Student jobs in Belgium: what age, how many hours? We explain everything!

Finding a student job in Belgium is an interesting option for young people who want to combine studies and work. Whether you're still in high school, pursuing higher education, or looking for some extra income, student jobs are accessible to people of nearly all ages. But what exactly are the conditions based on your age, how many hours can you work, and what tax benefits can you claim? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to manage your student job in Belgium, depending on your age and situation.

At what age can you start working as a student in Belgium?

The first question many young people ask is simple: at what age can you start working in Belgium? Belgian legislation is quite clear on this. You can start working as a student as soon as you turn 15, as long as you have completed the first two years of secondary education. This means that once you’ve finished these two years, you can enter the workforce. If you're 16 or older, you can start without any special conditions.

At 15 or 16, you’re probably looking for a student job for the holidays or weekends to earn a little pocket money or save for future projects. Many sectors are open to young workers: fast food, supermarkets, clothing stores, and amusement parks.

However, even though you can work from the age of 15, there are some restrictions in place for minors. For example, if you're under 18, you’re not allowed to work at night (between 8 PM and 6 AM), and you can’t do dangerous or physically demanding jobs. These protective measures ensure that your job doesn’t affect your health, safety, or studies.

How many hours can you work in a student job in Belgium based on your age?

The regulation of working hours for students in Belgium is quite flexible, but it’s also well-regulated to protect young workers. As a student, regardless of your age, you have a quota of 600 working hours per year. This quota applies to all students enrolled in a school or university, and it can be used flexibly: during holidays, weekends, or even during the school year.

These 600 hours allow you to benefit from tax and social advantages, notably through reduced social security contributions. This means that you only pay 2.71% in social security contributions on your salary as a student, compared to 13.07% for regular workers. This allows you to keep more of your salary, which is a real advantage for young people who want to save while studying.

If you exceed this quota of 600 hours, you’ll be subject to normal social security contributions, which will directly affect your net salary. To avoid this situation, it’s crucial to manage your working hours throughout the year. The Student@Work app is a very practical tool that lets you track in real-time the number of hours you’ve already worked and how many you have left.

Working hours for minors

If you're under 18, there are additional restrictions regarding working hours. Minors cannot work more than 8 hours a day, or more than 40 hours a week. Additionally, mandatory breaks are imposed to ensure you don’t spend too much time working without resting. For example, after 4.5 hours of work, you must have a break of at least 30 minutes.

Regarding working hours, you cannot work at night or do overtime if you are a minor. These rules are in place to ensure you don’t overexert yourself and can continue to focus on your studies.

Student jobs and tax benefits: what you need to know based on your age

One of the major advantages of working as a student in Belgium is the tax benefits. As long as you stay under a certain income threshold, you won’t have to pay taxes. For the year 2024, the income ceiling is set at €10,570 net per year. If you earn less than this amount, you will not be subject to income tax. It's great to be Belgian! However, if you exceed this amount, a portion of your income will be taxable. It’s important to track your earnings to avoid any surprises when filing your tax return.

For your parents, the fact that you work doesn’t mean they will automatically lose their family allowances. As long as you don’t work more than 240 hours per quarter outside of school holidays, they will continue to receive these allowances. So it’s perfectly possible to work regularly while keeping this support, but be careful to respect this hourly limit to avoid losing the benefit.

What types of student jobs can you find in Belgium based on your age?

The type of student job you can get depends not only on your age but also on your experience and skills. Here are some examples of the most common types of jobs for each age group.

15-18 years: Entry-level jobs available from high school

If you’re still in high school or have just finished your first years of study, you can start with "classic" student jobs. These jobs are often available to young people from the age of 15 and are perfect for those who don’t have much professional experience yet. Some sectors that regularly hire young workers include:

• Horeca: McDonald’s, Quick, Burger King, or even independent restaurants often look for young people for server, cashier, or kitchen assistant positions. These jobs are usually flexible and student-friendly.
• Supermarkets: Delhaize, Carrefour, or Colruyt regularly offer positions as cashiers, stockers, or customer service reps. These jobs are particularly popular among young people looking to work weekends or during school holidays.
• Babysitting: Another popular job for young people is babysitting. If you enjoy spending time with children, this is a great way to earn money while keeping a flexible schedule.

These early jobs are ideal for familiarizing yourself with the world of work while earning some pocket money. They also help you develop essential skills such as time management, customer service, and communication. You can also look for other student job opportunities by clicking here.

18-21 years: Jobs with more responsibilities

Once you turn 18, the opportunities expand. You can now apply for student jobs that require more responsibility and autonomy. At this age, you can start working in more diverse and professional sectors. Some examples include:

• Remote work: With the rise of remote work, it's now possible to find student jobs online. This can include content moderation, social media management, or article writing.
• Sales and marketing: If you’re interested in business or marketing, some companies offer positions in customer relations or marketing assistance. This can include managing ad campaigns or organizing events.

These student jobs allow you to acquire more specific skills that will help you in your future career while still working flexibly based on your schedule.

21-25 years: Internships and professional missions to prepare for the future

If you’re older and nearing the end of your studies, it’s time to look for opportunities that will help you prepare for your entry into the professional world. At this age, you can consider paid internships, fixed-term contracts, or even freelance work. These experiences will help you gain valuable experience and build a professional network.

Internships: Companies often offer paid internships to students nearing graduation. These internships allow you to work on real projects related to your studies and learn to navigate a professional environment.

Freelance: If you have specific skills, such as programming, graphic design, or translation, you can also start freelancing. This allows you to work independently while gaining experience in your field.

These types of student jobs are especially valuable if you're at the end of your academic journey and looking to gain experience before entering the professional world.

How to find a student job in Belgium, no matter your age?

Looking for a student job can sometimes feel tricky, especially if it's your first time. Luckily, in Belgium, there are plenty of resources to help you find a student job based on your age and skills. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect job, whether you're in high school or studying in higher education.

Using Student to find a student job

Today, using an online platform like Student is one of the best ways to land a student job. It's THE reference in Belgium for students looking for work. The site offers hundreds of job listings, perfectly suited to students' lifestyles.

On Student, you can filter the offers based on your criteria: location, sector, and even availability. Most employers on the platform understand the constraints of school schedules and are often willing to adjust your hours.

Additionally, you might stumble upon sectors or job types you hadn't even considered! To maximize your chances, create a complete profile with an up-to-date CV. Even if you don't have much experience, be sure to highlight your skills, interests, and availability. Your flexibility will be a real asset for temporary or short-term positions employers are often looking for.

Word of mouth and social media

Talking about your search for a student job to your friends, family, or even your professors can often unlock unexpected opportunities. Employers love recruiting students who come through recommendations, as it builds their trust.

Plus, social media has become essential for finding a job. There are plenty of Facebook groups dedicated to student jobs in Belgium, where you can post your search or check out offers. And of course, LinkedIn is incredibly useful, especially if you're looking for a job related to your studies. Use these platforms to expand your network and find opportunities you might not have come across otherwise.

Visiting local businesses

If you prefer a more direct approach, you can also visit local shops or businesses in your town to ask if they are hiring students. This method works great in sectors like hospitality, supermarkets, or clothing stores.

By showing up in person, you demonstrate your motivation and seriousness, which can really make a difference. If you present yourself well and explain why you want to work for them, even if they don’t have openings at that moment, they may keep your CV for future reference. A good first impression can open doors later on!

Attending job fairs or job days

Another option to find a student job in Belgium is to attend job fairs or job days organized by schools, universities, or companies. These events allow you to meet recruiters face-to-face and get a clear idea of the positions available. It’s also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about working conditions, hours, or employer expectations.

Companies from various sectors attend these events to recruit students for temporary positions or seasonal jobs. It’s a chance for you to stand out and get noticed by potential future employers.

Mistakes to avoid in a student job in Belgium

Working while studying is a great way to earn money and gain experience, but it can sometimes get a bit complicated. There are a few common mistakes many students make when landing their first job. Here are some tips to avoid the pitfalls and make the most of your student job.

Not respecting the hour limit

One of the most common mistakes students make is mismanaging their working hours. If you exceed the 600-hour work limit per year, you’ll lose the tax advantages that make a student job so appealing. This means you'll be subject to normal social security contributions, which will significantly reduce your net salary.

Additionally, if you work more than 240 hours per term outside of school holidays, your parents risk losing their family allowances. This could have a significant impact on their financial situation, so be sure to keep track of your hours.

Accepting undeclared work

Undeclared work, or working “under the table,” might sometimes seem like a good option, especially if you're promised a higher salary or more flexible hours. However, it carries many risks. Working without a contract means you lose all social protection, so if you get injured or have an accident at work, you won’t be covered by insurance.

On top of that, you won’t be able to accumulate rights for your future pension, and you risk heavy fines if you get caught by the tax or social security authorities. It’s better to avoid this type of work and go for official student contracts, even if the salary is a bit lower.

Prioritizing your job over your studies

Balancing work and studies requires good organization. It’s easy to get absorbed in a job, especially if it’s well-paid or interesting, but it’s crucial to keep in mind that your studies should be the priority! If you let work take over, your academic performance may suffer, which could have serious consequences for your future.

To avoid this, it’s essential to set clear boundaries and organize your schedule to allow time for classes and revision. Plan your days in a way that you don’t sacrifice study time. If you feel that your job is interfering with your studies, talk to your employer to adjust your hours. They will often be understanding if you explain the situation. Managing your time effectively will allow you to excel in both areas without feeling overwhelmed.

The benefits of a student job for your future career

Working as a student offers many advantages, not only to earn money but also to prepare for your future career. A student job allows you to develop skills that you can later highlight on your CV and with potential employers.

Developing useful skills

No matter what student job you do, it helps you develop skills that will serve you later. For example, time management: juggling between your courses and your job forces you to stay organized, and employers really value this.

Also, if you work in a store, restaurant, or online, you'll learn customer service, which means how to interact well with people. Trust me, this will help you in any industry.

And of course, most student jobs involve teamwork, so you'll learn to collaborate and handle situations with others. These are skills that will give you an edge when looking for a job later on, compared to those with no experience. In short, your student job is a bonus for your future career!

Building a professional network

Another big benefit of a student job is that it helps you start building your professional network. Even if the job isn't directly related to your field of study, the connections you make can be valuable later in your career. Whether with your employers, colleagues, or even clients, these relationships can turn into real opportunities once you’ve completed your studies.

For example, if you do an internship, the company may offer you a full-time position after you graduate. And even if that's not the case, your student employer may recommend you for other jobs. In short, it’s a great way to get noticed and create opportunities for the future.

Gaining experience in your field of study

If you're lucky enough to find a student job related to your field of study, it’s a golden opportunity to gain hands-on experience before even graduating. Many companies look for students to work on specific missions in sectors like IT, marketing, communications, or engineering.

These experiences not only help you strengthen your technical skills but also prepare you for the demands of the workforce. They help you better understand how a business operates, develop your adaptability, and get familiar with tools or methodologies that you'll encounter later in your career.

Conclusion: Student jobs in Belgium, a real springboard for your future

Student jobs in Belgium are much more than just a way to make some pocket money. Whether you’re looking for your first experience at 15 or a job related to your studies, it’s an excellent opportunity to gain skills, build your network, and prepare for your professional future.

With reduced social security contributions, tax benefits, and all the possibilities that companies offer, working while studying is the best way to balance school and work without too much pressure. You just need to respect the hour limits and organize your schedule to make the most of this experience.

So, ready to jump into the world of work while studying? Check out the offers on platforms like Student and find the job that fits you. A student job is not just an income; it's also a great springboard for your future career!