Work While Studying In UK: Eligibility, On Campus & Off Campus Jobs

Working while studying in UK is the most effective approach for international students to manage their daily living expenses in the UK. The monthly cost of living in UK ranges between GBP 1100 to GBP 1400, which is equivalent to 98,000 lakhs to 1,21,000 lakhs, depending on the choice of place and other factors.

Just about every Indian student is given the opportunity to work part-time in the United Kingdom for 20 hours each week. The National Minimum Wage for workers aged 18 to 20 is £6.83 per hour in general. The NMW is GBP 9.18 per hour for individuals aged 21 to 22, and GBP 9.50 for those aged 23 and up. Tier 4- UK student visa status enables international students to work in the UK.

Eligibility To Work In The UK

Working while studying in UK is subject to two major restrictions: those imposed by your university and those imposed by state-run official organisations. Before meeting with state officials, be sure your university does not have any restrictions that restrict you from working.

• Children below the age of 16 years are not allowed to work unless they are sponsored by an independent school.
• You are not allowed to work if your sponsor is a private provider, a publicly-funded college or an embedded college offering pathway course.
• You must not work more than the authorized number of hours per week if your visa allows you to work in the UK.

What are Students Working Hours in the UK?

The number of hours allowed to work in the UK is determined by the type of degree you're taking. Students who are funded to study full-time by a sponsor are permitted to work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during the school year if studying for a degree or higher.
• Up to 10 hours per week during term time if studying for qualification below degree level
• Full time outside of term time (for study at all levels). This includes vacations and before your course begins.

Students sponsored on a study abroad program for overseas higher education institutions:

• An international student can work up to 20 hours per week during the school year.
• Full time outside term time - Vacations, before the beginning of the course, on job placements, and post-graduation.

Students sponsored by an independent school who are 16 or older can work as follows:

• Up to 10 hours a week during term time and
• Full time during vacations, including job placements before your course begins - Work placements and internships after your course has ended.

The majority of students who receive immigration permission last beyond their studies. If you have completed your course, you can work full time for this additional term, but if you have not completed your course, you may not be able to work at all. Even if you are not allowed to work, you can normally conduct a work placement as part of your study.

Work Prohibited by International Students in UK

Some types of jobs are not allowed on a student visa if you are an international student. You must not do the following jobs:

• Entrepreneurship and self-employment
• Professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach, exception for students at higher education institutions who are conducting work placements as part of a degree-level course.
• Entertainers such as actors, musicians, dancers, and other performers, except for students doing work placements on degree-level dance, theatre, and music programs.
• A full-time job, unless applied through a work route.
• Doctor or dentist in training, except for students on foundation programs.

Part-Time Job in the UK

There are various ways to find part-time jobs in the UK. The college service, as well as the part-time and temporary employment recruiting agency, can assist you in finding part-time or temporary work on campus and in the local community. To apply for a job on or off-campus, prepare a CV and keep it handy.

Explore More! Part time jobs in UK

Types of Jobs Can You Find in The UK

If your visa permits you to work during term time, you’re able to apply for positions in any field and at any level. Keep in mind that students can't work more than specified working hours.

On-Campus Jobs in UK

On-campus jobs are offered on the university's campus, as the name implies. These will help students because they will be able to work in a variety of departments within their region. Jobs in the library, computer laboratories, reception areas,etc.

International students who study in an full-time program in universities of UK at a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. level may need a maximum of 20 working hours per week. On-campus positions, particularly in libraries and laboratories, are offered to students who have strong communication skills as well as the necessary abilities and expertise to perform the work.

A list of common on-campus jobs offered at the UK Universities with their average salaries are mentioned below:

Off- Campus Jobs

There are several off-campus jobs for international students in the UK. Some of the highest paying jobs in United Kingdom are available in the Marketing, Education, Administration, Health and Social Service sectors. To be eligible for off-campus part-time occupations, students must first acquire permission from their respective college authorities.

Some more part-time job options for international students in the UK.

Basic Pay for Part Time Jobs in UK

In the United Kingdom, part-time students are entitled to the same benefits as full-time employees. The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is a set of wages that employers must pay. The minimum wage hourly rate is determined by your age and if you are an apprentice. Every year, the rates fluctuate.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Working While Studying

Working while studying in the UK can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, but there are certain drawbacks to be aware of. They are, however, quite simple to overcome with drive and effective time management.

Post-Graduation Work Permit in the UK?

After completing their studies, qualifying students can apply for a UK Work Visa (Tier 2 General Visa) from the UK Home Office if they meet all of the requirements. Within three months of submitting their Tier 2 work visa application, the students must find work with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor. To qualify for a Tier 2 visa, which is a general work visa, an applicant must earn at least GBP 30,000 per year.

International Students' National Insurance Number

Once they begin working in the UK, all non-UK students are required by law to obtain a National Insurance number (NINo). If you have found a job before acquiring the NINo, you can apply, start working and notify your employer you have applied for one.

To claim benefits or apply for a student loan, you'll need a Nino. You can apply for a NINo on your own or pay a nominal amount to employ a service. You must call the NINo application line to obtain one. National Insurance number application line:

Telephone: 0800 141 2075 | Textphone: 0800 141 2438

It takes about 15 days to complete the process. Before receiving your Nino, you may or may not be required to attend a face-to-face interview.

Covid-19 Work Concessions

You are still limited to working 10 or 20 hours per week, depending on your course level, even if you are no longer able to attend classes or do research in person.

However, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concessions, some students are exempt from the typical Student work limits.

• Though your course of study has been halted, you will be viewed as if you are on vacation for employment purposes, and you will be able to work full time.
• You can apply for other jobs if you lose your job due to workplace closures, albeit it may be tough.

Part-time jobs are an excellent method to hone your abilities and boost your chances of landing a job after graduation. It assists you in creating impressive CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles for potential employers. A proper work-study balance can help you enhance your talents while also lowering your educational expenses.

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