The recent discourse on revising the Law on Employment has sparked heated debate on how much part-time work is reasonable for students.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs suggests a revised version of the law stipulating that students of working age can work part-time, but no more than 20 hours per week during academic terms and 48 hours per week during breaks.

Bùi Sỹ Lợi, former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Social Affairs, is all for the Ministry's legal proposal, adding that it is crucial to issue a guideline to clearly define wage rates for students based on their ages, capabilities and personal needs.

"While part-time work provides income and skills, we must ensure students will not be paid below the regional minimum wages," said Lợi.

Dương Kim Anh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Women’s Academy, subscribes to the proposal, pointing out real-world cases where excessive part-time work has led to students nodding off in class, ruining their academic results.

She notes that many universities abroad also cap international students' work hours at 20 per week.

"In addition to the 20-hour cap, we should introduce policies to financially support disadvantaged students," said Anh.

Many students are concerned that the caps would make it difficult for them to cover living expenses and tuition fees.

Nguyễn Hà An, an undergraduate at Vietnam Women's Academy, works five hours a day at a food stall. With about 30 hours worked per week, An earns around VNĐ2.5 million (US$100) monthly.

“Without working those hours, I wouldn’t earn enough money to cover my expenses,” said An.

Nguyễn Đức Nam, an undergraduate at Hanoi University, tutors and waits tables up to 35 hours per week to pay for college.

"My parents can only provide me with VNĐ3 million ($120) monthly, barely enough for rent and meals," said Nam.

Đỗ Hoàng Giang, Recruitment Supervisor at Red Circle Company, believes that limiting students’ part-time hours would hinder their ability to earn additional income and gain more job experience.

Rather than enforcing strict caps, Giang suggests the Ministry take a flexible approach: recommending the 20-hour weekly guideline for students, but allowing flexibility in how they manage their time.

Vũ Quang Thành, Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Job Service Centre, reveals that most students work out of necessity alongside studies, with some even working unpaid internships to build skills.

"Regulations need flexibility so students can balance studying with gaining professional experience," he said.

Lợi acknowledges that international practices vary, with some countries exempting domestic students from work-hour limits while others have no caps.

"The key is creating opportunities for students to gain experience while ensuring quality studies and well-rounded development," he said. —VNS