Student job in Belgium: use your 650 hours wisely

Are you wondering how to make smart use of your 650 student job hours in Belgium? Since 1 January 2025, the annual quota has increased to 650 hours, giving students more flexibility to work during the academic year or over the summer. But the goal is not just to work as many hours as possible: what matters most is knowing how to spread them out based on your objectives, your study rhythm, and your plans.

Used wisely, these 650 hours can help you fund a project, explore a sector before starting an internship, or build useful early work experience for the future. A good habit is also to keep an eye on your counter via My Student at Work, especially if you work for several employers.

What happens after the 650 hours?

After your 650 student job hours, you can still continue working, but you will no longer benefit from reduced social security contributions. From that point on, ordinary social security contributions apply, which may make your net pay less attractive. That is why it is best to check your counter before accepting additional hours.

How can you check your counter on My Student at Work?

You can check at any time how many hours you still have left via 👉 My Student at Work. This is important if you work for several employers, because all your hours are counted within the same annual quota of 650 hours.

Family allowances: what rules apply depending on your region?

The rules vary depending on where you live.

In Brussels, the general limit is 240 hours per quarter if you want to keep your family allowances. The exception is the third quarter (July to September), when this limit may be exceeded if you return to your studies after the summer.

In Wallonia, you can work up to 650 hours per year under a student contract without affecting your family allowances. Beyond that, another limit of 240 hours per quarter applies under employee status.

In Flanders, you can keep the Groeipakket if you work up to 650 hours per year under a student contract, and up to 80 hours per month under another type of contract.

Mistakes to avoid with your 650 hours

1.Not tracking your Student@work counter

You can go over your limit without realising it, especially if you work for several employers.

2.Signing without reading your contract (or being pushed into self-employed status)

If you are offered a status that does not match your reality as a student, take the time to check it carefully. If in doubt, contact your family allowance fund or social security office.

3.Sacrificing your studies to “make the most” of your hours

650 hours is a lot, so protect your exam periods and your sleep.

👉 Find a student job in Belgium via Student

3 smart ways to use your 650 hours

✈️ Élodie, 20: funding a project

Élodie wants to go on Erasmus without blowing her budget. She keeps a few shifts during the academic year, then works more during the summer in the tourism sector.

Bekijk ook onze lijst van studentenjobs!

Key takeaway: she uses her 650 hours to fund a concrete goal without letting work interfere too much with her studies.

🚀 Yann, 23: turning a student job into a career springboard

Yann is looking for a job that will be useful later on. He chooses a role related to marketing and adds a few extra shifts at weekends.

Key takeaway: his hours bring in money, but also experience and valuable skills for his future career.

💻 Sami, 19: opening a real door

Sami works in retail and gradually takes on more responsibility. His student job allows him to show that he is reliable and to prepare for what comes next.

Key takeaway: a student job can also become a real gateway to your first professional opportunity.

FAQ

Are the 650 hours reset every year?

Yes. The 650 student job hour counter is reset every calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December.

This means that every student gets a new full quota of 650 hours each year.

Can you have several student jobs at the same time in Belgium?

Yes, a student can work for several employers at the same time under a student employment contract.

However, all hours worked are added together in the same annual counter of 650 hours.

How can you spread your student job hours wisely throughout the year?

Spread your hours based on your objective: work a little during the academic year if you want regular income, and more during the summer if you want to fund a project. The important thing is not to use them all too quickly.

Can a student job really help you find a first job later on?

Yes. A student job can strengthen your CV, help you gain experience, and give you a useful first reference for the future. Employers tend to favour candidates who already have professional experience, even if it comes from a student job.

Do the 650 hours have an impact on taxes?

Yes. Even as a student worker, you still have to file a tax return. However, whether or not you actually pay taxes depends on your income and the tax thresholds that apply in that year.