Detailed Guide on Working Part-Time in UK: Jobs, Rules & Regulations, Visa Requirements

The United Kingdom is renowned for its top-notch educational system and is home to some of the most esteemed colleges in the world. The UK is one of the top 5 most expensive places in the world to study. For international students, a solution to this problem is part-time employment in the UK. Foreign students studying in the UK are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. This guide will help you get clarity if you’re interested in learning about the great part-time employment in the UK for international students and the associated rules. Keep reading to the very end!

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs In UK

A lot of students in the UK can profit greatly from part-time work. Let’s examine a few advantages of part-time employment:

• Financial Development: The ability to generate your income is one of the main advantages of having part-time work. It enables you to achieve financial independence, pay for your expenditures, and even lessen your dependency on family support or student loans.
• Skills Development: Working a part-time job is a great way to gain vital abilities that are useful in the workplace. Through real-world work experience, you can improve your capacity for problem-solving, communication, and teamwork.
• Work Experience: For the best chance for a future career, developing a strong work history is essential. You can increase your employability and acquire relevant industrial experience through part-time work. Your practical knowledge and abilities will offer you an advantage when you seek internships and full-time jobs after graduation.
• Networking: Working part-time gives you the chance to grow your network of business contacts. You can network with coworkers, managers, and clients who could provide advice, guidance, or even future employment chances. Your job path can be developed through networking.
• Industry Exposure: Depending on the kind of part-time job you choose, you can get exposed to a certain sector or profession. This first-hand experience can enable you to explore your interests and see if a certain field corresponds with your ambitions, allowing you to make educated decisions about your career path.

Also Read: Part-Time Jobs for College Students [Earn As You Study]

Types of Jobs In UK 

Understanding the different kinds of jobs accessible is crucial when looking into part-time employment for overseas students in the UK. Off-campus jobs, On-campus jobs and internet jobs are the three broad categories into which part-time employment for overseas students in the UK falls. Let’s delve deeper into each category.

Part-Time Jobs for Students in UK: On-Campus 

Part-time positions that are offered in an institute or college campus are referred to as on-campus employment. These jobs are at a good location and can give students useful work experience in their field of study. These can also be jobs that take up less of their time and effort to help them focus better on their studies. 

The library, gymnasiums, reception rooms, cafeterias, computer laboratories, and other university support are typical places to find on-campus employment. These might also include ongoing research projects at a university. Finding on-campus employment, however, might be difficult due to less availability, and not all students may be successful.

Part-Time Jobs for Students in UK: Off-Campus 

International students have the chance to work off-campus while pursuing their higher education in the UK. These occupations are typically easier to find, but they could involve travel or commuting. Office assistants, waiters and waitresses, receptionists, data entry operators, and other positions are examples of off-campus part-time employment. To work part-time off-campus, students must receive permission from their educational institution.

Part-Time Jobs for Students in UK: Online

These types of part-time employment give overseas students in the UK another route to self-sustenance. These employment opportunities are advantageous for students, especially those enrolled in challenging degree programs because they can be accessed and carried out remotely.

Only a desktop or computer system and a steady internet connection are needed for online part-time work, which is easily accessible to students. There are several options for online employment, including remote careers in freelance fields like graphic design, video editing, content writing, and virtual support.

Also Read: Working On-Campus and Off-Campus Canada

Rules and Regulations to Get Part-Time Jobs in UK for International Students

It is important for students to be informed of the laws and policies governing part-time opportunities in the UK once they have validated their eligibility and familiarised themselves with the requirements. These laws are in place to safeguard workers’ rights and preserve an equitable workplace. Important factors include:

• Restricted Work Hours and Authorized Work: Students must make sure that any authorized work they do adheres to the restricted work hours dictated by their visa. Understanding the constraints and limitations imposed by visa laws is essential.
• Part-Time Employment During Terms: While enrolled in classes for the term or semester, students are permitted to work part-time. In general, full-time employment is not authorised during this time.
• Weekly Work Limits During the Term: For the duration of the term, international students are normally allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. It is important to remember that, depending on the program’s severity, some courses or Tier 4 sponsors may have special restrictions on working hours.
• Extended Work Hours During Breaks in Session: Students are permitted to work up to 40 hours per week during official session breaks, such as holidays or vacations. As a result, there is an option to work full-time during certain times.
• Limitations on Work Schedule for Language Centres or Foundational Courses: During the term, foundation-level course or language centre students are only permitted to work a maximum of 10 hours per week. These restrictions are in place to allow students to concentrate on their academic development.
• Restrictions on Part-Time Studies: In the UK, part-time employment is typically not authorised for students enrolled in part-time studies. To guarantee that students can spend enough time and attention on their studies, there are limitations on part-time courses in place.

Part-time Worker’s Rights

Part-time employees in the UK are given certain rights. These rights prevent part-time employees from receiving less favourable treatment than full-time employees. Part-time employees must be treated equally for: 

• Wages and Leave Policy (including sick leave, maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and wages)
• Pension options and advantages
• Holidays
• Selection for promotion and transfer, or for redundancy chances for career breaks, through training and career development

Taxes Application on Students 

Only when a student’s income surpasses the tax deductions will taxes be due. To be able to pay taxes on your wage, you must apply for a national tax identification number (NIN) after landing a job.

• If you earn more than 12,570 GBP a year working part-time in the UK, you must file a tax return. You are not required to pay any taxes if your income falls below this threshold.
• If your income falls between 12,571 GBP and 50,270 GBP, you will be subject to the basic tax rate of 20%.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Jobs in UK 

To study in the UK, international students need a Tier 4 visa, which also enables them to work part-time jobs as long as they adhere to UK student part-time hours. You must adhere to any limitations set by your university or other institution in order to avoid difficulties.

Look at the prerequisites for international students to work part-time jobs in the UK: 

• The minimum age requirement for students is 16 years.
• Students must be enrolled full-time in degree programmes at the universities.
• They require a Tier 4 visa in order to work in the UK. 

How to Get a Part-Time Job in UK as a Student?

You can begin your job hunt now that you are aware of the guidelines for part-time employment in the UK. It takes initiative and the use of a variety of resources to locate a part-time job in the UK as a student. Here are a few efficient methods to look for part-time employment opportunities:

• Create a thorough resume: Create a well-organized CV by compiling your educational background, pertinent work experience, accomplishments, and skills. Emphasise your qualities and skills that make you a strong candidate for part-time jobs.
• Local newspapers: Regular print publications frequently offer sections or classifieds specifically for posting listings for part-time jobs. Check your local newspapers frequently for job postings.
• Use Internet employment portals: which are dedicated to posting part-time job listings, such as Glassdoor, Linkedin, Indeed, etc. By allowing you to filter employment depending on your needs, these portals can assist you in locating possibilities that are right for you. Shortlist relevant positions and apply directly through these sites.
• Utilise the career services provided by your institution or university by visiting their career centres: The career centre can connect you with employers, give you information on part-time employment openings, and provide assistance with resume writing and interview preparation.
• Utilise your connections to find part-time career opportunities by networking: Speak with seniors, former students, faculty members, and close friends to see if they know anything about openings. To network with professionals and improve your chances of discovering potential employment leads, attend university events, job fairs, and industry-specific gatherings.
• Local businesses: Check out the cafes, eateries, shops, supermarkets and other establishments in your neighbourhood. Express your interest in any potential future chances by asking them directly about any part-time work openings or by leaving your resume with them. Businesses occasionally have impending or current openings that are not publicly announced.

How Much Can You Work in UK?

You are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year with a student visa for full-time degree-level study. For any work—paid or unpaid—done for one or more organisations, there is a weekly cap of 20 hours. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period of time.

Also Read: What are the Student Working Hours in the UK?

Per Hour Wages

Part-time wages depend upon the type of job and location but in the UK, the average part-time employee makes £27,050 a year, or 13.87 GBP an hour. Most experienced workers can earn up to £48,029 per year, while entry-level roles start at 22,435 GBP annually.

Popular Part-time Job Fields in UK 

Here is a list of some of the most popular fields in the UK where students can explore, earn a good amount of money, and manage their expenses while studying. 

Popular Field	Average Pay Per Hour
Accountancy	12 GBP
Sales	8.80 GBP
Education	11.34 GBP
Administration	9 GBP
Marketing	11.50 GBP
Health services	10.80 GBP

Pros and cons of a part-time job

Before selecting a part-time job, there are numerous things to consider. It’s crucial to examine the benefits and drawbacks typical of part-time jobs in addition to taking the employer, position, commute, and pay into consideration.

Pros

Flexibility

• Part-time work often offers greater flexibility than full-time work, and you may even be able to choose your own hours. 

Additional income

• Part-time employment is a great way to augment full- or part-time employment by generating additional money. 

Decreased levels of stress

• There is typically more time for adventures outside of the workplace when working part-time rather than full-time.

Cons 

Lack of advantages

• Some employers do provide benefits for part-time employment, but many do not. Ask the company about any benefits you need, such as a pension or paid time off, throughout the employment process.

Lesser money

• Part-time jobs sometimes pay less than full-time jobs, whether you’re paid an hourly wage or a set salary. 

Fewer prospects for advancement

• When you stay at a company for a shorter period of time than other employees, it is challenging to advance within the company. Because you work part-time, you might not be aware of some changes and bosses might think you are less dedicated than full-time employees.

Time management

• It might become a little hectic to manage work and studies together. Therefore, it is better to make a daily and weekly schedule and abide by it to avoid the stress of work. 

FAQs

This is the complete guide that will help you learn more about the working culture in the United Kingdom. If you are also looking to pursue a course in the UK, reach out to our study abroad experts for a better understanding of your admission requirements and follow Leverage Edu for more informational content.

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