Douglas Olsen
The UK job market is highly competitive for international students, who often face the additional challenges of unfamiliar recruitment practices, cultural norms, and stringent visa regulations. While the Graduate Visa Scheme introduced in 2021 allows international graduates to live and work in the UK for up to three years, students must navigate a complex job market with limited guidance from universities. International students seeking long-term employment in the UK should be aware of the Skilled Worker visa route, which has gained popularity due to policy changes related to care workers. The job market offers opportunities in various sectors, including engineering, healthcare, accounting, finance, IT, and advertising. However, students must be prepared for intense competition, with employers receiving numerous applications for each graduate-level position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in the UK | 679,970 |
| Options for international students to work in the UK after graduation | 1. Long-term work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa. 2. Graduate Route, which provides two to three years of work rights in any job. |
| Number of graduate visas granted in the year ending September 2023 | 129,000 |
| Number of non-EU students who received initial visas in 2022 and switched to the Skilled Worker Route by the end of 2023 | 58,600 |
| Percentage of employers who prioritize work experience over academic qualifications | 58% |
| Average salary of international students in the UK | £70,095 |
| Salary range for international students in the UK | £17,770 to £312,959 |
| Examples of high-paying jobs | Chief Executives, Senior Officials, IT and Telecommunication Directors, Brokers, Marketing and Sales Directors, Health Service and Public Health Managers |
| Examples of high-demand fields | Engineering, Healthcare, Accounting and Finance, IT, Advertising and PR |
| Benefits of part-time jobs for international students | 1. Financial compensation to help with daily expenses. 2. Experience to boost CV and develop soft skills. 3. Opportunities to socialize and familiarise themselves with British culture. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa options for international students
International students who want to work in the UK after graduation have two main visa options: the long-term work visa and the Graduate Route visa.
Long-Term Work Visa
International students can apply for a long-term work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa. This option requires students to have a job in an eligible occupation with an employer who is a licensed sponsor. The jobs under this visa category are often in the care work sector, which has been reported to be a common field for former international students. The UK government has retained a discounted salary threshold of 20% for skilled workers under 26 years old or recent graduates from UK universities. The salary threshold for jobs on the Immigration Salary List (ISL) is £38,700, but workers must earn a minimum of £30,960.
Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route visa has been available to international students since 2021. This visa provides two to three years of work rights in any job sector. After this period, students can remain in the UK if they find a job that qualifies for the Skilled Worker route or another long-term work visa. The Graduate Route visa has been popular, with 129,000 graduate visas granted in the year ending September 2023.
Other Visa Options
International students may also consider extending their student visas if they want to continue their studies in the UK. Additionally, students can switch to other visa types if they plan to stay and work in the UK after graduation. For those studying in the UK for less than six months, they can do so as a visitor.
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Competition in the UK job market
The UK job market is highly competitive for international students, who face the dual challenge of navigating unfamiliar recruitment practices and cultural norms. A recent report found that employers receive an average of 140 applications per graduate-level position, underlining the fierce competition graduates face.
International students in the UK face several barriers to securing employment. Firstly, there is a lack of support and guidance from universities, leaving students unprepared for the job market. This is compounded by the fact that many international students only have academic experience and lack the work experience and in-demand digital skills valued by employers.
Additionally, international students must navigate complex visa regulations. While the UK's Graduate Visa Scheme provides a pathway to long-term employment, allowing graduates to live and work in the UK for up to three years, students must still secure a job that qualifies for a long-term work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa. This visa requires a job in an eligible occupation with a licensed sponsor employer, and many former students find themselves overqualified for these roles.
The competition for jobs in certain sectors, such as marketing and sales, is particularly high. However, there are also high-demand fields in the UK for international students, including engineering, healthcare, accounting and finance, and the IT sector. The UK is also a hub for top technology companies, offering ample job opportunities for graduates with master's degrees.
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Job sectors with high demand
The UK is a major business hub, with many multinational companies in tech, finance, engineering, healthcare, and creative industries. These industries are always on the lookout for skilled professionals, meaning there's a high demand for graduates from all backgrounds.
- Healthcare: Healthcare professionals are in demand across the UK and can expect rewarding salaries.
- IT and Tech: The UK is home to some of the world's top technology giants, and there is a high demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity professionals.
- Engineering: The UK is one of the top destinations in the world to study engineering, and graduates are readily prepared for the job market.
- Finance and Accounting: Every company requires professionals who can manage its finances, so there are abundant job opportunities in this sector.
- Marketing and Sales: There is huge scope in this field, with financial rewards, job satisfaction, and opportunities for growth.
- Teaching: With a high demand for teachers in the UK, a teaching degree can lead to a rewarding career with a 92% employment rate.
- Analysts: Analyst roles are included in the UK's shortage occupation list.
- Care Work: More than half of all people who switched directly from study visas to skilled worker visas went into care work in 2023.
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Work experience vs academic qualifications
The UK job market is highly competitive for international students, who face the additional challenges of navigating unfamiliar recruitment practices and cultural norms. A large number of international students in the UK intensifies competition in the job market. Employers receive an average of 140 applications per graduate-level position, and 58% of employers prioritize work experience over academic qualifications. This poses a significant challenge for international students, as many struggle to gain work experience during their studies due to limited access to internships or part-time roles.
However, it is not just work experience that strengthens one's chances of improving career prospects. Academic qualifications from UK universities are recognized and revered by employers worldwide. A postgraduate degree from a British university demonstrates to employers that an individual is responsible and self-motivated, as UK postgraduate courses demand more independence and are more research-paced than those offered in the USA. Additionally, English is a valuable skill in today's global business market, and a degree from a UK university indicates proficiency in the language.
Furthermore, UK universities provide support and extracurricular activities that can enhance a CV. Many universities help students find opportunities and develop personal networks within their desired industries, and they organize recruitment days and job fairs. Some universities also offer optional placement years, providing a blend of classroom learning and professional readiness. Group projects, student societies, volunteering, and public speaking forums, which are often embedded in the curricula, help students develop highly valued interpersonal competencies such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
International students can also take advantage of the Graduate Visa route, which allows graduates a window of up to three years to seek work in any job. This provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and build a network, which can increase the chances of securing a long-term position. However, it is important to stay abreast of visa regulations and understand sponsor requirements, as visa conditions can shift with policy changes.
Overall, while work experience is highly valued by UK employers, academic qualifications from UK universities are also highly regarded and can provide a strong foundation for career prospects. International students can enhance their employability by actively seeking out work experience opportunities and utilizing the support and resources offered by their universities to navigate the competitive job market.
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Part-time work for international students
International students in the UK are eligible to work and can take up part-time jobs to earn some extra money, gain professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK. Part-time work can also help international students build a professional network and develop soft skills.
There are several opportunities for part-time work for international students in the UK. Many universities offer on-campus job opportunities, which are usually part-time roles in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support services. Off-campus, part-time jobs are also available in sectors like hospitality, retail, or events. Work placements and internships are another option for international students, providing valuable work experience and helping them make better career decisions. These internships can be treated as work placements, allowing students to work full-time during term time, as long as the placement is a part of their course.
International students in the UK can work up to 10 or 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during holidays, depending on their visa status and university guidelines. It is important for students to keep detailed records of their working hours to ensure they do not exceed weekly limits.
After completing their studies, international students can apply for immigration permission to work in the UK through the Graduate Route, which allows them to stay and work for up to two to three years. Alternatively, they can apply for a long-term work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which provides a path to permanent residence.
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Frequently asked questions
Working part-time as a student in the UK can help with daily expenses, boost your CV, and provide opportunities to socialise and familiarise yourself with British culture.
Some fields in the UK with abundant job opportunities for international students include accounting and finance, marketing and sales, IT, and healthcare.
The UK job market is highly competitive, with employers receiving an average of 140 applications per graduate-level position. International students also face additional challenges such as navigating unfamiliar recruitment practices and cultural norms, as well as a lack of work experience and in-demand digital skills.
International students in the UK have two main visa options to work after graduation. They can apply for a long-term work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job in an eligible occupation with a licensed employer. Alternatively, they can apply for the Graduate Route, which allows them to work in any job for two to three years before transitioning to a Skilled Worker Visa or another long-term visa.
International students with a UK Student Visa can generally work up to 20 hours per week during their academic session and take on any paid role at any level. However, there are restrictions on certain types of work, including self-employment, business activities, professional sports, and work in the entertainment industry. Students must also comply with immigration restrictions and minimum wage regulations.
