Studying abroad in the UK can be expensive, with high tuition fees and living costs. However, there are options available for international students to work part-time while studying to help ease the financial burden. The UK has a well-developed and accessible student loan system, as well as various scholarship schemes, that can provide financial assistance.
To be eligible to work in the UK while studying, students must comply with restrictions set by their university and state-run institutions. It’s important to check with your university first to ensure that there are no constraints on working hours based on your study course. Additionally, international students must check their Tier 4 visa, which is the official student visa in the UK, to determine their eligibility to work. If you are under 16 years old and do not have a Tier 4 (General) visa, you are not qualified to work in the UK.
It’s worth noting that these working restrictions only apply to students from countries outside of the EU/EEA (European Union/European Economic Area) and Switzerland. Citizens of EU/EEA countries, including Switzerland, do not need permission to work in the UK while studying.
The conditions and limitations for working in the UK are printed on your Tier 4 visa sticker (vignette), including the number of hours you are allowed to work per week during term-time. When you receive your residence permit paperwork, there will be a letter that provides you with all the necessary information about whether you are allowed to work while studying.
If any of the following statements are mentioned in the letter, you are eligible to work in the UK:
- Work must be authorized
- Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State
- Work as in Tier 4 Rules
- Restricted as in Tier 4 Rules
- Restricted work – Part-time during term-time, Full-time during vacations
- Restricted work time
- Work limited to 20 hours per week at maximum during term-time
- Work limited to 10 hours per week at maximum during term-time
If none of the above options are mentioned on your passport’s sticker, you are not eligible to work.
Once you have determined that you are eligible to work in the UK, you must also be aware of the types of jobs that you are not allowed to do. Some examples of jobs that you cannot engage in, whether paid or unpaid, while holding a Tier 4 visa include being self-employed or working freelance It is important to ensure that you do not violate any laws or regulations while working as a foreign student in the UK.
If your study course requires a work placement, there are time limits that you should adhere to. Currently, you are allowed to work for a period of time that is less than 33% of the total duration of your course. However, there are exemptions to this rule, such as if your study course is offered in a recognized higher education institution at RQF 6 or SCQF 9, in which case you can work up to 50% of the total length of your studies. Similarly, if your study course is part of a study abroad program at RQF 6 or SCQF levels, or if you are a Tier 4 (Child) student aged 16 or above, you are allowed to work up to 50% of the total length of your studies. Additionally, if the work placement is an integral part of your study course and there is a UK statutory requirement that allows you to exceed this limit, you may do so.
As a student from a foreign country, you may not be familiar with the UK labour market and the types of jobs available. However, there are many job options that do not require specific qualifications or skills, and you will often receive guidance and support from experienced employees. Here is a list of student jobs in the UK that can give you an idea of the types of jobs to consider:
Student Support Officer
Sales Assistant
Pharmacy Delivery Driver
Pizza Delivery Driver
Veterinary Care Assistant
Personal Assistant
Physiotherapy Assistant
Admission Officer
Sport Facilities Worker
Gardener
Customer Assistant
Freelance Translator
Waitress
Receptionist
Facilities Assistant
Residence Guide
Promotional Worker
Enrollment Advisor
Finance Assistant
Social Media Assistant
Newspaper Distributor
Photographer
Personal Tutor
Ice Cream Scooper
Restaurant Host
Smoothie Maker
Bartender
Cashier
Blogger
Graphic Designer
Software Developer Intern
Bookseller
Tour Guide
Research Assistant
University Cafeteria Waitress
Pet Caretaker
House Cleaner
Babysitter
Brand Ambassador
IT Assistant
Security Guard
Fitness Instructor
It’s important to check the latest regulations and guidelines regarding student work restrictions in the UK, as they may be subject to change. Always ensure that you are abiding by the laws and regulations while working as a student in the UK to avoid any legal issues.
However, if you plan to move to a higher level of study or change your course, you may be required to initiate a new immigration application. Until you receive a response to this new application, you must adhere to your old immigration status.
Last modified: 2023-05-24
