I am a full-time student and want to work while I study!
CAN I WORK WHILE I STUDY?
To be eligible for a student job you must be at least 16 years old and be a full-time student. You will have to be able to verify your student status by presenting your institution’s statement to that effect and/or your valid student card. If you are just 15, you may still do some work during the summer vacation but not more than 4 hours a day and only in a day shift. Note that if you are not 18 yet, your parents must grant their approval for you to be able to take up a job while you study. Full-time students under the age of 25 can take up a job even while their student status is inactive.
HOW DO I MAKE A CONTRACT?
You can make a contract online or in a face-to-face meeting.
Online: Once you have registered, go to your Profile to enter into a contract online. First, upload the required documents. Make sure all the data are clearly visible in the scans or photos. You are required to upload the front and back side of your student card and your ID card. You will have to provide your tax number, social security number (TAJ) and your personal identification number as shown on your residence card (address card). If for any reason you cannot upload any one of your documents, it will be okay to enter the relevant data manually. Please note that we can finalise your contract only after you have uploaded all documents required. Once we have checked your documents, you can accept the contract.
Face-to-face: If you cannot or would not make your contract online, you can always visit us in person, but do not forget to bring your documents with you.
HOW MUCH WILL I EARN?
When you take up a student job through the school cooperative you will have to sign a contract which states, among others, your gross wage (salary). Your employer will deduct any and all withholdings and pay you your net wage, i.e. your take-home salary.
For student jobs, the only withholding is the personal income tax, the rate of which is 15%. Thus, a HUF1,000-per-hour job in gross terms will earn you HUF850 net.
WHY IS IT WORTH HAVING A JOB WHILE I STUDY?
Flexible hours: You can adjust your worktime to your classes, so you do not miss anything at school.
A variety of jobs: You are free to switch jobs at any time and try out various fields.
Low level of withholding: The only withholding from your gross wage is the 15% personal income tax.
Internship: Most employers will issue a certificate about the job experience you have gained.
WHAT IF I WANT TO GO ON LEAVE, E.G. TAKE OUT SOME TIME TO GO TO A FESTIVAL, ETC.?
As a student, you are not entitled to paid leave as you are paid as much as you have worked for. Nevertheless, you will be expected to inform your employer if you want to take some time out, to go on holiday for instance, so they know they cannot count on you during that time.
WHAT IF I AM TAKEN ILL?
Unfortunately, as a student you are not entitled to sick leave but don’t forget to ask for a note from your doctor so both your employer and we know about you being sick and not just shirking. No sick leave means no sickness benefit, either.
IS THERE ANY PROBATION?
As a student worker––even if on a long-term contract––the 3-month period of probation will not apply to you. If you have worked for, say, six months and want to quit, you will not have to spend a notice period at the employer, either.
I WANT TO QUIT. WHAT SHALL I DO?
One advantage of a student job is there is no notice. So once you have decided to quit, you just tell the company. If something unexpected should happen and you cannot show up for work, you are expected to say so by 1pm the previous day. If you have worked for a company for a longer period of time, it is just fair to tell them you are about to quit 1 or 2 weeks in advance so they have the chance to find a replacement.
AM I EXPECTED TO FILE A TAX RETURN?
Yes, you are. If you take up a job through a school cooperative, you will be subject to taxation just like any other earner. The tax authority NAV will prepare a draft return for you, which you can approve using your public administration access point (“ügyfélkapu”). Make sure you check it carefully though, because if you have approved something incorrect, you can be held responsible for it. You may want to donate 1% of your personal income tax to support your pet cause, but there is no obligation for you to do so.
