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Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for thousands of international students every year. One of the key questions many students have is whether they can work alongside their studies and how to do it without affecting their visa or academic performance. With rising living costs, tuition fees, and daily expenses, part-time work becomes an important financial support system for many students.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you must know about part-time jobs in the UK as an international student, including work rules, hours allowed, job types, wages, how to find jobs, tax and legal requirements, and common FAQs. By the end of the guide, you will have a clear and practical understanding of how to work legally and successfully while studying in the United Kingdom.
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Work Rules for International Students
International students who work part-time are better able to sustain themselves financially. International students looking for part-time work in the UK must, however, strictly follow all rules and regulations. These include:
- In the United Kingdom, degree-level or higher full-time students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.
- A student can work up to 20 hours a week while participating in short-term study abroad programs.
- Students who are not pursuing a degree can work up to 10 hours a week as full-time employees.
- Students older than 16 who are enrolled in a Child Student Visa (previously known as Tier 4 Child) may work up to 10 hours per week.
- In the UK, part-time students pursuing a post-degree or higher are not permitted to work.
- Students enrolled in publicly supported postsecondary education institutions are unable to work.
- Tier 4 (Child) students under 16 are not permitted to work for private providers.
If you hold a UK Student Visa (Student Route), you are allowed to work part-time under specific conditions set by the UK and Immigration (UKVI) and outlined in official policy. These rules are designed to ensure that your job does not interfere with your primary purpose in the UK, that is, your studies.
Hours Allowed Per Week
If you are in the UK, you are not allowed to work more than 48 hours per week on average, which is often spread out across 17 weeks. The “working time directive” or “working time regulation” are other names for this law. By accepting the 48-hour workweek, you might decide to put in additional hours.
You cannot work more than eight hours a day or forty hours a week if you are under the age of eighteen. Your weekly maximum work hours depend on your course level:
| Study Level | Permitted Work Hours During Term Time |
| Degree level or above | Up to 20 hours/week |
| Below degree level (foundation/pre-sessional) | Up to 10 hours/week |
| Short-term/visitor study | 0 hours |
This weekly cap includes both paid and unpaid work, internships, and voluntary roles that resemble work.
Also Read: 7+ Best Jobs in UK for Indian Freshers: Salaries & Sites
Types of Part-Time Jobs Available
A huge advantage of studying in the UK is the range of part-time job opportunities. Depending on the demand of the position, overseas students might find three main types of part-time employment in the UK.
| Types of Part-time Jobs | Overview | Job Position |
| On-Campus Part-Time Jobs | On-campus jobs are one of the safest and most convenient options for international students. Universities understand your academic schedule and visa restrictions, making these roles easier to manage. | Library assistant, student ambassador, IT help desk support, campus events staff, research assistant |
| Off-Campus Part-Time Jobs | Off-campus jobs are more common and offer wider opportunities across various industries. These roles are usually in retail, hospitality, logistics, and customer service | Retail assistant, hospitality staff, customer service representative, Warehouse operation, event staff |
| Online Part-Time Jobs | Online jobs are remote jobs, such as social media marketing or content production, but it is important to get appropriate pay. Also, students should be careful while applying for online jobs and must check the work policies. | This means many common online gigs (freelancing, YouTube monetisation, online tutoring as self-employed, dropshipping, etc.) may violate the law.sa conditions. |
Average Hourly Wages (INR Equivalent)
Understanding how much you can earn from a part-time job in the UK is important for budgeting your living expenses. Wages in the UK depend on age, location, industry, and employer. However, the government sets minimum pay rates that employers must follow.
According to the official guidelines published by UK Government (GOV.UK), the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates for 2026 are as follows:
| Wages in GBP | Wages in INR | Age Criteria |
| GBP 12.71 per hour | INR 1335 per hour | Age 21+ |
| GBP 10.85 per hour | INR 1139 per hour | Age 18-20 |
| GBP 8.00 per hour | INR 840 per hour | Age 16-17/Apprentice |
These are minimum legal rates; many student jobs pay at or above this.
Typical Students’ Earnings in a Month or a Week
If you work 20 hours per week at GBP 12.71, you could earn:
| Duration | Average wages in GBP | Average wages in INR |
| Weekly | GBP 254 | INR 26,700 |
| Monthly | GBP 1,016 | INR 107,000 |
Important Factors that Affect Your Earnings
While the above calculation give you an estimate, actual earnings may vary depending on:
- Location: Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham often have high wages due to high living costs.
- Industry: Hospitality jobs may include tips and tutoring, and IT roles may pay more than retail jobs.
- Experience and Skills: Students with strong communication skills, prior experience, or technical knowledge may secure higher-paying roles.
- Holiday Work: During official university holidays, you can work full-time, which significantly increases your income.
Can Part-Time Work Cover Living Costs?
While part-time earnings can help with managing things like:
- Rent contribution
- Grocery expenses
- Transportation
- Personal spending
It usually does not fully cover tuition fees. Therefore, part-time work should be seen as financial support, not a complete funding solution.
Tax Deduction Note
If your annual earnings exceed GBP 12, 570, income tax may apply as per the UK Government (GOV.UK) guidelines. However, most students working part-time during term time remain below this threshold.
Part-time jobs in the UK can provide meaningful financial relief and valuable work experience. By understanding the official wage rate and planning your work hours wisely, you can estimate your potential income realistically and manage your budget better during your studies.
Note: This may vary by job city (for example, London jobs tend to pay high hourly wages)
On-Campus vs Off-Campus Jobs
Choosing between on-campus and off-campus jobs is an important decision for international students in the UK. Both options offer valuable experience and income, but they differ in flexibility, availability, commute, and work environment. Your eligibility to work is governed by the rules set by UK Visas and immigration under the Student visa route, so regardless of the job type, you must follow the permitted work hours (usually 20 hours per week during term time). Let‘s understand the key differences in detail.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are roles offered within your university premises. These are usually owned by university departments, students’ unions, libraries, or campus facilities. Here are some examples of on-campus jobs:
- Library Assistant
- Student Ambassador
- Campus Tour Guide
- IT Support Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Research Assistant
- Teaching Assistant
- Student Union Staff
- Events Assistant
Off-Campus jobs
Off-campus jobs are positions outside university grounds, typically in retail, hospitality, logistics, or customer service. Here are some examples of off-campus jobs:
- Retail Assistants
- Supermarket cashier
- Waiter/Waitress
- Barista
- Warehouse Operative
- Hotel Receptionist
- Delivery Staff (If eligible)
- Customer Service Representative
Top 10 Part-time Jobs in the UK
International students in the UK can choose from a wide range of part-time jobs across sectors like retail, hospitality, education, and administration. Some roles offer flexible hours, while others provide higher pay and skills-based experience. Choosing the right job depends on your schedule, skills, and career goals, helping you earn while gaining valuable work experience during your studies.
Research Assistant
Research assistant positions would be an ideal part-time job option in the UK if you love to do research. Depending on your particular research topic or subject of study, your duties as a research assistant will vary. However, conducting literature reviews, gathering data, entering and managing data, working in labs, creating questionnaires, producing reports and manuscripts, and performing are all typical duties of a research assistant.
| Average Pay | GBP 15.21 per hour |
Library Assistant
Being a library assistant is one of the greatest part-time jobs in the UK for international students. You will help the librarian manage the daily operations of the library as a Library assistant. Daily responsibilities include cataloguing new books, putting away returned items, advertising collections or new library resources, making sure copyright licence agreements are strictly adhered to, keeping databases and records up to date, and assisting with the planning of author sessions or storytelling events.
| Average Pay | GBP 10-GBP 15 per hour |
Teaching Assistant
One of the greatest part-time jobs in the UK for international students is working as a teaching assistant. You will assist teachers in creating lesson plans and organising classrooms for instruction. Students who aspire to pursue careers as teachers can benefit greatly from this part-time work since it allows them to obtain sufficient experience and earn a fair living while still in an institution.
| Average Pay | GBP 11.30 per hour |
Freelance Writer
Do you enjoy writing? Your best part-time job is to work as a freelance writer. You can work from the convenience of your home or your favourite coffee shop. It is a very fulfilling part-time job opportunity that gives freedom and the chance to follow your love of writing. Freelancing can provide you with valuable work experience that will support your future career endeavours if you anticipate a career in writing.
| Average Pay | GBP 31.03 per hour |
Event Planner
One of the greatest part-time jobs in the UK for international students is event planning, which can undoubtedly improve your communication and organisational abilities. You plan and coordinate events like weddings, conferences, reading sessions, birthday celebrations, and festival parties in your capacity as an event planner. This position will provide you with the chance to demonstrate your organisation and create wonderful memories.
| Average Pay | GBP 14.36 per hour |
Barista
Barista is also one of the greatest part-time jobs in the UK for international students to earn a good wage while studying in the UK. As a barista, your duties will include getting the coffee shop ready for business, receiving orders and payments from customers, making and serving snacks, cleaning and organising the workspace, setting up a stock display, checking inventory, and placing orders for fresh supplies.
| Average Pay | GBP 10.97 per hour |
Retail Assistant
A Retail Assistant is one of the most common part-time jobs for international students in the UK. In this role, you help customers, manage billing at the counter, restock shelves, and maintain store cleanliness. It improves communication skills, customer service experience, and teamwork abilities. Most retail jobs pay around the UK minimum wage or slightly higher, with flexible shifts available during evenings and weekends.
| Average Pay | GBP 9.88 per hour |
Tutor
A tutor is a popular and higher-paying part-time job for students in the UK. In this role, you help a school or university student with specific subjects or even your major field of study. Tutoring improves your communication, teaching and leadership skills while strengthening your own academic knowledge. Many tutoring roles pay above minimum wage, especially for specialised subjects. However, international students must ensure they are employed by a reputable company and not working as self-employed, as Student visa rules restrict freelance work.
| Average Pay | GBP 30-GBP 42 per hour |
IT Support Assistant
An IT support Assistant helps students and staff with technical issues such as software errors, login problems, and basic hardware troubleshooting. This role is commonly available on campus in university IT departments or computer labs. It is ideal for students with basic technical knowledge and strong problem-solving skills. The job enhances your practical IT experience and can be valuable for a future tech career. Pay typically ranges from minimum wage to slightly higher, depending on the university and responsibilities.
| Average Pay | GBP 30-GBP 45 per hour |
Student Union Staff
Working as a Students’ Union staff member, supporting campus activities, events and student services with the University’s student union. Responsibilities may include handling enquiries, managing event registrations, assisting in clubs and societies, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. This role helps you build communication, teamwork, and organisational skills while staying actively involved in campus life. It is usually flexible and student-friendly and pays around the minimum wage or slightly higher, depending on the university.
| Average Pay | GBP 15-GBP 25 per hour |
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in the UK
Finding a part-time job in the UK as an international student requires a mix of smart job searching, preparation, and networking. By using the right platforms and resources, you can increase your chances of securing a suitable job that fits your academic schedule.
- Use Online Job Portals: Start your search on trusted job websites like Indeed, StudentJob, and Totaljobs. These platforms allow you to filter part-time roles based on location, industry, and work hours.
- Check University Career Services: Most UK universities offer dedicated career support services. These teams provided access to exclusive job listings, internships, and campus roles. They also help with CV building, cover letters, and interview preparation.
- Apply directly to Career Services: Walk into a nearby cafe. Restaurants, supermarkets, or retail stores, and ask about job openings. Many employers still prefer hiring students through direct applications, especially for hospitality roles.
- Build a Strong CV and Cover Letter: Create a UK-style CV highlighting your skills, education, and prior work experience. Tailor your CV for each job application to improve your chances of selection.
- Attend Job fairs and Events: Universities and local organisations often host job fairs where employers actively look for students’ work. These events are great for networking and applying directly.
Where to find part-time jobs in the UK for international students
Finding a part-time job in the UK requires consistent effort, smart searching, and strong networking skills. As an international student, you can explore multiple reliable sources to discover opportunities that match your schedule and skills.
- Local Newspapers: Local newspapers often publish part-time listings in nearby areas. These roles are usually convenient, as they are located close to your accommodation, making the community easier and more affordable.
- Online Job Portal: Online job websites are one of the most effective ways to search for students’ jobs in the UK. Platforms like Indeed, StudentJob, and Save the Student allow you to filter jobs based on location, role, and preferences, including part-time and remote opportunities.
- University Recruitment Teams: Most UK universities have dedicated career or recruitment services that help students find part-time jobs, internships, and placements. They also provide support with CV writing, interview interpretation, and job applications, making them a valuable resource.
- Personal connections and Networking: connecting with classmates, seniors, or friends who are already working part-time can be extremely helpful. They may inform you about a job opening at their workplace or even refer you directly, increasing your chances of getting hired.
Also Read: Job Opportunities for Indian Graduates in UK 2025-26
Work During Holidays
One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is that international students can work full-time during official university holidays. This allows you to earn more money and gain valuable work experience without affecting your studies. According to the rules set by the UK visa and immigration, a student on a valid student visa can:
- Work up to 20 hours per week during term time (for degree-level courses)
- Work full-time during official vacation periods.
When can you work full-time?
You are allowed to work unlimited hours during:
- Summer holidays
- Christmas (winter) break
- Easter holiday
- After your course ends (if your visa is still valid)
Important Things to Remember
- Your holiday period must be officially confirmed by your university
- If you are a postgraduate student, your courses may not have a long break like undergraduate programs
- You must return to part-time hours once classes resume
- Always follow your visa conditions to avoid penalties
Guidance from UKCISA also highlights that students should always check their term dates carefully, as working full-time outside official holidays can lead to visa violations.
Tax & Legal Requirements
When you work in the UK, even as a student, you are part of the country’s legal and tax system. Undergrading these rules is important to avoid any issues with your job or visa.
National Insurance Number (NIN)
To work in the UK, you need a National Insurance Number (NIN). This number is used to track your tax and social security contributions. You can apply for it once you start working.
Income tax
As per the UK Government (GOV.UK):
- You only pay income tax if your earnings exceed the personal allowance (GBP 125,760 per year)
- If you earn below this limit, you usually do not pay tax
- If an extra tax is deducted, you can claim a refund
National Insurance Contribution
To stay compliant with UK laws:
- Do not exceed your weekly work limit (10 or 20 hours during term time)
- Do not engage in self-employment or self-business
- Always work for a registered employer
- Keep track of your total hours if you have more than one job
Keep Your Documents Safe
- Always maintain a record of
Payslip - Employment contracts
- Work hours
These documents are important for
- Tax purpose
- Proof of legal employment
- Future visa or job application
Following tax and legal rules is just as important as finding a job. By staying informed and compliant with guidelines from UK Visas and Immigration and the UK Government (GOV.UK), you can work safely, earn confidently, and focus on your studies without stress.
Also Read: How to Get Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the UK?
FAQs
International students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time if enrolled in a degree-level course, as per UK Visas and Immigration guidelines. During official holidays, you can work full-time.
Most part-time jobs pay between GBP 11 and GBP 13 per hour, depending on the role, location, and experience. In Indian Rupees, this is approximately INR 1,000 to INR 1,200 per hour (may vary with exchange rates).
No, students are generally not allowed to do freelance or self-employed work under a student visa. You can only work for a registered employer, according to the rules of UK Visas and immigration.
Yes, international students can work full-time during official university holidays, as confirmed by UKCISA. Make sure your university has declared it as a vacation period.
You only pay income tax if your earnings exceed the GBP 12,570 annual threshold, as per the UK Government (GOV.UK). If you earn less, you typically do not pay tax.
Part-time jobs do not directly lead to PR, but they help you gain UK work experience. After graduation, you can apply for the Graduate route visa, which allows full-time work and improves long-term career opportunities.
If you manage your time, part- time work should not harm academic performance. Most students limit themselves to 15-18 hours a week during exams to focus on studies.
You pay tax like any UK worker if your income exceeds the tax-free allowance. Otherwise, you may not owe income tax. You will also pay National Insurance contributions when you earn above the threshold.
Planning to study in the UK and explore part-time job opportunities alongside your degree? Let Leverage Edu guide you every step of the way. From choosing the right university and course to helping you understand visa rules and student life in the UK, expert counsellors are here to support you.
Working part-time in the UK as an international student can help you gain work experience, earn money, meet new people, and build local skills. However, staying within visa conditions is crucial. Always check your specific visa limits, plan your hours wisely, and use university support services to find the best opportunities. With the right planning and legal compliance, part-time jobs can be a safe and valuable part of a UK study abroad journey.
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