to Expect After You Start Working
Payslips and Tax
You'll receive payslips (loonstroken). Depending on your income, you may be eligible for a tax refund after filing an annual return.
Health Insurance Impact
In many cases, working can change what health insurance you must have. See our Health Insurance for Students guide for details.
Don't Forget the Legal Rules!
This page focuses on job hunting, not work authorisation. Before you accept an offer, read our Working on Student Visa guide.
Need Help Finding a Job?
StudyPath helps international students navigate job hunting in the Netherlands — from CV tips to understanding your work rights.
- CV review and Dutch-style formatting tips
- Work permit and visa rules explained clearly
- Job search strategy tailored to your city and language skills
- Admin checklist — BSN, bank account, insurance sorted
- Ongoing support as you settle into your first role