Easter break 2026: tips to earn extra money as a student and why you should sort out your summer job now

The Easter break starts on 6 April and runs until 19 April. Two weeks off from school or university, and for many students the ideal moment to earn some extra money. Whether you want to try your first holiday job or already have experience: in this article I share concrete tips to make the most of your Easter break. And just as important: why you should already start looking for the summer holidays.

What can you do during the Easter break?

Two weeks may seem short, but there are plenty of opportunities to work as a student during the Easter period. Many businesses are looking for extra hands precisely during that time, especially in hospitality and retail.

Hospitality is running at full speed

Easter coincides with the start of the terrace season. Restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlours are looking for students to wait tables, do the dishes or help in the kitchen. Especially in tourist cities like Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp there is more than enough work.

Retail and shops

Many chains plan spring sales and seasonal changeovers around Easter. That means extra help putting up new collections, restocking shelves or working the till on busy Saturdays.

Events and recreation

From Easter egg hunts to spring fairs: the number of events rises sharply in April. Entertainers, logistics staff and bar staff are in high demand. Animal parks, theme parks and swimming pools open their doors for the season and need student staff.

Logistics and warehousing

Webshops see peak periods around Easter. Order pickers, warehouse workers and delivery staff are sought after. In this sector you earn on average between 13 and 16 euros per hour, with possible night premiums on top. Check the options by region on the locations page.

5 tips to make the most of your Easter break

1. Sign up now, not next week

The most popular shifts go quickly. If you wait until the first day of the break, the best work will already be taken. Create a profile today on AnyShift and see what is available near you.

2. Be flexible with your hours

Evening shifts and weekends pay better. If you are willing to work when others would rather be at the cafe, you earn more per hour. In hospitality there are premiums for work after 8 pm and on public holidays.

3. Combine short shifts

You do not have to work from 9 to 5 every day. Many students combine a few short shifts per week with free time. Through AnyShift you choose yourself when and how much you work, with no fixed schedules and no obligations.

4. Check your hours quota

As a student in 2026 you may work up to 650 hours per year at the favourable rate with only a 2.71% solidarity contribution. Through Student@work you can see how many hours you have left. Spread your hours wisely: keep enough for the summer, but definitely use the Easter break to earn some money already.

5. Build your reputation

Your first shifts are not only good for your wallet. They also help you build a good score. Employers on AnyShift can see which students are reliable, show up on time and deliver good work. The better your score, the faster you get booked for future shifts.

Why you should already be looking for a summer job

The summer holidays do not start until July, but the best summer jobs are already being filled now. Here is why you should not wait.

The most popular jobs go first

Festivals, beach bars, theme parks and large events plan their staffing months in advance. Those who apply in March or April have the widest choice. If you wait until June, mostly the work that no one else wants is left.

Employers choose familiar faces

A student who already worked during the Easter break and made a good impression gets priority for the summer. So your Easter holiday job is also a kind of trial period.

In 2026 more students are looking at the same time

Thanks to the increase to 650 hours and the higher earnings ceiling of 21,840 euros per year, more students want to get to work. That makes the competition tougher. Those who start early have a head start.

AnyShift keeps offering new jobs

The great thing about a platform like AnyShift is that new shifts are added continuously. Companies across Flanders regularly post assignments, from hospitality to logistics, from events to retail. You can find more info on how it works on the shifters page. Sign up so you are immediately informed of new opportunities in your region.

How much can you earn?

Let us line up the figures for 2026:

What	Amount
Minimum wage (18+)	13.08 euros gross/hour
Average student wage	around 15 euros/hour
Maximum tax-free	21,840 euros per year
Solidarity contribution	2.71% (within 650 hours)
Meal vouchers (max)	10 euros per day

Want to know exactly how much you can earn without losing your child benefit? Then check the frequently asked questions on AnyShift.

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Conclusion

The Easter break is the perfect moment to earn extra money as a student, gain work experience and prepare for the summer. Sign up now, be flexible and build your reputation. And do not forget: the best summer jobs are already being taken now. The sooner you start, the more choice you have.

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