Are you an international student who wants to work in the UK while studying? If so, you may have many questions about how to find a job, what kind of work you can do, and what are the rules and regulations for working on a student visa in the UK. In this blog, we will answer some of the most common questions and provide you with useful tips and resources to help you with your job search and work experience in the UK.

What are the benefits of student work in UK?

Working in the UK as an international student can have many benefits, such as:

  • Earning extra money to support yourself and pay for your living expenses
  • Gaining valuable work experience and skills that can enhance your CV and future career prospects
  • Improving your English language proficiency and communication skills
  • Learning about the UK culture and society and making new friends and contacts
  • Developing your confidence, independence and adaptability

Can you work in the UK as an international student?

The answer is yes, you can work in the UK as an international student, but there are some conditions and restrictions that you need to be aware of. The type and amount of work you can do depends on your visa status, your course level and duration, and the time of the year.

If you are on a Student visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa), you can work in the UK during your studies, as long as you don’t:

  • Work for more than 20 hours per week during term time, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship
  • Engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
  • Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy
  • If you are on a Visitor or Short-Term Student visa, you are not allowed to work in the UK at any time, including unpaid positions and volunteering.
  • If you are on a Graduate visa, you can work in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course.

How to find student work in UK?

There are many ways to find student work in UK, such as:

  • Searching online on job boards, websites and social media platforms that advertise part-time, temporary, casual and seasonal jobs for students, such as StudentJob, [Indeed], [Gumtree], [LinkedIn] and [Facebook]
  • Visiting your university’s careers service, which can offer you advice, guidance and support on finding and applying for jobs, as well as hosting job fairs, workshops and events where you can meet employers and recruiters
  • Networking with your classmates, tutors, friends and acquaintances, who may have connections or referrals to potential employers or job opportunities
  • Checking local newspapers, magazines, notice boards and shop windows for job adverts
  • Contacting employers directly by sending them your CV and a cover letter, or by visiting them in person and asking if they have any vacancies

How to apply for student work in UK?

Once you have found a job that suits your skills, interests and availability, you need to apply for it by following the instructions given by the employer. This may involve:

  • Filling in an online or paper application form, where you need to provide your personal details, education, work experience and references
  • Sending your CV and a cover letter, where you need to highlight your relevant qualifications, skills and achievements, and explain why you are suitable for the job and what you can offer to the employer
  • Attending an interview, where you need to dress professionally, arrive on time, be polite and confident, and answer the questions asked by the interviewer
  • Completing an assessment, test or trial, where you need to demonstrate your abilities and performance in a practical or simulated situation

What do you need before you can start work in the UK?

Before you can start work in the UK, you need to have:

  • A National Insurance number, which is a unique code that identifies you for tax and social security purposes. You can apply for a National Insurance number by phone, and you may need to attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus to confirm why you need it
  • A bank account, which is where your employer will pay your wages. You can open a bank account by visiting a branch of a bank or building society, and you may need to provide proof of your identity, address and student status
  • A contract of employment, which is a written agreement between you and your employer that outlines the terms and conditions of your job, such as your pay, hours, duties, holidays and rights
  • A payslip, which is a document that shows how much you have earned and how much tax and National Insurance you have paid. You should receive a payslip every time you get paid, and you should keep it for your records

What are your rights and responsibilities as a student worker in the UK?

As a student worker in the UK, you have certain rights and responsibilities, such as:

You have the right to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, which is the minimum amount of money you can legally earn per hour. The current rates for 2023 are £8.91 for workers aged 23 and over, £8.36 for workers aged 21 to 22, £6.56 for workers aged 18 to 20, and £4.62 for workers aged under 18.

You have the right to be treated fairly and equally, and to be free from discrimination, harassment and bullying on the grounds of your age, sex, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

You have the right to join a trade union, which is an organisation that represents and protects the interests of workers in a particular industry or sector.

You have the responsibility to follow the rules and regulations of your employer and your visa, and to perform your job to the best of your ability.

You have the responsibility to pay tax and National Insurance on your earnings, and to declare any income you receive from abroad or from other sources.

You have the responsibility to balance your work and study commitments, and to prioritise your academic progress and wellbeing.

Conclusion

We hope that this blog has given you some useful information and tips on student work in UK and working on a student visa in the UK. Working in the UK as an international student can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also requires careful planning, preparation and compliance. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always contact your university’s international office, careers service or student support team for further advice and guidance. Good luck with your job search and work experience in the UK!