How many hours can a student work in 2025?

For many students, combining studying and working is the perfect way to create some financial breathing room and gain relevant experience at the same time. But did you know that in 2025 there are clear rules about how many hours you are allowed to work as a student worker? If you exceed that limit, it can lead to higher social security contributions or tax consequences.

In this article we explain clearly and concisely what your rights and obligations are, how many hours you may work, and how flexi-jobs can be a smart solution. That way you are fully prepared to get the most out of your student job, without any surprises.

How many hours can you work as a student in 2025?

Combining your studies with a student job is, for many young people, the perfect way to earn extra income while gaining work experience at the same time. But did you know that in 2025 clear rules apply to the number of hours you may work as a student worker?

Anyone who exceeds that limit risks higher social security contributions and possible tax consequences. In this blog you will read everything you need to know about the student quota, the consequences of exceeding it, and how to use flexi-jobs wisely.

A maximum of 650 hours per year with reduced contributions

In 2025, as a student in Belgium you may work a maximum of 650 hours per calendar year at a reduced solidarity contribution. That means more net pay and lower social charges.

These hours are registered through the Student@work platform. Your employer must correctly declare every shift via a Dimona declaration. Without that declaration, the hour does not count towards your quota, and you lose the favourable conditions.

What happens if you work more than 650 hours?

As soon as you exceed the limit of 650 hours, you lose the favourable student status. You then pay the ordinary social security contributions, just like a regular employee. As a result, your net pay drops considerably.

In addition, your income can affect your parents' taxes. If you earn too much, they may lose certain tax benefits. That is why it is important to keep close track of your worked hours via Student@work.

Flexi-jobs and students: how does that work?

Flexi-jobs are primarily intended for people with a main occupation or for pensioners. Even so, in certain situations students can also make use of this arrangement. For example, if you have already had a main activity for part of the year or are temporarily no longer studying.

Flexi-jobs offer flexibility and an attractive net pay. They are common in sectors such as hospitality, retail and events. Employers regularly look for motivated young people for temporary assignments, and students are often ideal for these roles.

At AnyShift we connect students with companies that urgently need temporary reinforcement. The assignments are flexible, well paid, and fit around your study schedule.

Where can you find student jobs?

There are several reliable platforms where you can find student jobs. A few examples:

• VDAB Jobstudenten - the official Flemish platform for student jobs
• AnyShift - specialised in flexible student assignments in retail, hospitality and logistics
• Student.be - a platform focused on student jobs, internships and entry-level positions

Student@work is not a job platform, but a government portal where you track your remaining hours and generate certificates for your employer.

During your online search, use keywords such as “student job”, “earning extra”, “student worker” or “holiday job” to get the right results.

Smart planning is the key

Good planning helps you work within the legal limits without any problems. A few tips:

• Create an account on Student@work and keep track of your remaining hours
• Keep your own overview of the hours you work each month
• Avoid combining several small jobs that are hard to balance
• Plan your work around exams and classes

Ready to get started?

If you follow the rules and plan smartly, you can earn extra income as a student in 2025 without any worries. With student jobs and flexi-jobs through AnyShift you choose yourself when and where you work, tailored to your life as a student.

Check out the vacancies on AnyShift.be and find the student job that suits you today.