Part-Time Jobs in UK for International Students

Arriving in the UK for your studies is the start of an incredible journey. For many international students, finding a part-time job is a top priority, and for good reason. It’s a powerful way to gain financial independence, develop new skills, and build a professional network. More than just earning money, part-time jobs in UK help you improve your practical English, understand the UK work culture, and integrate more deeply into your new community, turning your student experience into a valuable foundation for your future career.

However, it is crucial to understand that your primary reason for being in the UK is your education. Your Student visa grants you the privilege to work, but this privilege is tied to strict, non-negotiable rules set by the UK Home Office. Understanding these regulations isn't just a suggestion; it's a legal requirement for visa compliance. Failure to follow them can have serious consequences, impacting your studies and your right to remain in the country.

This comprehensive article is designed to be your trusted resource. We will walk you through exactly what you can and cannot do, how to find your first job safely, what you can expect to earn, and how to get the mandatory documents. We'll help you balance work and studies so you can succeed at both.

Key Facts at a Glance

Here are some of the key facts regarding part-time jobs in UK for international students at a glance:

Top Part-Time Jobs in UK for Students

Finding the right job is about knowing where to look and what fits your schedule. International students in the UK have a wide range of options, from convenient roles on campus to flexible work on the high street. Here is a breakdown of the most popular roles and the best places to find them.

1. On-Campus Jobs (The Best Place to Start)

These are the most convenient and secure jobs for international students. Your university is the employer, so they understand your visa rules and study schedules perfectly.

• Examples: Library Assistant, Student Ambassador (helping at open days), IT Support, Administrative Assistant in a faculty office, Barista at the student union cafe.
• Where to Look: Your university's "Career Service" or "Student Union" website.

2. Off-Campus Jobs (Gaining UK Work Experience)

• Hospitality: (Barista, Waiting Staff, Kitchen Porter). These jobs are social and can be flexible, but ensure your employer is paying you legally via a payroll and not "cash-in-hand".
• Retail: (Retail Assistant, Stockroom Assistant). This is excellent for improving your customer service skills and often comes with a staff discount.
• Tutoring: You can work as a tutor, but only if you are an employee of a tutoring agency that manages your payroll and taxes. You cannot be a self-employed private tutor.

3. Popular Job Websites for Students

• Indeed: A large general job board.
• StudentJob.co.uk: Specialises in part-time jobs in UK, internships, and graduate roles for students.
• LinkedIn: Good for finding roles related to your field of study, even at a part-time level

Your Visa Rules: What You MUST Know Before Working

Your Student visa is your primary permission to be in the UK, and its rules are non-negotiable.

How Many Hours Can You Work?

This depends on your course level.

• Degree-Level (Undergraduate, Master's, PhD): You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during your official term time.
• Below Degree-Level (e.g., Foundation Course): You can work a maximum of 10 hours per week during your official term time.

During official university holidays (e.g., Christmas, Easter, and Summer), students on degree-level courses can typically work full-time, but you must check your university's official holiday dates.

Your university sets your term-time and holiday dates. Always confirm these with your international student support office if you are unsure.

The Prohibited List: What You CANNOT Do

This is the most critical section. Breaching these rules can put your visa at risk.

As a student on a Student visa, you CANNOT:

• Be self-employed or work as a freelancer. This means you cannot run your own business, invoice clients, or work for "gig economy" apps (like Deliveroo or Uber) as an independent contractor.
• Fill a permanent, full-time vacancy. Your job must be part-time.
• Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

Where to Check Your Rules

Your exact work permissions are stated on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or in your digital visa status. Always verify your personal conditions on the official GOV.UK website or by speaking directly with your university's international student support office.

How Much Will You Earn? UK Wages & Tax Explained

It is important to know your rights as an employee in the UK. Given below is the information on how much you will be earning as per UK wages and the tax you may have to pay based on the work you do:

Current National Minimum Wage (Rates from April 2025)

You are legally entitled to be paid the National Minimum Wage. The current rates (set in April 2025) are:

Many employers, especially in cities like London, pay more than this. These rates are typically updated by the government every April.

Will You Pay Tax?

You will probably not have to pay income tax. In the UK, you can earn up to a certain amount each year before you pay tax (the "Personal Allowance", which is £12,570 for 2025-26). Working 20 hours a week on minimum wage will likely keep you under this threshold.

However, you will see "National Insurance" (NI) deductions on your payslip. This is a mandatory contribution for all workers.

How to Get Hired: Your 3-Step Action Plan

Step 1 (Mandatory): Apply for Your National Insurance (NI) Number

You cannot be legally paid in the UK without a National Insurance (NI) number. This is your unique personal reference number for tax and employment.

• When to Apply: You can only apply for an NI number after you have arrived in the UK and have proof of your right to work (e.g., your BRP or digital visa share code).
• How to Apply: The only way to apply is online via the GOV.UK "Apply for a National Insurance number" page. The service is free. Do not pay third-party websites for this.

Step 2: Create a UK-Style CV

Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) may need to be formatted differently for UK employers.

• Length: Keep it to a maximum of two A4 pages.
• Personal Details: Do not include a photograph, your date of birth, or your marital status.
• Format: Use a clean, professional layout. List your education and work experience in reverse-chronological order (most recent first).

Step 3: Know Where to Look

Start your job search in the right places. This brings us to the best channels for finding vacancies. Don't rely on just one method; maximise your chances by using a mix of the following sources:

• University Career Services & Student Unions: This is your best starting point. Universities understand visa restrictions and class schedules. Look for internal portals or a Unitemps branch on campus for roles like Student Ambassador, library assistant, or barista at the Student Union.
• Major Online Job Boards: Use the large UK aggregators to cast a wide net.
  • Indeed & LinkedIn: Good for general searches.
  • Reed.co.uk & Totaljobs: Very popular in the UK; allow you to filter specifically for "Part-time" or "Weekend" work.
  • StudentJob UK & e4s (Employment 4 Students): These platforms cater specifically to students and entry-level applicants.
• The "High Street" Approach: For hospitality (cafés, pubs) and retail shops, online applications often get lost. Walk down your local high street with a stack of your printed CVs. Look for signs in windows that say "Staff Wanted" or "Hiring Now" and ask to speak to the manager directly.
• Recruitment Agencies: Registering with a local temp agency can be a great way to find ad hoc catering or event work (stewarding) without committing to a fixed schedule.

Understanding Your First Payslip

Your first UK payslip can be confusing, but it's simple once you know the key terms.

• Gross Pay vs. Net Pay: Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (or "take-home pay") is the final amount that will be paid into your bank account after deductions.
• PAYE (Pay As You Earn): This is the system the UK government uses to collect Income Tax. You likely won't pay this if you earn under the £12,570 Personal Allowance.
• NI (National Insurance): This is a mandatory deduction that funds state benefits. You will see this on your payslip.
• Tax Code: This is a code (e.g., 1257L) that tells your employer how much tax-free income you get. Most students will be on the standard code.

Know Your Rights as an Employee

As an employee in the UK, you have legal protections. International students have the same rights as any other worker.

• Right to a Contract: You should receive a written document (a "written statement of employment particulars") outlining your pay, hours, and job responsibilities.
• Right to Paid Holidays: All workers, including those working for part-time jobs in UK, are legally entitled to paid holidays. This is calculated on a pro-rata basis (based on the hours you work).
• Right to be Paid on Time: Your employer must pay you on the agreed-upon payday.

Where to Get Free Help

If you have a problem at work (e.g., you are not being paid or feel you are being treated unfairly), you can get free, confidential help from:

• Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service): For free, impartial advice on workplace disputes.
• Citizens Advice: For confidential advice on a wide range of issues, including pay and work rights.

Balancing Your Part-Time Job and Your Studies

Remember, the primary purpose of your visa is to study. Your part-time job in UK must come second.

• Be realistic about your time. Do not let work interfere with your lectures, exams, or coursework.
• Communicate clearly with your manager about your study schedule, especially during exam periods.
• If you feel overwhelmed, speak to your university's student support services or your academic advisor. They are there to help.

Start Your UK Journey the Right Way

Understanding the UK's work rules as an international student may seem complex, but it's entirely manageable when you know the facts. The UK genuinely offers fantastic opportunities to build your skills, and being informed is the key to unlocking them safely. By respecting the 20-hour term-time limit, understanding the absolute restriction on self-employment, and securing your National Insurance number before you start, you are setting yourself up for a successful and stress-free experience.

Remember, your education is your primary investment. Part-time jobs in UK should complement your studies, not compromise them. Use the resources at your university, be proactive in your job search, and treat every role as a chance to learn. You are not just earning money; you are building a resume, a network, and a wealth of experience that will be invaluable long after you graduate. We hope this guide has given you the clarity and confidence to take this exciting next step in your UK journey.

Get it right from the start. Our expert counsellors at AECC can guide you through your entire university and visa application, ensuring you have all the correct information before you even leave.