Working While Studying in UK | Complete Guide For International Students: In a bid to supplement their income or acquire valuable skills and work experience to improve future career prospects, most international students in the UK often work alongside studying. While this is a good idea, as the UK is one of the most expensive places to live, you should not rely on part-time work to fund your studies. The money for tuition alongside living expenses should have been put aside already.
So many people have dreams of studying abroad, and like a few people I know, the United Kingdom seems like a very appealing place for studies. How can you study in the United Kingdom, how much will it cost, what are the advantages, what are the options for financially unprivileged people, and how can you get a job after studying in the United Kingdom? These are the questions that will be addressed in this article. keep reading to access the full information.
READ ALSO: UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship 2024/2025
Working While Studying in UK | Complete Guide For International Students.
The United Kingdom is a choice place for so many international students all over the world. The country is a high-ranking country, ranking among the best when it comes to education. The fact that it offers Degrees and courses in the English language makes it a very sought-after destination for international students all over the world.
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular places to get a higher education. It has more than 500,000 international students enrolling every single year.
What is so special about the United Kingdom? The impeccable educational system and the environment that so many youths around the world would dream to visit.
- work and study in uk for international students
- uk post study work visa requirements
- can international students work in uk after graduation
- can student work full-time during holidays in uk
- post study work visa uk eligibility
- what happens if i work over 20 hours on a student visa uk
- uk post study work visa application
- how many hours can international students work
Work While Studying in UK Eligibility (post study work in the uk).
The eligibility to work as an international student in the UK depends on two major restrictions:
- Restrictions set by the university of study (majorly influenced by your study course), and
- Restrictions set by state-run official institutions.
Before you consider study and work option as an international student in the UK, you must first find out if your university has any conditions that could affect your working as an international student. These conditions could restrict the type of work a student can do and its location (whether on or off campus).
If your university does not have any restrictions on your eligibility to work, then you must ensure the information on your student visa, residence permit paperwork and passport are properly looked through to check for any restrictions on your eligibility for a study and work in the UK as an international student.
It should be noted, however, that these restrictions only apply to students coming from non-EU/EEA countries. Students from EU/EEA countries, including Switzerland, are not constrained by any of these conditions to work as international student in the UK.
RELATED: University of Oxford Executive Diploma Scholarships for Women
Studying in the United Kingdom
First off, what do you stand to gain from studying in the United Kingdom? The list below captures some of these benefits.
- UK universities are some of the highest-ranked universities in the world
- There are so many scholarships and grants you can use to support your studies financially
- You get to learn with the English Language
- It gives you room to develop yourself in an environment with diverse cultures
- You will have enough time to explore the beauty of England.
Not many countries in the world will offer you all these benefits. The United Kingdom is one of my best choice places of study.
Restrictions on Study and Work Eligibility in the UK.
Typically, international students (except citizens of EU/EEA counties) are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week (where a week is defined as a period of 7 days from a Monday to a Sunday) during term-time and full-time during holidays.
However, international students studying a course below degree level at a Higher Education Institution are only allowed to work 10 hours per week during term time.
International Students in the following categories are not eligible to work during term time while studying in the UK:
- A part-time postgraduate course or above that is supported by a recognized body in the UK or that receives public funds as a Higher Education Institution.
- A course at a further education college.
- A course offered by a private higher education provider.
- A course where the student aged under 16 has a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
Work placements are also a great opportunity for international students to gain employment and work experience in the UK, especially those not eligible for work. International students are allowed to do a work placement during the course of their study, even if they are not legally permitted to take employment.
READ ALSO:
Universities and Colleges to Attend in the United Kingdom
There are so many universities, colleges, and business schools to attend in the UK. These institutions are grouped according to the year they were founded, here are the groups below;
- Old Universities: Universities that were founded in the 12th and 13th centuries, for example, the great Oxford University
- Old brick Universities: These Universities were founded in the 19th Century
- New Universities: Universities that were founded and established after 1992.
Examples of the top Universities in the UK are imperial College London, University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, Coventry University, and Brunel University London
What is it like to study in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom offers a wonderful study experience, with activities like research work, group activities demanding peer interactions, classroom discussions, quizzes, debates, etc
The Educational system is focused on skill development and career build-up to produce students that will contribute to the larger development of society.
Study and Work Jobs for International Students.
Upon confirmation of your eligibility to work as an international student in the UK, you should also know that there are certain jobs, you are not allowed to engage in as an international student, whether paid or unpaid. They include:
- Self-employment or initiating a commercial activity.
- Professional sportsperson including a sports coach.
- Full-time permanent jobs.
- Work as a dentist or a doctor in training, except you are enrolled in a foundation program.
RECOMMENDED:
Study UK GREAT Postgraduate Scholarships 2024/2025 for Nigerians
Study and Work Jobs that you can do as an International Student
While looking for part-time jobs to apply for, you should know that most of these jobs open to students need little or no specific qualifications or skills, as there would likely be on-the-job training. Nevertheless, you should tailor your CV to fit the role you are applying for, to present yourself as a better candidate.
You can also apply for job opportunities within your university. Most schools recruit international students for part-time roles on campus or as a research assistant for a professor.
Listed below are some job roles you can explore while studying as an international student in the UK.
- Sales or retail jobs
- Customer Service Agents
- Part-time jobs in cafes or restaurants
- Delivery jobs
- Assistant roles
- Hospitality roles
- Personal tutor
- Blogger
- Graphic designer
- Caretaker
Your Rights as an International Student Working in the UK
International students working part-time are entitled to the same rights as a full-time employee and is compensated according to the current minimum hourly rates in the UK.
The rates applicable to different age range are:
- Under 18 – £4.55
- 18 to 20 – £6.45
- 21 to 24 – £8.20
- 25 and over – £8.72
RECOMMENDED:
World Trade Organization Internships for Graduate Students 2024
Applying For Your National Insurance Number
International students looking to explore study and work options in the UK will need to apply for a National Insurance Number to be eligible to work.
Application for a National Insurance Number can be done for free by calling the National Insurance Number application line and you can start work while waiting to be issued this.
During the period of part-time or full-time employment as an international student, you would be required to pay Income taxes and National Insurance. This entitles you to a few state benefits that include healthcare.
Work After Study Visa in the UK
A new post-study visa for international students launched as the Graduate Immigration Route in September 2024 now allows international students to stay back in the Uk after their study.
International students who have successfully concluded their undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK can stay and work at any skill level for a maximum period of two years (three years for PhD graduates) after graduation if they meet the necessary criteria.
Types of Jobs you are Allowed to do While Studying in the UK
Since the following jobs listed above are prohibited for international students, what types of jobs are you then allowed to do? Below, I give you a long list of job ideas for international students in the United Kingdom.
• Sales Assistant
• Student Support Officer
• Delivery Driver
• Personal assistant
• Veterinary care assistant
• Physiotherapy assistant
• Admission officer
• Waitress
• Receptionist
• Bartender
• Cashier
• Graphic Designer
• Software Developer intern
• Bookseller
• Tour Guide
• Fitness instructor
• Brand Ambassador
• IT Assistant
• Security guard, etc
There are so many types of jobs you can do as an international student in the UK. Whatever choice you are choosing, make sure it is a part-time job.
Also Check:
How Much Does Part-Time Jobs Pay in the UK
The salary system of the UK is typical of the UK. Part-time workers (students) have the same rights as full-time employees. Therefore, they are paid with the UK waging system. The UK has a national minimum wage that all employers must abide by.
For workers 25 years and older, the minimum wage is £8.72. For workers between 21 to 24 years of age, the minimum wage is £8.20, from 18 to 20 years of age, £6.45 and finally, for anyone under 18, the minimum wage is £4.55.
Working in the UK After Graduation
What if you just finished studying and you need a job. The UK government has enabled international students to both work and live in the UK for up to 2 years after completion of their studies. This will be made possible when you get the new graduate visa.
Jobs you are not allowed to do While Studying in the UK
One other rule or regulation you will need to note is the types of jobs that you can do as a student in the United Kingdom. Below are the jobs you can‘t do;
- You cannot work as an entertainer
- You are not allowed to be self-employed or work as a freelancer.
- You cannot do a full-time permanent job.
- You cannot be a professional sportsperson or a sports coach
- You cannot become a dentist doctor or a doctor in training except you are enrolled in a foundation program.
These jobs are not allowed for the majority of international students in the UK.
Study Opportunities in the United Kingdom
Considering the fact that studying in the United Kingdom could be a very challenging task for international students because of the cost of living in the United Kingdom, the tuition fees, and personal needs. A lot of opportunities have been provided for international students all over the world who are not privileged financially.
Now, there are various options for international students who will not be able to pay their bills and their tuition fees in the United Kingdom. Here they are below.
- Aid from International Organisations
International Organisations like Fulbright grant aid to international students all over the world who are willing to apply to universities in the United Kingdom but do not have the financial means. Some of these organizations are;
1. The United Nations
2. AMIDEAST
3. World Council of Churches
4. Soros Foundation
5. World Health Organization
- Support From the University
Some universities in the United Kingdom offer support for international students. This support varies from institution to institution. You can visit the website of your choice institution to check the aid or support they have for you.
- Scholarships in the United Kingdom
One of the major challenges for international students in the UK is the lack of financial capability. There are so many ways to combat this problem, one of which is taking advantage of scholarships.
There are so many scholarships for international students in the United Kingdom, some of them are fully funded. I have selected the best of them all. Here they are below;
1. Chevening Scholarships
2. Scotland Saltire Scholarships
3. Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
5. Clarendon Scholarships at University of Oxford (UK)
6. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
7. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
8. Bristol University Think Big Scholarships
9. University of West London International Ambassador Scholarships
10. University of West England Chancellor’s Scholarships
11. Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships
12. Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
13. Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham
These scholarships have different requirements for qualification. You can visit their various websites to know more about them.