Working While Studying in the UK
If you’re studying in the UK on a student visa, you may be thinking about working during your studies. Good news! With the right understanding of the rules and regulations, you can gain valuable work experience and earn an income while studying.
In this article, we will explain how to work in the UK while you study, including the hours you can work, the types of jobs you can do, and how to balance work and study.
Working on a student visa in the UK
As an international student in the UK, there are rules you must follow if you would like to work.
According to the UK Government, the number of hours you are allowed to work on a student visa depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term time. In most cases, you are only allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during study periods. This includes any paid employment, internships, graduate schemes or placements. During official university vacations, this limit usually increases to 40 hours per week.
However, some courses carry different work restrictions. For example, if you are enrolled in a below-degree course (such as a foundation course or English language course), you will likely only be able to work up to 10 hours per week during study periods, and full-time during official university vacations.
Certain types of work are prohibited for student visa holders, including self-employment or freelance work, professional sports and/or entertainment.
To work in the UK, you must also apply for a National Insurance number, which will act as your identifier for tax purposes. You can learn more about how to apply here.
Employment support in the UK
Acas - the Advisory, Concilliation and Arbitration Service - is the protective body for workers in Britain. Acas provides all employees and employers in the UK with free and impartial advice on workplace rules and rights.
If you need help, guidance or to file a complaint, visit the Acas website or call the hotline at 0300 123 1100 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. The helpline also has a free translation service in more than 100 languages.
Where to find part-time jobs in the UK
Employment marketplaces like Indeed and Reed are great places to look for part-time jobs in the UK across different industries. LinkedIn is also helpful for finding jobs and expanding your professional network.
Student Circus is another excellent tool designed specifically for international students. This job search site lists pre-filtered job opportunities with reputable, international organisations such as KPMG, Deloitte, Rolls Royce and more.
5 part-time jobs for students in the UK
The UK is home to a wide range of industries, such as hospitality, tourism, retail, education and more. That means that there are many opportunities available to you while you study.
Some of the most popular part-time student jobs in the UK include:
Barista - In this role, you’ll get to make coffee and other drinks while interacting with the public.
Retail Worker - Whether you work as a cashier, a sales associate or a shelf filler, a part-time job in retail can be fulfilling and earn you an income while you study.
Server - As a server, you’ll engage with customers and serve them food and drinks.
Teaching Assistant - Support teachers by helping teach lessons and providing feedback to students.
Tutor - If you have a valuable skill you can teach others - such as another language or certain academic skills - then tutoring could be a great part-time job.
Explore more part-time job ideas for student visa holders in the UK here.
Balancing work and study
Working while you study can be a great way of making the most of your international study experience. However, it’s important to make sure you’re balancing your workload with your coursework.
Here are some tips to help you do that:
Have a plan - Write a list of everything you need to get done during the week and manage your time accordingly
Be honest with your boss - If you start feeling overwhelmed with your workload, speak to your boss. Explain the situation and request a new work schedule that suits your study requirements.
Manage your stress - You’re bound to experience stress at some point - but knowing how to handle it can make your life much easier. Whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or simply catching up with your friends, find and use a stress management technique that works for you.
Discover more tips for balancing work and school.
PTE Academic: Helping you succeed in the workplace
To work while you study in the UK, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively in English.
With the help of the PTE Academic, you can not only test your English skills but grow your confidence, which will help you thrive in the workplace.
Author: Rebecca MacFarlane
