Looking for a way to support yourself while studying in the UK? Many international students work part-time to help with their expenses. In fact, over 60% of international students in the UK take on part-time jobs while studying.
For instance, a lot of students end up working in local cafes, serving customers and learning the ropes of the hospitality industry, or in retail, helping out in shops while gaining customer service experience. Some even find opportunities that tie directly into their studies, like internships, where they can start building their career before graduation. These jobs help with bills and allow you to meet people and feel more connected to your new home.
Let’s explore how you can make the most of your time in the UK while earning some extra cash with part-time jobs in the UK for international students.
Popular Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
Part-time jobs help cover living expenses, build skills, and offer insights into UK work culture. Here’s a list of the most popular part-time jobs in the UK for international students.
On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs are a perfect choice for students. These roles are convenient, flexible, and designed to fit around your class schedule. Plus, they eliminate the need for commuting, saving you time and money.
Examples:
Library Assistants: Organize books, help students, and manage library systems.
Teaching Assistants (TAs): Support professors with grading, tutorials, or class preparations.
Student Ambassadors: Represent your university during events and tours.
Research Assistants: Work on academic projects in your department.
Table: On-Campus Job Pay Rates for International Students in the UK
Job Type
Average Pay (per hour)
Visa Requirement
Library Assistant
£9–£12 (₹900–₹1,200)
Part of student visa allowances
Teaching Assistant
£10–£15 (₹1,000–₹1,500)
Part of student visa allowances
Research Assistant
£12–£20 (₹1,200–₹2,000)
Part of student visa allowances
Student Ambassador
£9–£12 (₹900–₹1,200)
Part of student visa allowances
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Why Choose On-Campus Jobs?
Flexible hours tailored to your class schedule.
No additional visa approval needed.
Retail and Hospitality Jobs
Retail and hospitality jobs are some of the easiest to find in the UK. They’re perfect for students who enjoy interacting with people and can handle fast-paced environments.
Examples:
Retail Assistants: Help customers in stores, stock shelves, and operate cash registers.
Waitstaff or Baristas: Work in cafes, restaurants, or pubs.
Supermarket Staff: Assist with stocking, customer service, or checkout operations.
Table: Retail and Hospitality Job Pay Rates for International Students in the UK
Job Type
Average Pay (per hour)
Benefits
Retail Assistant
£9–£12 (₹900–₹1,200)
Discounts in stores, flexible hours
Waitstaff/Barista
£9–£11 (₹900–₹1,100)
Tips on top of hourly pay
Supermarket Staff
£10–£12 (₹1,000–₹1,200)
Stable shifts, team environment
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Tips for Finding Retail and Hospitality Jobs:
Walk into local stores or restaurants and ask about vacancies.
Search on job boards like Indeed or StudentJob UK.
Freelancing Opportunities
Freelancing is ideal for students with specific skills like writing, design, or tutoring. It allows you to work remotely and set your schedule. However, ensure you stay within the guidelines of your visa.
Examples:
Freelance Writing: Content creation, blog writing, or editing projects.
Graphic Design: Create logos, posters, or social media graphics.
Tutoring: Teach subjects like math, English, or coding.
Table: Freelancing Job Pay Rates for International Students in the UK
Job Type
Average Pay (per hour)
Key Benefit
Freelance Writing
£12–£25 (₹1,200–₹2,500)
Work remotely at your own pace
Graphic Design
£15–£30 (₹1,500–₹3,000)
Creative, flexible deadlines
Tutoring
£15–£25 (₹1,500–₹2,500)
High demand for academic subjects
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Delivery Services
Delivery jobs are popular among students who prefer flexible working hours and don’t mind being on the move. These jobs are available in almost every UK city.
Examples:
Food Delivery: Deliver meals with apps like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or Just Eat.
Courier Services: Deliver parcels for companies like Amazon or DPD.
Table: Delivery Service Job Pay Rates for International Students in the UK
Job Type
Average Pay (per hour)
Requirements
Food Delivery
£10–£15 (₹1,000–₹1,500)
Bike, scooter, or car
Courier Services
£12–£18 (₹1,200–₹1,800)
Driver’s license (if applicable)
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Eligibility to Work Part-Time as an International Student in the UK
If you’re an international student in the UK with a Tier 4 (or Student) visa, you are allowed to work part-time. However, there are specific rules and restrictions you must follow to stay within the terms of your visa requirements.
What Are You Allowed to Do?
You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
You can work full-time during official university holidays, such as Christmas and summer breaks.
Jobs allowed include part-time roles in retail, hospitality, administration, and on-campus jobs.
What Are You Not Allowed to Do?
Self-employment: You cannot work as a freelancer or start your own business.
Professional sports: You cannot be employed as an athlete, coach, or trainer in professional sports.
Permanent full-time roles: Jobs must be temporary or part-time to comply with visa regulations.
Entertainment industry: Some roles in acting, film production, or performing arts may be restricted.
Why It’s Important to Follow the Rules
Working more than the allowed 20 hours during term time is a violation of your visa conditions.
Breaking these rules can lead to serious consequences, such as visa cancellation or deportation.
Always check with your university or employer if you are unsure about a specific job.
Tips to Stay Compliant
Track your work hours carefully to ensure you don’t exceed the 20-hour limit during term time.
Confirm with your employer that the job aligns with visa restrictions.
Check with your university’s student visa support team if you’re unsure about job eligibility.
Types of Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
If you’re a student in the UK, part-time jobs are a great way to earn extra money while studying. These jobs can offer flexibility and help you gain useful experience. Here are some common types of part-time jobs in the UK for international students:
1. On-Campus Jobs
These jobs are typically available directly on your university campus, making them convenient for students.
2. Retail Jobs
Many students work in retail, including in shops, department stores, or supermarkets.
3. Food Service Jobs
These jobs include working in restaurants, cafés, or bars, providing customer service, or helping in the kitchen.
4. Freelance Work
Freelancing can involve writing, design, web development, or other online services that can be done remotely.
5. Internships
Part-time internships give you the chance to gain hands-on experience in your field of study.
6. Delivery Jobs
These jobs often involve delivering food or packages, and they can be done on your own schedule.
Minimum Wage and Average Pay for Part-Time Jobs in the UK
The UK ensures fair pay with a minimum wage policy based on your age group. Whether you’re working in a café or freelancing online, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of hourly pay.
UK Minimum Wage (2025)
Aged 18–20: £7.49/hour (₹750–₹800)
Aged 21–22: £10.18/hour (₹1,000–₹1,050)
Aged 23+: £10.42/hour (₹1,050–₹1,100)
Table: Average Pay for Common Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
Job Type
Average Hourly Pay
What You’ll Need
Library Assistant
£9–£12 (₹900–₹1,200)
Organizing skills and a friendly attitude
Retail Assistant
£9–£12 (₹900–₹1,200)
Good customer service skills
Waitstaff/Barista
£9–£11 (₹900–₹1,100)
Ability to multitask and handle busy shifts
Food Delivery
£10–£15 (₹1,000–₹1,500)
A bike, scooter, or car for deliveries
Tutor
£15–£25 (₹1,500–₹2,500)
Strong knowledge of the subject you’ll teach
Freelance Writer
£12–£25 (₹1,200–₹2,500)
Writing skills and ability to meet deadlines
Note: Costs may vary as per the current conversion rate.
Why Knowing Pay Rates Matters
Retail and hospitality jobs pay close to the minimum wage.
Freelancing and tutoring can pay more but may require prior experience or skills.
Understanding wages helps you budget better and choose jobs that fit your needs.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs in the UK
There are several ways to search for opportunities, from university services to online job portals and even local networks. Here's how you can start your job search:
University Career Services
Most universities offer career services that can help you find part-time jobs, both on-campus and off-campus. These services often have job listings, career fairs, and other resources specifically for students.
On-campus jobs: These might include roles like library assistants, student ambassadors, or research assistants.
Off-campus jobs: Career services often list internships or part-time work with local businesses that are student-friendly.
Online Job Portals
There are many online platforms that can help you find part-time work in the UK. Here are a few popular job sites to explore:
Indeed: A well-known job search engine where you can find all kinds of part-time work.
StudentJob: Specifically for students, this site offers part-time, seasonal, and student-friendly job listings.
Reed: Another popular job site that lists part-time and temporary positions across various industries.
Networking and Local Opportunities
Sometimes, the best way to find a part-time job is through word of mouth or by tapping into your personal network. Here are a few tips:
Talk to classmates and professors: They may know about job openings or local businesses looking for part-time workers.
Check local cafes or shops: Many businesses don’t advertise jobs online but are open to hiring students who walk in and ask.
Social media: Local Facebook groups or LinkedIn are great for finding job opportunities in your area.
Tips for Securing a Part-Time Job in the UK
Once you've found some job opportunities, it’s time to work on securing the position.
Here’s how you can improve your chances:
Creating a Strong CV
Your CV is often the first impression employers will have of you, so make sure it’s clear, concise, and highlights your strengths.
Keep it to 1 page.
Include relevant experience, even if it’s from school projects, volunteer work, or personal projects.
Highlight skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
Acing Job Interviews
Once you’ve applied, you might be invited for an interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Be on time: Arriving late to an interview can leave a bad impression.
Research the company: Show that you’re interested and have taken the time to learn about the company.
Practice common interview questions: Be prepared to talk about your strengths, weaknesses, and why you want the job.
Customizing Applications
Every job is different, so make sure your application matches the job description. Here’s how:
Tailor your CV and cover letter: Highlight the skills and experience that match the specific job.
Be specific: Don’t use the same generic application for every job. Show the employer that you’re genuinely interested in their company and role.
How upGrad Abroad Can Help You Study in the UK
upGrad Abroad makes the process simple with expert guidance, flexible learning options, and support at every step.
Why upGrad Abroad?
Flexible Learning Programs – Start your degree online and finish on campus in the UK, helping you save on tuition and living costs. Explore Learning Programs.
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1. Can students work more than 20 hours per week during term time?
No, under UK visa rules, international students are limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time. However, during holidays, they can work full-time.
2. What types of jobs are most accessible for students without prior work experience?
Entry-level jobs such as retail assistants, waitstaff, delivery services, or administrative roles are easily accessible for students without prior work experience. These jobs often have flexible hours and minimal requirements.
3. Are there language requirements for part-time jobs in the UK?
Most part-time jobs require basic English proficiency, especially for roles involving customer interaction. Jobs like cleaning or warehouse work may have fewer language requirements.
4. How can I balance work and academics effectively while studying?
Create a schedule that prioritizes your academics. Stick to part-time jobs with flexible hours and avoid taking on too many shifts during exam periods.
5. Do students need a National Insurance Number to start working?
Yes, a National Insurance Number (NIN) is mandatory to work in the UK. Students can begin working without it but must apply for one as soon as possible.
6. Are internships considered part-time work under UK visa rules?
Yes, internships are considered part-time work and count toward the 20-hour per week limit during term time. Ensure the internship complies with your visa conditions.
7. Can I switch jobs while studying in the UK?
Yes, students can switch jobs without restrictions, as long as they continue to follow visa rules like working only 20 hours per week during term time.
8. What documents are required to apply for part-time jobs in the UK?
Students typically need:
BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or visa.
Proof of enrollment at a UK university.
National Insurance Number (NIN).
A bank account for salary deposits.
9. Are there part-time job opportunities that don’t require face-to-face interactions?
Yes, remote jobs like data entry, online tutoring, and freelance writing are great options for students who prefer working from home.
10. Do part-time workers in the UK qualify for employee benefits?
Part-time workers are entitled to certain benefits, including:
Minimum wage.
Paid holidays (pro-rata).
Access to workplace pension schemes.
11. What happens if I exceed the legal work hour limit on my visa?
Exceeding the work hour limit is a breach of visa conditions and can result in penalties, including visa cancellation. Always stay within the 20-hour limit during term time.
12. Are there specific job boards for international students in the UK?
Yes, platforms like StudentJob, Indeed, and Glassdoor list part-time opportunities suitable for students. Many universities also have career portals for on-campus jobs.
13. Can students earn enough to cover their living expenses fully?
It’s possible to cover a portion of living expenses with part-time work, but it may not cover all costs, especially in cities like London. Scholarships and financial planning are crucial.
14. Are delivery services like Uber Eats a good option for international students?
Yes, delivery services are a popular choice for students due to flexible hours and decent pay. However, students must ensure they have a valid UK driving license or meet vehicle requirements.
15. How does part-time work experience in the UK benefit my future career?
Part-time work helps build communication, time management, and teamwork skills. It also provides valuable insights into UK workplace culture, which can enhance your CV and future job prospects.
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.
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