Finding a job can be difficult, especially in a different country while attending university. Here we give you all the information you need to be ready for work while studying.
Some international students want to know if they can work part-time in the UK. Many students also get internships and jobs while they study. It’s a good way to gain job experience and make money at the same time.
Table of Contents
- What are the eligibility criteria to work while studying in the UK?
- As per the government, you need to check the following to be eligible:
- How many hours will you be permitted to work?
- What are the types of jobs available to students?
- Some examples of job roles that are not allowed
- How to find work opportunities
- Advantages and disadvantages of working while studying
What are the eligibility criteria to work while studying in the UK?
Your ability to work as a student depends on two different groups – the UK Government and your university.
According to the government, you must review and meet the following requirements in order to qualify.
- You need to be above the age of 16.
- You need to have a UK student visa.
- Your visa should be sponsored by an institution that is licensed to sponsor migrant students.
For a list of top licensed university sponsors check https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students.Â
Moreover, it is important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations that you must adhere to when working in the UK. Not following these rules can cause problems with your immigration status.
Universities in the UK have specific rules to assist international students in adjusting to part-time work. Some schools have rules on how many hours students can work, and some schools only let students work on campus. Make sure to ask your university first before you begin looking for a job. If you are still choosing universities, you can look at the university’s website for information about part-time jobs.
How many hours will you be permitted to work?
If you are studying for a degree in the UK, you can work for 20 hours a week while your classes are in session.
If you are studying a course that is not a degree, like a diploma or a foundational course, you can work for 10 hours a week while classes are in session.
You can work full-time when you have placements or vacations.
Please remember that these are only the rules for obtaining a student visa. Universities can limit how many hours students can work.
What are the types of jobs available to students?
You will have many chances to choose from and follow different jobs. We can usually group them into these types.
Part-time jobs
It is best to get a part-time job that relates to what you are studying, but there are also other choices you can consider. A lot of places, such as fast-food restaurants and stores, are happy to hire students to work part-time. Find out about the top 15 part-time jobs that pay the most for students.
On-campus jobs
It’s unexpected, but there are many jobs you can do on your university campus that don’t require academic work. Helping the IT department, taking care of children at the university daycare, and working in the cafeteria are just a few examples.
Some universities have jobs on campus called Teacher’s Assistant (TA) and Research Assistant (RA). TAs and RAs are chosen after the first semester based on how well they did in their classes and their overall grades. If you want these jobs, you have to do well in class. Teaching assistants (TAs) support teachers and may even teach some of the easier classes. RAs assist teachers and scholars by looking up information on specific topics they are given.
Paid internships
During the time when you have a break from school, universities will suggest that you work as an intern in a job related to what you are studying. Most of these internships will pay you money and give you a chance to see what the job field you want to work in after you finish school is like.
Some examples of job roles that are not allowed
International students like yourself are not allowed to pursue the following roles.
- Starting a business/ self-employed
- Joining an organization on a full-term permanent contract
- Working in the entertainment or the sports industry
- Working in a statutory role
- Working in a company where you own upwards of 10% of shares
If one of these jobs is something you are interested in, don’t worry about it. You can prepare for your studies and continue them after you finish school. The UK government gives international students a permit called a post-study work permit (PSWP) that allows them to work in the country for up to 2 years after completing their studies.
How to find job openings
Getting help from your university
Every university will have offices that provide support for students who are searching for jobs. Although we have a lot of help available, it can still feel overwhelming, so we recommend that you follow these suggestions.
Step 1: Write a professional CV with a clear objective statement. You can reach out to the placement support offices to come up with a professional CV as well.
Step 2: Research the available jobs and shortlist the ones that you like.
Step 3: Now that you are prepared, go ahead and talk to student counselors for guidance and then apply.
Looking for job opportunities in your nearby area
There are many places where you can find jobs in cities with lots of students. They are used to working with students and will be understanding, so there’s no need to be nervous. We suggest that you:
- Take a walk around the city and look for shops/companies that are looking for part-time employees; go in and offer your services.
- Talk to your university’s senior students; they will have more insight into the jobs and the employers as well.
Looking for jobs using online social platforms
Using job networking sites is a great option if you enjoy having many different options to choose from. You can search for many different jobs on websites where professionals connect with each other. Make yourself a profile, look for jobs you like, and apply for them. Here are some websites you can use:
- Indeed
- Totaljobs
- Monster
Advantages and disadvantages of working while studying
Advantages
- You can start earning money.
- You can gain insight into the workings of a real workplace.
- You can learn to work with other people.
- You can gain work experience; this will stand out on your CV.
- You can develop contacts by networking with the people you meet through your part-time jobs. Such networking will come in handy when you start to look for employment after graduation.
Disadvantages
- It can be stressful to handle a full-time education and a part-time job.
- Time management might be a struggle.