Lori Meadows
International students in the UK can legally work, which can help them manage living costs and immerse themselves in British culture. While studying, many international students can undertake part-time work, which can be found at universities or in industries that employ part-time workers, such as hospitality and retail. After graduating, international students can apply for a graduate visa, which allows them to work in the UK for two to three years in any job. To secure a graduate role, students should focus on getting good academic results, building their skills, and preparing for interviews. Additionally, they may need to switch to a different type of visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, which has specific salary thresholds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa | International students on a student visa can work part-time for up to 40 hours per week outside of term time. After graduation, they can apply for a Graduate visa, which allows them to work for two to three years in any job. |
| Work Restrictions | International students cannot be self-employed, set up their own business, or work as professional sportspeople or entertainers. |
| Job Opportunities | On-campus jobs are available at universities, including in shops, cafes, bars, events, and student support. Off-campus jobs are also available in industries such as hospitality and retail. |
| Salary Thresholds | International students switching to Skilled Worker visas for non-care jobs benefit from a discounted salary threshold of £30,960. |
| Skills | Language skills, teamwork, and adaptability are valuable skills for international students seeking employment. |
| Job Search Strategies | Networking, joining student job boards, and researching companies are recommended strategies. |
| Work-Life Balance | Managing studies, work, and leisure time is important. Creating to-do lists, practicing self-care, and experimenting with study techniques can help maintain a balance. |
Explore related products
$30.82 $40.95
What You'll Learn
Part-time work during studies
International students can work part-time in the UK, but it's important to understand the visa conditions and restrictions before starting a job hunt. The number of hours international students can work per week depends on their visa status, level of study, and whether they are working during term time.
Visa conditions and restrictions
Students holding a Student Visa can generally work part-time during their studies. During term time, international students are allowed to work a maximum of 10 hours per week for any course below degree level and 20 hours per week for degree-level courses. Students on a short-term visa are not eligible to work. Students under 18 who are sponsored by independent schools can work part-time following their 16th birthdays.
UK law prevents people on student visas from working as doctors, dentists, sportspeople, sports coaches, or entertainers. Students on a student visa also cannot engage in business, including setting up their own business or being hired by a company where they own 10% or more of the shares.
Part-time work opportunities
There are many on-campus and off-campus part-time job opportunities for international students in the UK. Many universities offer a range of on-campus job opportunities, which are normally part-time roles in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support. Students can also find off-campus part-time work in areas like hospitality, retail, or events, as well as seasonal work during holiday periods.
Finding part-time work
University recruitment teams can help students find part-time job opportunities, and students can also reach out to friends and fellow students to learn about openings in their workplaces. Students can also join student job boards to network with other international students and find leads on part-time work.
International Students: Can They Become Naturalized Citizens?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Visa requirements for work
International students in the UK can work part-time alongside their studies, and full-time during holidays, without needing a visa. However, if you are planning to work in the UK after your studies, you will need to apply for a visa.
The type of visa you will need depends on your individual circumstances, such as the type of work you are seeking, your qualifications, and your previous visa.
Student Visa
If you are studying in the UK on a Student Visa, you are allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This includes paid or unpaid work, and work for one or more organisations. Outside of term time, you can work full-time hours.
Graduate Visa
Since 2021, international students have been able to apply for a Graduate Visa, which provides two to three years of work rights in any job. To be eligible, you must have studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period with a Student Visa or Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. You must be in the UK when you apply, and you cannot extend this visa.
Skilled Worker Visa
After your Graduate Visa expires, you can apply to stay in the UK on a Skilled Worker Visa. This visa has a discounted salary threshold of £30,960 for skilled workers under 26 or recent graduates from UK universities.
Health and Care Worker Visa
If you work in healthcare, you may be eligible for the Health and Care Worker Visa. This visa is cheaper to apply for and exempt from the annual immigration health surcharge.
It is important to note that working in breach of your visa conditions can result in your visa being revoked, and you may not be able to return to the UK.
Working in Hungary: Opportunities for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Graduate schemes
Graduate Visa Route:
Since 2021, international students in the UK have been able to apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to work in any job for two to three years. This provides a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable work experience and build a career in the UK. After completing the Graduate Route visa period, individuals can transition to a Skilled Worker visa or another long-term work visa if they have found a suitable job.
University Support:
Many universities in the UK, such as the University of York, offer support and resources to international students seeking graduate jobs. These universities provide guidance on visa options, recruitment processes, and career planning. They may also host careers events and fairs, enabling students to meet potential employers and learn about various graduate schemes.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs):
KTPs are a great option for international students seeking graduate schemes. KTP Associates collaborate with businesses and universities, offering graduate jobs in a diverse range of sectors and business types. These partnerships provide valuable experience and often recruit a large number of graduates each year.
Online Platforms:
Online platforms like Student Circus cater specifically to international students seeking UK jobs. Employers on these platforms are positive about recruiting international candidates and often offer visa sponsorship. Visa Sponsor Jobs, for example, advertises UK jobs that are eligible for visa sponsorship.
Graduate Programmes:
Some companies, such as GSK, offer graduate programmes that provide a unique opportunity for professional and personal growth. These programmes help graduates develop critical skills and gain insights into diverse global business operations. GSK's graduate programme, for example, offers mentorship and coaching to help participants succeed in their chosen areas of expertise.
International students in the UK have a range of options to explore when it comes to graduate schemes. By utilising university support services, attending career events, and leveraging online platforms, international students can increase their chances of securing suitable graduate schemes and establishing their careers in the UK.
Managing International Students: A Guide to Cultural Behavior
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Job hunting tips
First, it's important to understand the visa rules and your eligibility to work in the UK as an international student. Since 2021, international students have been able to apply for the Graduate Route, which provides two to three years of work rights in any job. After this period, you may be able to stay in the UK if you find a job that qualifies for the Skilled Worker route or another long-term work visa.
While studying, many international students can undertake part-time work. You can work up to full-time hours outside of term time, but during term time, many universities recommend working no more than six to ten hours per week to balance your studies and social life. You can find part-time work opportunities at your university, in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support services. There are also off-campus job options in industries that employ part-time workers, such as hospitality and retail.
When applying for jobs, you will need a CV/resume and may be asked to provide a cover letter. You can seek guidance from your university's careers service, international student officer, or academic tutor. Focus on gaining relevant skills and getting good academic results to increase your chances of standing out to employers.
When preparing for interviews, research the company and the role you're applying for. Identify the crucial skills required and prepare examples that demonstrate how you embody these attributes. Practise answering interview questions and adhere to the rules and regulations of working as an international student in the UK. Be mindful of your weekly working hour restrictions and the type of work you are permitted to do.
Coinbase for International Students: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Skilled Worker Route
International students can take up part-time jobs while studying in the UK. However, if they want to work in the UK after graduation, they can apply for a work visa under the Skilled Worker Route. This route requires a qualifying job offer from an employer with a sponsor licence. The visa is valid for up to five years and allows the holder to do an eligible job with an approved employer.
To apply for a Skilled Worker Visa, you must have a confirmed job offer and meet the requirements set by your employer. Additionally, you must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer, which details the role offered in the UK. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, and the minimum salary depends on the type of work and the date the CoS was obtained. Applicants must also be able to speak, read, write, and understand English, and they may need to provide proof of their English language proficiency.
If you are applying for a Skilled Worker Visa from outside the UK, you must wait until your visa is granted before travelling to the UK and starting your job. If you are already in the UK on a Student Visa, you can apply to switch to the Skilled Worker Visa, but the rules around when you can start working are complex and depend on your specific situation. It is recommended to seek advice from an immigration adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) when applying for a Skilled Worker Visa.
It is worth noting that the salary threshold for skilled workers who are under 26 or recently graduated from UK universities is lower, at £30,960. Additionally, if your living costs and tuition fees were paid by a government or international scholarship agency within 12 months before your application, you must provide a consent letter from your financial sponsor.
German International Students: Safe from Trump's Policies?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
International students are recommended to work no more than six to ten hours per week to balance work, study, and leisure time effectively. During the holidays, they can work up to full-time hours, usually around 40 hours per week.
International students can find part-time jobs on campus, such as in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support services. Off-campus jobs are also available in industries that commonly hire part-time workers, including hospitality and retail.
International students need to prepare a CV/resume and, in some cases, a cover letter. They should also research the company and the role they are applying for and prepare for interview questions. Networking with other international students and seeking guidance from their university's careers service can help identify potential job opportunities.
International students on a student visa who want to work after graduation need to switch to a different type of visa, such as the Graduate Route visa. This visa allows graduates to work in the UK for two to three years, depending on their qualification. After this period, they can transition to a Skilled Worker visa or another long-term work visa if they meet the requirements.
International students switching to Skilled Worker visas for non-care jobs benefit from a discounted salary threshold of £30,960, which is 20% lower than the standard threshold.
