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Introduction

For an international student studying in the UK, it is a stepping stone to new heights, but at the same time, financially exhausting. In the case of an international student, part-time jobs can act as a source to earn additional money with work experience. But finding a part-time opportunity that aligns with your career journey can be difficult. In this blog, we will discuss some of the best part-time job opportunities for international students in the UK as well as provide tips on how to secure employment and make the most of your work experience while studying abroad.

Benefits of part-time jobs in the UK for international students

Part-time jobs can be a real revolutionary for international students studying in the UK. They do beyond help with money—they can truly boost your overall experience abroad. Here's a look at some of the biggest perks:

1. Financial Support

Having a part-time job makes it easier to cover daily expenses like rent, food, and travel. Earning your own money means you're less dependent on your family, which can make living in a new country more comfortable—especially in expensive cities.

2. Improving Your English Skills

Working in roles that involve talking to people allows students to practice English every day. This kind of experience can help you speak more confidently, improve pronunciation, and become more fluent—skills that boost both your studies and chances in future job markets.

3. Gaining UK Work Experience

A part-time job gives you a peek into how work is done in the UK. You learn about British workplace culture, professionalism, and expectations—making you more appealing to future employers and better prepared for graduate roles. Plus, UK work experience can strengthen your job applications later on.

4. Building a Network

Working part-time introduces you to colleagues and bosses who might become useful contacts someday. Networking can open doors to internships, references, or even future jobs, especially if your work relates directly to your field of study.

5. Developing Time Management and Discipline

Balancing work and university deadlines teaches you how to prioritize and manage your time effectively. Juggling shifts with coursework can help build habits of discipline, organization, and independence—skills that are key to success both academically and professionally.

6. Picking Up Transferable Skills

Part-time work at or around top universities in the UK helps you develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and customer service. These skills are useful no matter what career path you choose and lay a solid foundation for professional growth.

7. Boosting Career Opportunities

Having real work experience makes your CV stand out. Employers look for candidates who have shown initiative and responsibility—qualities that part-time jobs demonstrate. Such experience can give you a competitive edge when hunting for graduate roles after finishing your studies.

8. Cultural Integration

Working in the UK helps you get a deeper understanding of local customs, humour, and workplace etiquette. It also encourages interaction with people from diverse backgrounds, making it easier to break down cultural barriers and reduce feelings of loneliness.

9. Learning About UK Employment Rights

Part-time jobs teach students about important UK employment rules like minimum wage, paid holidays, and working standards. You'll also learn about contracts, payslips, taxes, and National Insurance—important knowledge that will support you if you decide to work or start your own business here in the future.

Rules and regulations for part-time jobs in the UK for international students

International students in the UK holding a student visa are allowed to work part-time, but there are some rules to keep in mind. During university term time, they can usually work up to 20 hours a week, or 10 hours if they're studying below degree level. When classes are not in session, such as during holidays, they can work full-time, depending on what their university permits. To be eligible, students need to be enrolled in a full-time course at an approved institution. They aren't allowed to work as freelancers, entertainers, or professional athletes, or take permanent full-time jobs. 

Employers are responsible for checking that students have the legal right to work, which means students should show valid documents like a Biometric Residence Permit or visa. Everyone must earn at least the UK's National Minimum Wage, and students are advised to get a National Insurance (NI) number. If their earnings go beyond the tax-free limit, they will need to pay income tax and NI contributions. Failing to follow the rules linked to their visa can lead to losing their visa or facing other legal issues. It's really important for students to keep track of their working hours and stay within the limits set by their visa to make sure they're working legally and staying compliant.

[Read More: Wondering What to Study in the UK? Here Are the Top 10 Courses in 2025]

Types of part-time jobs in the UK for international students

1. On-Campus Jobs

Having a job on campus means working directly for your university or college. These jobs are usually flexible enough to fit into your class schedule, making it easier to work without wasting time commuting. They also offer a supportive environment that's connected to student life, giving you the chance to gain work experience while keeping your studies in focus.

2. Off-Campus Jobs

Off-campus jobs are those you find outside the university grounds, like in retail stores, cafes, or other local businesses. Working off-campus helps you get a taste of the real-world work environment across the UK and boosts your professional and social skills. But keep in mind, managing travel time and balancing different work hours with your classes can be tricky at times.

3. Part-Time Online Jobs

Part-time jobs you can do online give students the freedom to work from anywhere, making it easy to juggle work with their lectures and coursework. These kinds of jobs help you build useful digital skills and improve your communication, which are great for future job prospects. On the flip side, students need to stay aware of visa rules, as some online work—especially self-employment—might not be allowed.

Highest-paying part-time jobs in the UK for international students

Students coming to the UK often look for part-time jobs to help cover their expenses and gain valuable work experience. Here are some of the most common jobs that offer good pay and flexibility, making it easier to juggle work and studies.

1. Retail Assistant

Working as a retail assistant is one of the top part-time jobs in London for international students, especially with wages between £9 and £13 an hour. Working in retail helps improve skills like customer service, teamwork, and communication — all of which look great on future CVs.

2. Barista/Café Staff

Working at a coffee shop can be both exciting and rewarding. Wages are often between £12 and £14 per hour in city areas. These roles teach students how to handle multiple tasks at once and interact with customers, all while fitting into a student's flexible timetable.

3. Waiter/Waitress

Jobs in restaurants or pubs are popular because they offer flexible hours and steady pay, usually around £10 to £13 per hour. These positions help students build strong interpersonal skills and get familiar with British workplace etiquette. Tips are common and can boost overall earnings.

4. Hotel Staff

Hotels often hire students for part-time work in roles like housekeeping, reception, or room service. Pay typically falls between £10 and £13 per hour. These jobs sharpen attention to detail and customer service skills, and some hotels provide perks such as staff discounts or even free accommodation during busy periods.

5. Student Ambassador

Many universities hire students as ambassadors, especially for open days and campus events. These roles often pay around £12 an hour or more. They're great for developing communication and leadership skills, plus they're a perfect fit if you're looking for work that's on campus and related to your university life.

6. Cleaner

Cleaning jobs in offices, schools, or student housing are fairly easy to schedule around classes. They usually pay between £10 and £11 per hour. Although physical, these roles build discipline, reliability, and independence. They tend to be steady jobs throughout the year and often require little prior experience.

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7. Administrative Assistant

Admin roles paying between £11 and £14 an hour can often be found at universities or local businesses. Students handle tasks like data entry or managing emails. These jobs give you office experience, help improve organization, and prepare you for future roles in corporate settings.

8. Warehouse Operative

Warehouse roles are common with online shopping companies and logistics firms. They pay roughly £10 to £13 per hour and are especially busy during holiday seasons. Despite requiring physical effort, these jobs teach time management, efficiency, and teamwork, skills that are useful in many industries.

9. Tutor

Tutoring can be one of the highest-paying part-time options, with rates from £15 to £30 an hour depending on the subject and your experience. There's high demand for help in subjects like math, science, and English. Tutoring improves your communication skills, boosts your subject knowledge, and offers flexible hours.

10. Babysitter / Childminder

Babysitting jobs usually pay between £10 and £15 an hour and tend to be quite flexible, often happening in the evenings or on weekends. These roles are great for students looking to build trust, take on responsibility, and improve their communication skills. They're especially good choices if you're thinking about a future in education, childcare, or psychology.

Overall, these jobs help students develop important soft skills, gain industry experience, and earn decent wages—all while balancing their academic commitments.

Permitted part-time work hours per week in UK for international students

Eligibility

Below is a clear guide outlining the eligibility criteria and key eligibility requirements in the UK for international students seeking part-time employment.

National Minimum Wage for international students

If you're an international student studying in the UK, you can work part-time as long as you have a valid UK student visa and are enrolled full-time at a university or college approved by UKVI. During the school term, you're allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, although this limit drops to 10 hours if you're studying below degree level. When the university is on break or holidays, you can work full-time. However, students who are in the country on visitor visas or taking short-term courses aren't permitted to work at all.

How to find part-time jobs in the UK

• University Career Services: Use your university's career center or job portal—many list on-campus and local part-time opportunities.
• Job Websites: Search on popular job sites like Indeed, Reed, Totaljobs, and StudentJob for flexible, part-time roles.
• Company Websites: Check the "Careers" section of companies like Tesco, Sainsbury's, McDonald's, or Costa Coffee to apply directly.
• Recruitment Agencies: Register with local temp or recruitment agencies, which often help students find part-time or seasonal work.
• LinkedIn: Create a professional profile and search for part-time jobs, especially in admin, tutoring, or online support roles.
• Networking: Talk to friends, classmates, professors, or community groups—many jobs are found through word of mouth.
• Local Shops and Cafés: Walk into nearby stores or restaurants with your CV and ask if they are hiring part-time staff.
• Student Unions and Societies: Join student organisations that often post job openings or run their part-time hiring events.
• Volunteering (to gain experience): Volunteer roles can lead to paid positions, especially in retail, events, or non-profits.
• Social Media and Community Boards: Follow local job pages or join Facebook groups where part-time openings are regularly posted.

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Conclusion

Part-time jobs can be a breakthrough for international students studying in the UK. They're a great way to earn some extra cash, pick up real-world experience, and develop useful skills—all while you're still hitting the books. There are plenty of options available both on and off campus, and with clear guidelines in place, students can find roles that fit nicely into their busy schedules. Staying aware of work restrictions, pay rates, and what qualifies you helps you make the most of your time in the UK—whether it's for your career, your finances, or personal growth. Working part-time not only helps cover living costs but also makes it easier to settle into UK society and get ready for future job opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can international students work part-time in the UK?

Yes, international students with a valid student visa can work part-time while studying in the UK. They must be enrolled in a full-time course at a UKVI-licensed institution. The work must follow the hourly limits set by UK immigration rules.

2. How many hours can I work during term time?

If you're studying at degree level or above, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Students on courses below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week. These limits must be followed strictly to avoid visa issues.

3. Can I work full-time during holidays?

Yes, international students are allowed to work full-time during official university holidays, such as summer or Christmas breaks. These must be official breaks listed in your university's academic calendar. Public holidays or personal time off do not count.

4. What types of part-time jobs are available?

International students can work in a variety of roles, such as retail assistants, baristas, tutors, administrative staff, or hospitality workers. Some jobs are available on campus, while others are off-campus or online. Flexibility and demand vary by location and industry.

5. What is the minimum wage for international students in the UK?

As of April 2025, the minimum wage is £12.21 per hour for those aged 21 and over. For students aged 18–20, it's £10.00 per hour, and for under 18s, it's £7.55. International students are entitled to the same pay as domestic workers.

6. How can I find part-time jobs in the UK?

You can search for jobs through university career portals, websites like Indeed or Reed, local recruitment agencies, or by walking into stores. Networking and social media groups can also help. Always keep your CV updated and ready to share.

7. Can I be self-employed as a student?

No, international students on a Student visa are not allowed to be self-employed or start a business. Freelancing and gig economy jobs like Uber or Deliveroo are also not permitted. Doing so may result in visa cancellation.

8. Do part-time jobs affect my studies?

If managed well, part-time jobs do not negatively affect studies and can even improve time management skills. However, it's important to balance work hours with academic responsibilities. Prioritising education should always come first.

9. Will I be taxed on my part-time income?

Yes, if you earn over the personal allowance (currently £12,570 per year), you'll need to pay income tax. Most students don't reach this limit with part-time work. You may still have to pay National Insurance if you earn above the weekly threshold.

10. Can part-time work help with my future career?

Yes, part-time jobs help build skills like communication, teamwork, and time management, which are valuable for any career. They also show employers that you're responsible and adaptable. Relevant roles can even lead to future full-time opportunities.