• study in the UK

10 Part-time Jobs in UK for International Students

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Jul 23,2024 01:47 PM IST

  • International students studying in the UK can find part time jobs in the university, off-campus or online.
  • Students can work part-time in job sectors like marketing, education, customer services, childcare, hospitality and more.
  • They can earn an average of £200 - £500 per week with part-time work.

10 Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students.webp


The UK (United Kingdom) offers plenty of opportunities to International students for part-time employment, internships, and post-study employment, assisting them in acquiring real-world experience and developing important career connections.

Part-time jobs help international students manage the cost of living in the UK, including accommodation, food, and transportation. It also facilitates the development of crucial talents that employers value, like scheduling, entrepreneurial knowledge, determination, teamwork, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, networking skills, etc. 

Keep reading to learn more about part-time jobs, how to find them, and under which conditions can an international student work while studying in the UK.

Types of Part-time Jobs in UK

From working on campus to going beyond campus to earn, here's a rundown of the type of part-time work options that can help you manage your living expenses while studying in the UK.

On-campus Part-time JobsWhen it comes to on-campus part-time jobs, students work on university campuses in positions like library assistant, teaching assistant, lab assistant, campus guides for new students, and campus ambassadors and earn a modest amount.
Off-campus Part-time JobsWhen we talk about working off-campus, students work outside the university campus in positions like customer service representatives, sales specialists, restaurant service assistants, and delivery assistants and earn good salaries.
Online Part-time JobsCompanies also hire international students to work in different ad hoc roles or temporary positions for various projects. It helps them work on deadlines and different projects simultaneously. Some examples of such jobs include social media marketing, content creation, web design, team handling, training experts, etc. While doing an online part-time job, students are required to have proper documentation from the organization they are working with so they are not duped or underpaid.

How to Find Part-time Jobs in UK?

You know you want to strike gold the first time you’re applying for a part-time job because you want to have that security soon, but you have to search well to get that gig. In this era of information you cannot rely on just one source of options. Given below are sources to find part time jobs while studying in the UK.

10 part time jobs in uk for international students.webp

Eligibility to Work Part-Time Jobs in UK

The eligibility criteria to work part-time in the UK depend on several factors such as the university, visa type, degree, etc. Mentioned below are the basic requirements:

University ConsentFirst-year students at certain institutes may need to get permission before starting a part-time job in UK.
National Insurance NumberA National Insurance Number is required to work in the UK. You can start working before you have the number but it is a mandatory document for anyone working in the UK.
Visa TypeTo be able to work in the UK, students must possess the appropriate visa. A student visa, formerly known as a UK Tier 4 visa, allows for part-time employment.

Rules to Work Part-time in UK for International Students

For International students studying in the UK with a study visa, the regulations to work are not the same as an individual on a graduate visa or work visa.  International students have to follow the guidelines given below.

Work HoursSince as an international student in the UK, you will hold a work visa, you will have a weekly work limit of 20 hours per week during the academic year and a full-time work limit during university breaks. For certain universities, language courses or short-term courses, the limit may be 10 hours per week.
Work TypeWhile international students can do most part-time jobs with a student visa, they cannot be self-employed, start a business, do freelance work or contract work.
Full-time EmploymentIf you get a full-time work opportunity during one of your part-time stints in the UK, you cannot join the organization without having a graduate visa or work visa.

Popular Part-time Jobs for International Students in UK

There are various part-time work opportunities available for international students in the UK. Most of these jobs require manual work or work that cannot be automated, except a few roles. Some common jobs that help international students earn a decent pay are given below.

DesignationDescriptionAverage Salary Per Week
Retail EmployeeStudents easily bag part-time jobs at shops, marketplaces, and departmental stores, some of which are also run by Indians who have migrated to the UK. These positions frequently provide flexible hours, which is crucial for students who need to balance employment and their UG or PG program.Average Weekly Pay -  £370
ServerWorking in a restaurant, coffee shop or a bar might provide students with free or subsidized meals. Although it might be hectic work, it can be an excellent opportunity to meet a range of individuals.Average Weekly Pay -  £249
TutorThose with knowledge of specific disciplines can utilize their skills to earn money and aid others in enhancing their academic achievement by providing tutoring services.Average Weekly Pay - £490
Delivery DriverThere are many options for students to work part-time as delivery drivers thanks to the popularity of food delivery apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats. All they need is a smartphone and a vehicle which can be rented.Average Weekly Pay - £250
Administrative AssistantAssistants are frequently employed on a part-time basis by various enterprises. These positions often entail duties like data entry, phone answering, and filing.Average Weekly Pay - £450
Teaching AssistantUniversities often require help with teaching duties for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. This can entail carrying out duties like marking papers, hosting office hours, or directing discussion groups.Average Weekly Pay - £245
 Research AssistantStudents can work as research assistants for professors in their department if the topic they are studying requires research. Depending on the field, this work can involve data collection, literature studies or lab work.Average Weekly Pay - £550
Customer Service AgentTelecommunications, banking and retail sectors hire students on a part-time basis to deal with consumer queries and collect data.Average Weekly Pay - £440
Event PlannerEvent planning organizations hire students to plan and execute events such as weddings, conferences, reading sessions, birthday parties, or festival celebrations. This role helps students enhance their organizational and creative skills.Average Weekly Pay - £300
Prep CookStudents can work in eateries, cafes and restaurants and work as assistants helping chefs in preparing and presenting meals.  This job can also sort the expenses of meals for international students.Average Weekly Pay - £260
(Source for Average Salaries – Glassdoor, Indeed, Talent)

Top Sectors to Get Part-time Jobs in UK

Every job has its own set of challenges and every sector has its own set of said and unsaid regulations. If you’re working in the hospitality sector, for instance, you have to be polite and patient especially while dealing with customers. Below are the top job sectors with their average weekly salaries to choose from before you start working as an international student in the UK.

Job CategoryAverage Weekly Salary (20 hours per week)
Accountancy£400 - £500
Administration£350 - £370
Children Contact Supervisor£400 - £430
Customer Service£400 - £500
Education£400 - £600
Health services£300 - £400
Marketing£600 - £700
Retail£340 - £360
Sales£320 - £350
Social Care£300 - £400


Conclusion


Part-time job opportunities can help international students earn money and gain experience while studying in the UK. These opportunities provide them with the chance to learn more about the UK's work culture, develop their language abilities, strengthen their resumes, and be financially independent. Finally, while doing a part-time job has numerous advantages, it's crucial to strike a balance between the job and academic coursework.

For more information about programs and part-time work for international students, connect with study abroad consultants at Canam.

FAQ

Yes, there are many part-time options open to overseas students studying in the UK. It is often simpler to get part-time employment off campus than in the university.
During the course term, international students with Tier 4 visas (or student visas) enrolled in full-time degree programs are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Work is permitted for a total of 10 hours per week for students enrolled in foundational courses or language programs.
The highest paying part-time employment options in the UK are those in marketing, education and childcare and customer service.
Various factors such as the role, employer, location, duration, etc. determine one’s salary. An average person can earn between £200 - £500 per week.
The minimum specified wages by the Low Pay Commission of UK is £8 – £12 per hour depending on your age group and some other conditions.
Scholarships can offset your living costs while studying in the UK if your scholarship covers the complete costs of attendance in the institute.
As long as the student is complying with the working hour limit for international students, they can work with more than one organization.

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