Finding a part-time job while at university in the UK is a great way to earn extra money, meet new people, and build professional skills. Find out the visa rules, the type of student jobs you can find, and how to fit it in around your studies.
If you’re on an international student visa:
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.
You can work in the UK if:
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time if:
You can work up to 10 hours per week during term if:
You can work up to full-time hours (usually around 40 hours per week) outside of term.
If you’re:
You can live and work in the UK without restriction, and don’t need a student visa. You can check out our guide to working for UK students. If you don’t have ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status then the non-European student rules apply to you, and you’ll need a student visa.
Please note, if you’re a part-time student, you can’t 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.
How long are you allowed to work for? How easy is it to find a job? What jobs are available for international students? Hear from current students who share their experience and tips.
As an international student, one of the most important things you'll need to sort out is opening a UK bank account. This can sometimes be a lengthy and complicated process, so here are the things you'll need to understand to get this off your to do list.
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.
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.
You’ll need to have a CV/resume to give to employers when you apply for a job. This is a summary of your paid or unpaid experience, education, and professional skills.
Some applications also ask for a cover letter. This is where you explain why you want to apply for this role, and why you're suited to the work.
If you have an interview for a job, you should:
After you’ve successfully completed your studies, you can apply for a graduate visa.
Students who get a graduate visa can:
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.
