Best part-time jobs for international students in Finland
If you’re an international student moving to Finland, one of the first questions you’ll probably have is: how can I earn some extra money while studying—especially if I don’t speak Finnish yet?
The good news is that Finland offers a wide range of part-time jobs for students, many of which do not require Finnish language skills. Whether you’re looking to gain experience in your field, earn some income, or simply stay active alongside your studies, here are some of the most popular options.
1. Exam guard duty
If you study at a Finnish university, you might have the chance to work as an exam supervisor or “invigilator”. Professors rarely supervise their own exams, so universities often hire students to handle this task.
Your main duties include checking student IDs, ensuring that exams are conducted fairly, preventing cheating or plagiarism, and helping with any exam-related questions. Shifts typically last around four to five hours, depending on the length of the exam, and the pay varies by university.
To find these opportunities, keep an eye on your university’s mailing lists or ask your professors about who to contact for exam supervision roles. These jobs are not only simple but also a great way to earn a bit of extra cash within your own campus community.
2. Research and teaching assistant jobs
Working as a research assistant, course assistant, or lab assistant is one of the most valuable part-time roles you can get as a student in Finland. These jobs not only pay fairly well but also enhance your learning and CV at the same time.
You’ll often help professors with data collection, grading, lab work, or administrative tasks related to research projects. Since the work is usually within your own university, it’s easy to combine with your studies. Working as a research, course, teaching or lab assistant is one of the best opportunities available to students in Finland. Here’s why:
It supports your studies with practical experience in your own field.
It’s on campus and easy to combine with lectures.
The pay is usually quite good.
It looks excellent on your CV — both inside and outside academia.
Most assistant roles are posted on university career portals and mailing lists. However, if you’re interested in a particular research topic or project, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to professors or research groups.
3. Summer jobs in your field
Summer jobs are a big part of Finnish student life. From May to August, companies across all industries hire students for short-term positions ranging from junior trainees to more advanced associate roles. Universities also offer summer jobs in research, communications, and administration.
Most summer jobs are advertised between December and March, so start applying early. You can find listings on your university’s career site, general job boards, and company websites.
Pro tip: Even if you don’t land your dream position right away, Finnish employers value persistence and motivation—so apply widely, and don’t hesitate to follow up politely if you don’t hear back.
4. Internships in Finland
Internships are another excellent way for international students to gain practical experience while studying — and they often open the door to full-time positions after graduation.
Most large companies in Finland hire interns once or twice a year, with the busiest recruitment periods happening between August and October. Some organizations also have smaller spring or summer rounds, depending on their project needs.
Internships in Finland are available in almost every field:
Business and finance
IT and software development
Engineering and design
Marketing and communications
Research and sustainability
For international students, internships are often the easiest way to enter the Finnish job market because companies are used to recruiting students with various backgrounds and language skills. Many international companies, especially in the Helsinki metropolitan area, operate fully in English.
You can find internship openings on:
University career portals (for example, Aalto JobTeaser or JobTeaser.fi for many universities)
Company websites under the “Careers” section
Job boards like Oikotie, Duunitori, and LinkedIn
Pro tip: even if a company doesn’t have an open internship listed, you can still reach out proactively with a short, tailored message expressing your interest. Finnish recruiters appreciate initiative, and many internship opportunities are never publicly advertised.
5. Mail sorting and delivery
Mail and newspaper delivery jobs are a surprisingly good option for students, especially if you’re a morning person. Working for Posti (Finland’s national postal service), you’ll sort and deliver mail by bicycle, car, or electric scooter.
Most shifts start early in the morning, around 6:30 am, so the job won’t interfere with your studies. It’s active, flexible, and lets you spend time outdoors—which can be quite refreshing compared to sitting in front of a laptop all day.
More information on open positions can be found directly on Posti’s website.
6. Restaurant jobs
Many international students find part-time work in restaurants and cafés, particularly in casual dining or take-away establishments. Tasks may include dishwashing, preparing orders, cashier work, or general kitchen assistance.
Before you apply, make sure to get a hygiene passport, a mandatory certificate that proves you understand proper food handling practices. You can find official hygiene passport test providers online and in most cities across Finland.
Be aware that some restaurants—especially fine-dining or high-end bars—require formal hospitality qualifications and fluent Finnish skills. Focus instead on local lunch spots, cafés, and fast-food chains, which are generally more open to hiring English-speaking students.
Unfortunately, there are also employers who might try to exploit inexperienced workers by offering illegal cash payments or below-minimum wages. Always ask for a proper payslip, and make sure your employer pays the required taxes and pension contributions. Getting paid “under the table” is illegal and can cause serious issues later on.
A great way to apply is the traditional one: print your CV, visit nearby restaurants in person, and introduce yourself briefly. The best times to visit are early in the morning or after lunch hours—never during the lunch rush.
7. Cleaning jobs
Cleaning jobs are widely available in Finland and come in many forms—from offices and schools to restaurants and even public transport stations. Some companies also offer house-cleaning services.
The hours are often flexible and the pay is fair. For example, you might work early mornings or evenings, allowing you to balance the job with your studies. These roles are straightforward and can be a good option if you want something stable without complex requirements.
You can apply directly through the websites of major cleaning companies or check job portals for open positions.
8. Food delivery
If flexibility is your top priority, food delivery might be the best option. Companies like Wolt and Foodora allow you to set your own working hours, making it ideal for busy students.
You don’t necessarily need a car for this job—in fact, it can be cheaper and faster to deliver by bicycle or electric scooter, especially in city centres like Helsinki or Tampere. Just make sure to calculate your costs carefully if you’re considering driving, as fuel, taxes, and maintenance can quickly eat into your earnings.
9. Blogger or vlogger for your university
Here’s a lesser-known but exciting option: becoming a student content creator for your university. Many Finnish universities, such as Aalto University and the University of Oulu, hire students to share their study experiences on social media and university blogs.
This is not only a creative way to earn money but also an incredible opportunity to build your portfolio and personal brand. In fact, this is how I originally started my own channel—collaborating with my university while learning tons of useful media skills.
If this sounds interesting, reach out to your university’s marketing or communications team, or check their career pages for openings.
Final thoughts
Working part-time in Finland as an international student is not only a great way to earn extra money but also an excellent opportunity to learn about Finnish work culture and gain real-world experience. Whether you’re interested in academic work, delivery gigs, or creative projects, there’s something for everyone.
Just remember to keep your student residence permit conditions in mind—international students can work up to 30 hours per week on average during the academic year.