Student Work Hours & Schedule

How Many Hours Per Week Can A Student Work?

While there is no maximum number of hours a domestic student may work, it is recommended that student employees work no more than 20 hours, on average, per week so that they can focus on their academic studies and so that more students can take advantage of the limited available student work opportunities. International students authorized to work under a visa must follow the regulations regarding hours worked set forth by their visa. Students may only work outside of their scheduled class time. Remember, student employees are students first. 

Students who also hold a GA, GRA, or GTA position should consult with the Office of Graduate Assistantships & Fellowships on the number of additional student employee hours they may work.
 

Setting Your Student’s Work Schedule

The student’s schedule is jointly determined by you and the student. A typical schedule for a first-year student is about eight (8) hours per week. Students are not permitted to work during scheduled class hours. Supervisors should be flexible with working hours during exam preparation periods, institutional holidays, extended breaks (winter break, spring break), and unexpected school closures. Students’ availability may change from semester to semester as their class schedule changes, so be sure to ask your student employee about scheduling changes before a new semester starts.
 

FWS Students’ Working Limits

FWS student employees are not authorized to earn more than their allotted FWS offer amount during a given school year. Therefore, it is important for students and employers to work together to monitor the student employee's hours. Use this pre-programmed Excel sheet to calculate how much of their offer a student has earned to date, and how many work hours they have remaining.
 

International Students’ Working Limits

International students studying at GW on F-1 visas are limited to working 20 hours per week. International students should confirm their work limits with GW’s International Services Office (ISO).

Breaks