Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students

If we asked, “How would you feel about earning money while studying?” The chances are, that most students, including you, would be thrilled about it. Earning money while studying, getting work experience, and building a resume—all while pursuing education—sounds like a fantastic opportunity. The UK, known for its world-class education, allows international students to work while studying. As of 2024, there were just under 8.4 million part-time workers in the UK, as reported by Statista. This makes the UK one of the top countries offering part-time jobs.

What does this mean for you? It means that the UK has a large and established market for part-time jobs. And the UK is a student-friendly country, making it easier for international students to earn money while gaining valuable skills.

Importance of Part-Time Work While Studying in the UK

• Financial Support: Did you know that the cost of living in cities like London is 1,200 pounds – 1,500 pounds per month and 900 pounds – 1,300 pounds per month in the rest of the UK? These figures are high, especially for students. To manage these costs, international students should rely on part-time jobs. Part-time jobs allow international students to earn money, cover food, rent, transportation, and other expenses.
• Helps in Developing Valuable Skills: According to a recent report, a significant number of students reported that working in a part-time job helped them develop valuable skills such as time management, problem-solving, and improved communication skills. All these are essential skills needed to be successful at any job.
• A Gateway to Future Employability: A 2018 survey, reported that around 50% to 59% of UK employers consider part-time work as relevant experience when offering full-time roles. This highlights the importance of having a part-time job while studying in the UK.
• Part-Time Jobs in the UK Ensure Study-Life Balance: Are you worried that your studies might be disturbed while working in a part-time job? Don’t worry! The UK Student Visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week. This gives you ample opportunity to earn and gain work experience without compromising your studies.

Different Types of Part-Time Jobs in the UK

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in the UK For International Students

In this section, we will highlight some of the top part-time jobs in the UK, which fall under one of the three categories mentioned earlier:

Retail Assistant:

• Job Category: Off-Campus.
• Job Role: The job requires candidates to maintain the store, manage stock, and provide customer service to customers.
• Average Pay Per Month: 800 pounds – 1,600 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 11.80 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week:  8 – 35 hours per week.
• Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications but employers prefer certain skills, such as strong customer service and communication skills.
• Skills Developed: Leadership, communication skills, and organizational skills.
• How To Apply: Apply online or in-store.

Barista

• Job Category: Off-Campus.
• Job Role: The job requires candidates to make coffee, serve beverages, and keep the cafe clean.
• Average Pay Per Month: 800 pounds – 1,900 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 8 pounds – 12 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: 15 – 50 hours per week.
• Qualifications: There are no specific qualifications, but some employers ask candidates to have at least a high school degree. In addition to this, some employers prefer skills, such as attention to detail, previous experience using coffee machines, and excellent customer service.
• Skills Developed: Time Management, multitasking, and customer service.
• How To Apply: Apply online or go to the cafe and submit your resume.

Delivery Driver

• Job Category: Off-Campus.
• Job Role: Delivering food, parcels, or goods within a specific area. The delivery individuals can use a variety of transportation, including bicycles, cars, or motorbikes for delivery.
• Average Pay Per Month: 900 pounds – 1,500 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 8 pounds – 12 pounds per hour depending on the location.
• Number of Hours/Week: 15 – 25 hours per week.
• Qualifications: There are no qualifications as such for delivery drivers. The only thing that the driver must have is an international driving license.
• Skills Developed: Time management and responsibility.
• How To Apply: Apply online through job search websites or platforms like Uber, etc.

Library Assistant

• Job Category: On-Campus.
• Job Role: Helping students with library services, stocking books, handling the payments, and managing the entire library.
• Average Pay Per Month: 600 pounds – 900 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: Around 8 pounds – 10 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: 12 to 16 hours per week.
• Qualifications: You must be a student of the university and must have a high-school degree that is taught in English.
• Skills Developed: Leadership, communication, time management, organizational skills, and customer service.
• How To Apply: Apply online via the university’s website or go to the library and submit your resume.

Student Ambassador

• Job Category: On-Campus.
• Job Role: The job of a student ambassador is to promote the university at events and inform prospective students about the university.
• Average Pay Per Month: 400 pounds – 1000 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 9 pounds – 12 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: Not more than 20 hours per week.
• Qualifications: There are no specific academic requirements. That said, students should work independently, work with others, and have good communication skills.
• Skills Developed: Leadership skills, public speaking, and event management.
• How To Apply: Apply through the university’s career portal.

On-campus Administrative Assistants

• Job Category: On-Campus.
• Job Role: The job requires students to assist faculty, answer calls, schedule meetings, and provide general office duties.
• Average Pay Per Month: 800 pounds – 1,800 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 9 pounds – 12 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: Not more than 20 hours per week.
• Qualifications: Post-secondary education, good typing skills, and office admin skills.
• Skills Developed: Time management and organizational skills.
• How To Apply: Apply via the university’s career portal.

Social Media Manager

• Job Category: Online.
• Job Role: The job requires students to manage social media accounts for businesses.
• Average Pay Per Month: 600 pounds – 1,500 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 10 pounds – 15 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: Flexible.
• Qualifications: Social media skills.
• Skills Developed: Digital Marketing and content creation.
• How To Apply: Apply online using platforms like Monster.

Online Tutoring

• Job Category: Online.
• Job Role: The job requires teaching subjects like Maths, Chemistry, and other subjects through online platforms.
• Average Pay Per Month: 800 pounds – 1,500 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 10 pounds – 30 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: Flexible.
• Qualifications: A strong educational background with expertise in specific subject areas.
• Skills Developed: Communication skills, problem-solving, and patience.
• How To Apply: Apply online.

Virtual Assistant

• Job Category: Online.
• Job Role: A virtual assistant job requires students to provide administrative assistance online to various businesses. The role includes managing emails, data entry, customer service, and basic office tasks.
• Average Pay Per Month: 800 pounds – 1,200 pounds.
• Average Pay Per Hour: 10 pounds – 15 pounds per hour.
• Number of Hours/Week: Flexible.
• Qualifications: No formal academic background is required. You must have a good command of English and must be tech-savvy.
• Skills Developed: Time management, technical skills, organizational skills, and communication skills.
• How To Apply: Apply online via job portals.

Video Content Creator

• Job Category: Online.
• Job Role: The job requires creating and posting engaging online video content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
• Average Pay Per Month: 50 pounds – 3,000 pounds depending on the views.
• Average Pay Per Hour: There is no hourly pay rate for this type of job.
• Number of Hours/Week: Flexible.
• Qualifications: Content creation skills and experience in working with video editing tools.
• Skills Developed: Creative skills, digital marketing, and video production skills.
• How To Apply: There is no application for this job. All you need to do is create an account on popular video content platforms.

Part-Time Job Rules in the UK

A student visa has certain restrictions when it comes to part-time jobs in the UK. Here are some of the rules and restrictions:

• A student/Tier 4 visa allows international students enrolled in a full-time course in the UK to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, the visa allows you to work up to 40 hours per week during holidays.
• A student visa does not allow international students to work for their own businesses.
• Professional services, such as those of a doctor or dentist, are also restricted unless the student has the appropriate qualifications.
• If you are earnings are above a certain income threshold, you need to pay tax. You can earn up to 12,000 pounds per year (as of 2024) without being taxed, but anything above this limit may be subject to tax.
• Violating student visa rules can attract penalties and serious consequences, such as being asked to leave the country or having your visa revoked.
• If you are on a short-term student visa, you are not allowed to work part-time.

Eligibility Criteria for Part-Time Work in the UK

• You must be 16+ years of age.
• You must be enrolled in a full-time course at one of the universities in the UK.
• You must hold a valid student/Tier 4 visa to work in the UK.
• International students should apply for a National Insurance Number (NIN) to work in the UK. This number helps authorities track your earnings while you are studying in the UK.

Top 5 Companies Offering Part-Time Jobs in the UK

Top Recruitment Agencies that can Help Students Find Part-Time Jobs in UK

Tips to Find Part-Time Jobs in the UK

• Understand your student/Tier 4 visa thoroughly. Make sure you know what types of jobs you can apply for and the restrictions that come with this type of visa.
• Choose which type of part-time job you want, whether online-based part-time job, off-campus, or on-campus.
• If you are looking for on-campus jobs, the ideal way to find those jobs is by searching your university’s career page or attending job events. For finding off-campus jobs and online-based part-time jobs in the UK, use job searching websites like Adzuna, Reed, or Indeed, and social media platforms like Linkedin.
• Once you find the right job, tailor your resume according to the requirements of the job and apply early to stay on employers radar for interviews.

Conclusion

Working in a part-time job while studying in the UK can be essential for managing expenses. Not only does it reduce financial burdens, but it also helps you gain valuable work experience and skills that can enhance your future career prospects. Read through this guide thoroughly to make an informed decision about the type of part-time job you wish to pursue while studying in the UK.

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