Part time Work Options in UK for International Students
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Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students: Do you wish to work while you study in the UK? Part-time jobs can help international students supplement their income and the cost of living in the UK, including accommodation, food, and transportation. In this article, we will cover all aspects of part-time jobs in the UK for international students.
Managing the cost of living in the UK can be really tough at times for international students especially when the city they are living in is too pricier than their home country. For this reason, many international students opt to work on their weekends and post-study hours during the weekdays. While a part-time job helps international students be self-dependent, the certifications received after the completion of these help students get good work opportunities in the future. The experience gained also helps students to assimilate better into the British work culture and acquire new skills.
Before taking any part-time job, work placement, internship, unpaid, or volunteer work, check that your Tier 4 (general) UK student visa allows you to work in the UK. Working for too many hours can make you feel tired and stressed, which will directly affect your studies. That is why many universities and colleges recommend international students work for a maximum of 15 hours per week. The rationale behind this is maintaining a study-life balance. You need to think about how a job will affect your daily life, and seek help from your tutor or international student support officer if you have any concerns.
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The new relaxed post-study work visa (graduate route visa) rules for international students in the UK allow international students (including Indian students as well) to stay in the UK for work after finishing their studies. However, there are certain rules regarding part-time work permissions in the UK for international students who go on a student visa. In case any international student does not comply with the rules laid down by the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA), they risk facing deportation. Candidates can work part-time on-campus or off-campus - whatever opportunities they get. Following are the restrictions on working part-time in the UK while on a UK student visa.
- Maximum of 20 hours per week of paid/unpaid work for those studying at a full-time degree level or more only during the university term time.
- Maximum of 10 hours per week of paid/unpaid work during course term for language centre students.
- The student visa must be valid and issued for a full-time course.
- Full-time work is allowed only during vacations or on a work placement that is an assessed integral part of the course, given that it does not exceed more than 50% of the entire course's length.
- Students pursuing part-time courses are not allowed to work on any part-time or full-time job in the UK.
- International students cannot work full-time/permanently until they have received a work permit (Tier 2 visa).
- Self-employment, freelance, and contract work are not permitted on a student visa in the UK.
Related Read: Highest Paying Jobs in the World
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Types of Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students
Depending on their nature, there are mainly three types of part-time jobs for students in the UK.
- On-campus Part-time Jobs for Students: The on-campus jobs include the jobs that a student can do while remaining in their campus during and post their study hours. These jobs may not pay as per the expectations of the students but provide a good experience. Some of the on-campus part-time jobs for international students include the post of library assistant, teaching assistant, lab assistant, campus guides for new students and campus ambassadors.
- Off-campus Part-time Jobs for Students: For off-campus part-time jobs, students will have to necessarily move outside of the campus. This may provide a good scope of funding for students but can be time-consuming on the other hand. the part-time off-campus that can be picked up by students include customer service representatives, sales specialists, restaurant service assistants, delivery assistants, etc.
- Online Part-time Jobs for Students: With the growing popularity of online work culture, many companies are willing to hire students to work on their projects on a part-time basis, online. This also helps students to learn to work on several projects that come with a deadline and require them to learn new company trends. Often these projects are handed over to the students after the company's training in the subject. Students can choose the number of projects and their working hours based on their personal studying schedule and financial needs. Make sure to fix the compensation and ask about the experience certificate before starting your online work as a good agreement made in the earlier stage will not harm your bond and expectations with the company later. Some examples of online part-time jobs include social media marketing (just learn some marketing skills and maintain a good engaging public profile to show your skills to the recruiters), content creation, web design, team handling, training experts, etc.
Also Read: Top 10 Part-time Jobs for Students Abroad
Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
Let us look at some of the best part-time jobs in the UK for international students in the table given below.
| Job | Average Salary (Per Hour) | Average Weekly Salary (20 Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistant | £ 11.65 | £ 233.0 |
| Customer Service Representative | £ 11.13 | £ 222.6 |
| Event Planner | £ 14.00 | £ 280.0 |
| Tutor | £ 25.00 | £ 500.0 |
| Baby Sitter | £ 13.00 | £ 260.0 |
| Dog Walker | £ 12.50 | £ 250.0 |
| Library Assistant | £ 12.00 | £ 240.0 |
| Barista | £ 10.00 | £ 200.0 |
| Tour Guide | £ 12.32 | £ 246.4 |
| Translator | £ 14.11 | £ 282.2 |
Note: There might be variations in the salary amount depending on the employer or organisation norms.
Also Read: Top 10 Libraries in London
Best Job Sectors for Students Studying in the UK
Finding a part-time job in the UK that also pays well is not so easy. So, here is a list of high-paying job sectors in the UK that pay more than any regular part-time jobs to international students.
| Jobs |
Average Salary per hour (Approx.) |
Average Weekly Salary (20 Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing |
£ 30-40 |
£ 600-800 |
| Accountancy |
£ 35-45 |
£ 700-900 |
| Education |
£ 20-30 |
£ 400-600 |
| Health services |
£ 15-20 |
£ 300-400 |
| Social Care |
£ 13-15 |
£ 260-300 |
| Administration |
£ 12 |
£ 240 |
| Sales |
£ 12-15 |
£ 240-300 |
| Children Contact Supervisor |
£ 12 |
£ 240 |
| Customer Service |
£ 20-25 |
£ 400-500 |
| Retail |
£ 30 |
£ 600 |
Read More:
- Freelance Jobs for International Students
- How to find the perfect part-time student job abroad?
- How much do students earn in part time job while studying abroad?
How to Find Part Time Jobs in UK for International Students?
To find good part-time jobs in UK for international students, you can follow these steps:
- University resources: Start by looking through the employment site or career services at your university. They frequently have areas set aside for postings of part-time jobs targeted at students. These sources could include career fairs, employment boards, or listings.
- Alumni Association: You can get in touch with the alumni of your university to ask for the roadmap through the semester. And if you have a good bond with your alumni, you can ask them to refer your profile to their companies.
- Online job portals: Investigate websites that provide part-time employment options in the UK. Part-time employment for students is frequently included in a separate area of websites like Indeed, Reed, etc.
- Networking: Ask your instructors, peers, or the personnel at the university if there are any part-time work openings. Sometimes hidden career opportunities that are not necessarily listed publicly can be found through networking.
- Local businesses: Visit nearby establishments, such as cafes, restaurants, shops, or supermarkets, and ask if there are any part-time work openings. Some companies may post employment openings on their website or storefronts.
- Social media: Observe social media forums or pages where employers in the UK advertise employment openings for students. Finding part-time job listings can be done using Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups.
- Career fairs and events: Attend employment fairs and activities that your university or neighbourhood groups host. Employers seeking to hire students for part-time jobs frequently attend these gatherings.
- Volunteer work: Think about giving your time to local charities or organisations. Giving back to the community can open doors for networking and important experiences that could result in offers of part-time, salaried employment.
Benefits of Part-Time Work
Aside from the obvious financial advantages, engaging in part-time work offers numerous benefits for international students. These include:
- Skill Development: Part-time work allows students to develop valuable skills such as time management, communication, and teamwork.
- Cultural Integration: Working in the UK provides international students with the chance to integrate into the local culture, meet new people, and enhance their language skills.
- Resume Enhancement: Employers appreciate candidates with work experience. Part-time work, internships, and placements can significantly boost a student's resume.
- Networking Opportunities: Working part-time introduces students to professionals in their field, creating networking opportunities that may prove beneficial in the future.
Students can work both on-campus and off-campus. Some of the on-campus jobs include library assistant, bookshop assistant, university health centre trainer, tutor, etc. Some of the off-campus jobs include data entry, delivery services, reception jobs, etc. Students need to strike a balance between their part-time jobs and academics. Make sure to focus on your academics even if you have to work part-time. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Read More: Popular Job Sectors in UK in 2023
Part Time Jobs in UK for International Students FAQs
Q. Can I do a part-time job in the UK as an international student?
A. International students in the UK can work part-time while studying, which can be beneficial for several reasons. Working a part-time job gives you the chance to obtain real-world experience and develop abilities that will improve your resume and cover letter. International students who are enrolled full-time are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week throughout the academic year. International students may work full-time outside of the academic year for up to 40 hours a week.
Q. What are some part-time jobs for international students in the UK?
A. There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in the UK. Some common part-time jobs include:
- Teaching Assistant: You can support students, assist with lectures, and earn important experience in the educational field by working as a teaching assistant.
- Retail Assistant: Particularly during busy times, many retail establishments use part-time workers. In this position, you will be conducting transactions, stocking shelves, and aiding customers.
- Hospitality: Jobs in the hospitality sector, such as those as a waiter or waitress, barista, or kitchen staff, are frequently available and can give employees significant experience in providing excellent customer service.
- Tutoring: If you are an expert in a certain area, you can coach other students on your own or through tutoring firms.
- Office Assistant: You can instruct other students on your own or through tutoring companies if you are an authority in a certain subject.
- Library Assistant: Working in a library can involve tasks such as shelving books, assisting patrons, and managing library resources.
- Dog Walker: If you enjoy spending time with animals, you can offer services as a dog walker or pet sitter
- Receptionist: Receptionist roles involve greeting visitors, answering phone calls, and managing appointments.
Q. How many hours can I work part-time in the UK as an international student?
A. International students who are enrolled full-time are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week throughout the academic year. International students may work full-time outside of the academic year for up to 40 hours a week. The number of hours that can be worked each week, not on average over a month, is the limit. Make sure to follow the rules and guidelines for part-time work. Moreover, you will not be able to practice the following professions:
- Self-employment
- Professional sportsmen
- Freelance work
- You cannot claim public funds and pensions
Q. How do I find a part-time job in the UK as an international student?
A. To find a part-time job in the UK as an international student, you can follow these steps:
- Check your visa rules: Make sure you are allowed to work part-time in the UK under the terms of your visa. International students are frequently permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
- Find the right resources: You may search for a part-time job with the help of your university resources such as the career services centre, online job portals, local job listings (local newspapers, community notice boards, etc.), networking with professors, job fairs, career events, etc.
Q. Can scholarships help me avoid part-time work in the UK?
A. International students in the UK can avoid the necessity for part-time employment with the aid of scholarships. Scholarships offer financial assistance that can be used to pay for tuition, living costs, and other educational costs. You can concentrate more on your studies and have more time for extracurricular activities and personal growth if you are awarded a scholarship. International students can apply for a variety of scholarships in the UK. Scholarships that are merit-based, need-based, field-specific, and provided by universities, governmental agencies, and private entities are some examples. While some scholarships may provide complete support for tuition, others might just contribute a portion of it.
Q. How much can international students earn on a part-time job in UK?
A. Working part-time while studying in the UK is allowed for international students, however, there are some conditions. Students can only work for a maximum of 20 hours during their semester term time and full-time during semester breaks. The national minimum per hour wage rates as per the UK government, revised on April 1, 2024, are:
- Ages 21 and over: £11.44 per hour
- Ages 18-20: £8.60 per hour
- Ages under 18: £6.40 per hour
- Apprentice: £6.40 per hour
Hence, by working 20 hours per week at minimum wage (23 and over), international students can earn 20 x £11.44 = £228.8 per week or about £915.2 per month while working part-time in the UK.
Q. Can I work for 40 hours in the UK as an international student?
A. Generally, no. As an international student in the UK, you are typically limited to working a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. There are some exceptions, such as working full-time during official university vacation periods or if you have a work placement that is an integral part of your course. However, working 40 hours per week during term time would likely be a violation of your student visa conditions.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: How much IELTS score is required for Hertfordshire University?
International students coming from diverse backgrounds must prove their English language proficiency by submitting the scores of IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo at Hertfordshire University. The university demands an IELTS score of 6 from the students. Along with the IELTS scores, students can refer to the table below for all the required English proficiency score:
English language test | Minimum Score required UG | Minimum Score required PG |
|---|---|---|
6 or above | 6 or above | |
59 or above | 58 or above | |
105 or above | 120 or above |
Q: Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?
After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.
Q: What are the entry requirements for Bedfordshire University?
International students can check below the University of Bedfordshire entry requirements for undergraduate and graduate admissions:
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
· 2 A level passes (minimum C and D)
· Year 12 60% overall
· 70% English to waive IELTS
· Must meet the English language requirements
· A recognised Foundation degree
· Submit additional test scores for ACT/SAT (if applicable)
· Additional course requirements if any
Graduate Admission Requirements
· Bachelor's degree (55% or more)
· UK Bachelor's degree with Honours
· Additional course requirements if any
· Must meet the English language requirements
· Submit additional test scores for GMAT/ GRE (if applicable)
Q: What is Hult International Business School - UK famous for?
Hult International Business School, UK, is famous for its global perspective and multicultural environment. The school is known for its focus on practical education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education programs across multiple campuses located in prominent cities around the world, including Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai, and New York. It is also recognised for its diverse student body, with over 128 nationalities represented among its students. The school has received positive reviews for its competent faculty, practical approach to business education, and the opportunity for students to interact with a wide network of contacts
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a year ago
Hello Shiva. Yes, you may work part-time while pursuing a master's degree in the UK. To know about the procedure, permitted working hours and part-time work options, read our article - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/part-time-work-option-in-uk-for-international-students-articlepage-976
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2 years ago
Hello Archak. Please refer to this article on post-study work permit for UK: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/post-study-work-permit-in-uk-applycontent5977 For further query, you can contact our experts here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
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Hello Navya. For college shortlisting and application process, please contact our experts here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.