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When we think of part-time jobs for students, the first thing that comes to our minds is whether we can balance work and study or not. The answer is, yes! It is possible to balance work and education with careful planning. Education abroad is a costly endeavour that usually comes with a hefty price tag. It’s challenging to attend school full-time while also working a part-time job. However, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the disadvantages.
Part-time jobs for students give significant social and professional skills, in addition, to paying off some of your student loans. Working a few hours a day can help you meet your demands on your own without having to use up all of your savings. But if you are an international student studying in the UK, you have the option of working part-time but keep in mind that the student working hours in the UK are constrained by the criteria of your visa. It is imperative that you become aware of all the restrictions and conditions of international student working hours in the UK pertaining to your visa.
The rates change in the UK every year on April 1. These are the current standards for minimum wage in the UK as of 2023:
| Apprentice | £5.28 |
| Under 18 | £5.28 |
| 18 to 20 | £7.49 |
| 21 to 22 | £10.18 |
| 23 and over | £10.42 |
Does Your Student Visa Allow You To Work In The UK?
In the UK, most students who are 16 or older are permitted to work, even if it is merely to finish coursework. It’s a tremendous opportunity to not only make money but also expand your professional network, obtain useful work experience in the UK, and meet new people.
Your ability to work while studying in the UK is governed by the policies of your university and the official public entities. Make sure that your university does not forbid you from working before dealing with authorities. The university may impose restrictions on the student working hours in the UK in addition to those set by the government based on your training programme.
For international students in the UK, especially in big cities like London, finding part-time work is convenient. You may only be able to work on campus at some colleges, but don’t worry; there are still plenty of options available to you. However, be sure you are eligible for them before you begin looking for part-time work.
However, depending on your course and degree, employment hours in the UK differ. And if you’re curious to know how many hours can international students work in the UK keep reading to learn more about international student working hours in the UK, norms, and regulations.
- For Undergraduate Students:
If you’re an international student enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course, you’re typically allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time. It’s important to note that this limit includes both paid and unpaid work opportunities. However, during official vacation periods, you have the flexibility to work full-time. To find out specific details about your university’s vacation periods, you can usually refer to their website. Keep in mind that if you’re studying part-time, you won’t be permitted to engage in any paid or unpaid work.
- For Postgraduate Students:
For international students pursuing a postgraduate degree, the rules regarding work vary depending on whether you are enrolled as a taught or research postgraduate student. Taught postgraduate students are generally permitted to work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, and they have the flexibility to work full-time during officially recognized holidays. However, it’s important to note that the definition of official holidays is more strict, typically including only the Christmas and Easter holiday periods. Keep in mind that summer holidays, when most postgrad students work on their dissertations, are not considered official holidays.
- For PhD Students:
Similar to postgraduate research students, PhD students are typically considered to be in ‘term-time’ throughout the year, meaning there are no specific official holidays. However, PhD students have the opportunity to work full-time only during their official annual leave. In most cases, PhD students are granted 30 days of annual leave per year, providing them with some time off from their academic responsibilities.
Who Is Eligible For A Work Visa In The UK?
Every international student who enrols at a British university on a Tier 4 visa is entitled to remain in the country after graduation and hunt for work. If you are aware that you can work in the UK while studying, you can apply for a post-study work visa. Previously, graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree stayed for only four months while seeking employment. It was extended to two years in accordance with the revised postgraduate visa regulations.
What Types OF Work Are Allowed On A Student Visa?
Your Tier 4 or student visa grants you limited working privileges in the UK. Your right to work and the student working hours in the UK is dependent on both your visa and status as a student, so you must stop working as soon as your visa expires or is restricted by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There will be a cap on how many hours can a student work in the UK each week during the academic year. You must ensure that you are aware of the term time and vacation periods for your particular program because the term-time duration can vary based on the subject you are studying.
A week, according to UKVI, is a span of seven days that begins on a Monday. You may only work as many hours per week as your visa permits during this time. This limitation covers both paid and unpaid work each week. Your Tier 4 or student visa will allow you to do these:
- Be self-employed.
- Set up a business.
- Work in a full-time or permanent position.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Work as an entertainer.
FAQs
Q1. Can students work 40 hrs in UK?
Ans: If you are enrolled in a full-time programme at the graduate level or above, your student or Tier 4 visa will permit you to work 20 hours per week during term time. If you are enrolled in a full-time programme below the degree level, you must study a minimum of 10 hours per week during term time.
Q2. Can I work more than 40 hours a week for UK international students?
Ans: You may not work more than 20 hours per week while enrolled full-time in a degree programme. You will be in violation of your visa if you work more than 20 hours in any one week. This could prohibit you from getting a new visa in the future or from finishing your studies.
Q3. How much can I earn in the UK as a student?
Ans: £9.50 an hour for those who are over 23 (known as the National Living Wage) Employees ages 21 to 22 earn £9.18 per hour. 18 to 20 years old at £6.63 an hour.
Q4. Which part-time job is best for students in UK?
Ans: Tutors, Dog walkers, and Retail Workers are some of the top part-time jobs for students in the UK.
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