Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
Part-Time jobs in UK are extremely popular among international students because of the financial burden that comes with abroad studies. UK comes under the top three study abroad destination and the average cost of studying in UK for Indian students is around 15,00,000-40,00,000 INR. Many international students, therefore, choose part-time jobs as a way to support their studies and living expenses.
In the UK, international students can choose from a variety of part-time roles such as On-campus jobs, Off-campus jobs or online jobs. Some of the popular part time jobs for international students include - Server, Teaching Assistant, Tutor and Retail Worker. These roles can pay up to £8–£20 per hour, depending on the job type and location. Additionally, students also need to meet basic eligibility criteria, including holding a Tier 4 student visa, which allows up to 20 hours of work per week during term time, must be at least 16 years old (some jobs require 18+), and must have a National Insurance (NI) number for tax purposes.
Types of Part-time Jobs in the UK for International Students
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Part-Time Jobs | On-campus jobs are roles students can do within their university, like working as a library assistant, research helper, or student ambassador. These jobs are great for students as they are flexible with your class schedule and provide students to work in a familiar environment. |
| Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs | Off-campus jobs are roles students can find outside the university, such as in retail shops, cafes, or delivery services. These jobs offer a change of pace from campus life and often have weekend or evening shifts. |
| Online Part-Time Jobs | Online jobs are remote roles you can do from your dorm room, the library, or anywhere with internet. Popular options include tutoring, content creation, or virtual assistant roles. These are ideal for flexible schedules and can be done from home or campus. |
Also Check: Work While Studying In UK
Eligibility for Part-Time Jobs in UK
The eligibility criteria for working Part-Time Jobs as an international student in UK is listed below:
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Visa Type Requirement | Students must have a Tier 4 Student Visa to work part-time. This visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. |
| Minimum Age | Students need to be at least 16 years old to work most part-time jobs, though some roles, like working in bars, may require students to be 18 or older. |
| National Insurance (NI) Number | To work legally, students must have a National Insurance (NI) number for tax purposes. You can apply for an NI number if you don’t already have one. |
| Right-to-Work Documentation | Students need to show their passport or visa documentation to confirm their eligibility to work part-time in the UK. |
| English Proficiency | A good command of English is necessary for many part-time roles, especially customer-facing jobs where students interact directly with customers or clients. |
Note - Students enrolled in part-time courses are not eligible for part-time jobs in UK.
Also Check:
Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK
Some of the popular Part-Time job with their hourly pay scale are listed below:
| Job | Average Pay/Hour (in £) | Average Pay/Hour (in ₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Server | £9.91 | ₹1,046 |
| Teaching Assistant | £15.14 | ₹1,599 |
| Tutor | £15.22 | ₹1,607 |
| Dog Walker | £20.42 | ₹2,157 |
| Retail Worker | £8.80 | ₹929 |
| Translator | £22.14 | ₹2,338 |
| Research Assistant | £15.44 | ₹1,631 |
| Hotel Receptionist | £8.74 | ₹923 |
| Barista | £8.52 | ₹900 |
| Cook | £9.10 | ₹961 |
Note - It must be noted by students that the pay per hour for part-time jobs in the UK are generally 1.5 times higher for night shifts than the day shifts.
Also Check:
Basic Pay for Part-Time Jobs in UK 2024
International students who take Part-Time jobs in UK are assured a basic pay according to the National Minimum Wage which is provided in the table below:
| Age | Average Pay per Hour (in ₹) | Average Pay per Hour (in £) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18 | ₹460 | £4.22 |
| 18-20 | ₹654 | £6.00 |
| 21-22 | ₹833 | £7.64 |
| 23+ | ₹888 | £8.14 |
Where to Look for Part-Time Jobs in UK?
The most common sources to check when looking for Part-Time jobs for international students in the UK are:
- University Website: On-campus jobs are posted on the university website as well as through announcements on the university notice boards.
- Career Team: Most universities in the UK have a Career Center that is responsible for assisting students in finding jobs. The career team can keep students posted about any on-campus positions or off-campus part time jobs within close vicinity of the university.
- Newspapers: Local newspapers often advertise part-time jobs, especially for roles in retail, hospitality, and events. Check the classified ads section or the newspaper’s online version, as smaller businesses still use newspapers to reach out to local job seekers.
- Job Search Portals:Popular job search websites like Indeed, Reed, and Total jobs have dedicated sections for part-time jobs for international students. These portals can help greatly for international students to locate suitable part time jobs close to the campus.
- Networking: Networking with peers, seniors, teachers can help you get useful information about part time jobs in UK. International students are also encouraged to look for jobs by talking to potential employers at nearby libraries, bookstores, retail outlets, grocery stores, etc.
Also Check:
How to Boost Your Chances of Finding Part-Time Jobs in UK?
While looking for Part-Time jobs in UK as an international student you will face tough competition from domestic students. However, you must not be discouraged and try to boost your chances of finding part time jobs in UK for international student by using the following tips:
- Sign up for volunteering opportunities or unpaid work that can help you gain experience and add value to your CV.
- Actively participate in student organizations and events held on campus.
- Make yourself known to people around you through networking.
- Participate in competitions, seminars and workshops that can help you prove your abilities.
- Be helpful to your professors as they can recommend you for on-campus part time jobs.
- Don’t deny any opportunity that comes your way even if it is not related to your areas of interest as it can open new doors for you.
Also Check - Internships in the UK for International Students 2025
Laws Governing Part-Time Jobs in UK
Finally, it is essential to know the regulations before beginning your search for a part-time employment in the U.K. International students are subject to specific restrictions when it comes to working part-time in the UK:
- For students studying at Degree level or more – Maximum of 20 hours per week
- You cannot work full-time unless you have a work permit
- Self-employment is not allowed. For example, you cannot work as an entertainer, a sports coach or any sort of entrepreneur.
Most part-time work opportunities are paid but initially you may have to take up voluntary work if you have a hard time finding a suitable job. It is recommended that you apply for voluntary work wisely as you may be at the risk of exploitation. International students taking part-time jobs in UK for international student must take note of all the restrictions.
Briefly, we can say that working part-time in the UK can be very beneficial for international students, as it not only helps with earning extra income to support living expenses but also provides valuable work experience, enhances skills, and builds connections that can be useful for future career opportunities. Additionally, Students should also remember to abide by the permitted work hours to ensure they remain within their visa conditions.
FAQs
Ques Can I work part-time if I’m under 18?
Ans Yes, students as young as 16 can work part-time, but some roles, like bar work, may require you to be at least 18.
Ques Is a part-time job easily available in the UK?
Ans Yes, part-time jobs are widely available in the UK, particularly in retail, hospitality, and customer service sectors. However, competition can be high because of increasing, so it's important to apply early and be flexible with job hours.
Ques What is the minimum wages for international students (part time job) in UK?
Ans In the UK, international students are entitled to the same minimum wage rates as domestic workers. As of April 2024, the National Minimum Wage is:
- £11.44 per hour for workers aged 21 and over
- £8.60 per hour for workers aged 18 to 20
- £6.40 per hour for workers under 18
Ques What should I do if I struggle to find a part-time job?
Ans Try volunteering or joining student organizations to gain experience, boost your CV, and expand your network—it can help you land a job more easily.
Ques Can I work full-time as a student?
Ans Full-time work is only allowed during official holidays for students otherwise, you must stick to the 20-hour limit during term time.
Ques Why is part-time work beneficial for students?
Ans Part-time jobs can be beneficial for students as it help students earn income, build skills, gain UK work experience, and expand professional networks, all of which can be valuable for future careers.
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