Part-time jobs for international students in the UK

If you’re on an international student visa:

• You can only work full-time hours outside of term if you’re on a fixed-term contract (the work ends on a certain date)
• You can’t set up your own business or be self-employed (freelance)
• You can’t be a professional sportsperson or entertainer

This means most international students usually get casual (no fixed hours) and part-time work. Sometimes these jobs can be found at the university themselves, or in industries that employ part-time workers, such as hospitality and retail. 

Finding work

Checking in with your university employability or careers team is always a good place to start when looking for work. They can connect you with relevant opportunities and help you appeal to employers in the UK.

What kind of jobs are there for students?

Many universities offer a range of on-campus job opportunities to their students – these are normally part-time roles in places like shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support.

There's plenty of off-campus job options to explore, too. Students will often get casual work in areas like hospitality, retail, or events, as well as seasonal work over holiday periods.

Looking for work that’s relevant to your studies is a good way to build professional skills and prepare for working life as a graduate. This could be an internship or placement with a company or organisation.

Balancing work with your studies

Working is a great way to earn extra money, get professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK.

However, your university course should always be your priority. Taking on too much work could make it harder to find study time, cause you extra stress, or even impact your attendance.

Talking to your university employment team, international student officer, or academic tutor about working can help you work out what the right balance is.

After you’ve successfully completed your studies, you can apply for a graduate visa.

Students who get a graduate visa can:

• Work for up to two years after their graduation (bachelor’s and master’s students)
• Work for up to three years after their graduation (PhD students)

You don’t need to have a job lined up before applying for a graduate visa. However, you should make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and can pay the application fees before you apply.