Depending on your visa you will have specific permissions determining if and how you can work in the UK, either during or after your studies.
Normally, a student visa issued for full-time degree level studies allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period. If you’re studying a full-time programme below degree level it’s 10 hours and full time during holiday periods and after your programme end date (until your visa expires).
Kobere help you to find verified, up-to-date job listings from employers who are sure to sponsor your skilled worker visa in the UK, along with premium internship and placement opportunities.
To find jobs in uk as an international student use the job search tool.
Most UK universities have support services that can help you find a part-time job (as well as a job after you graduate).
Common part-time jobs for international students in the UK include:
- Receptionist
- Retail worker
- Mystery shopper
- Shelf packer
- Waiter/barista/bar tender
- Student ambassador
- Library assistant
Would you prefer a part-time job that is more academic in nature will intellectually challenge you as much as your actual course? You might consider becoming a research assistant at your university.
Students on a student visa can do most kinds of work, but you must not:
- be self-employed;
- engage in business activity;
- work in a position that would fill a full-time permanent vacancy;
- work as a professional sportsperson including as a sports coach, paid or unpaid, as defined by the Home Office on pages 94-95 of the Student route guidance;
- work as an entertainer, paid or unpaid;
- work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you are on the foundation programme.
- these restrictions apply throughout your time on a student visa.
Even if you are working for a company or client outside the UK if you are physically in the UK while you are doing the work then this counts towards your 20 hour limit.
It also means that if you are doing any freelance work for someone outside the UK (e.g. editing journal articles) this would count as self-employment so is not allowed.
Studying abroad is rarely cheap. Even if you’ve got a scholarship, a job on the side can help you live a little more comfortably during your degree. Luckily, there are lots of jobs for international students in the UK. You just need to know where to find them.
Finding a job in the UK is a strenuous task. If you maintain a consistency in your job hunt process, you might be able to find your dream job. However, before considering filling in job applications, you should consider some questions about the employability.
- what do you look from a career in the UK?
- how would you describe your perfect job?
- do you want a job that should fit around your schedule?
- enumerate your transferable skills that may be favourable for your future employer.
Note:
If you wish to take a permanent full-time job in the UK after your course, you will need to change your visa status. You may be able to apply for permission as a Skilled Worker up to three months before the expected course completion date (the official end date stated on the CAS.)
