Can I Work While Studying In The UK?

Fortunately, you can work while studying in the UK as most of the institutes and universities allow it.  However, there are certain rules and working hours limits that you need to abide by at all costs. 

For somebody on a student visa, they can work 10 to 20 hours a week, depending on what their visa or the institute has allowed. 

They can also work full-time after the course has ended or before the course begins. Furthermore, full-time work is allowed even during the holidays of the universities. If you’re enrolled in a below-degree level course, you’re allowed to work only 10 hours per week.

When Are You Not Allowed To Work While You Study In The UK?

You’re not allowed to work when you’re:

Aged Less Than 16 Years

When you have a Child Student Visa and you’re under 16 years old, you can’t do any work. The minimum age to work as a student in the United Kingdom is 16 years or older. 

For the regular visa holder, it’s essential for their independent school to be listed as “sponsor with a track record”. 

If your school doesn’t have that, you can’t work at all. Though if you have any work placements that are part of your course, you’re allowed to take them.

No Track Record

If the status column of your college doesn’t have the “track record” mentioned, then you won’t be able to work. 

Even if your institution has any other status, like a publicly funded college, an embedded college pathway, or a private holder, they won’t get you qualified for the job. 

However, if any internship or placement is part of your course, the institute gives you permission to do that work.

What Kind Of Works Do You Do?

There are many types of jobs international students can do in the UK.

• Call Centre: You can work as a call centre representative, answer queries, and take business calls.
• Retail Assistant: You can also work in hotels, shopping malls, and supermarkets as an assistant.
• Private Tutor: You can teach any student privately as well.
• Receptionist: You can greet the customer, welcome them, and also manage the appointments in the hotels or the offices.
• Research Assistant: Many professors and professionals often need students who know how to do research. You can do this work for them.
• Administrative Jobs: You can do data entry and become an office assistant.
• Freelancing: Freelancing is also the best job that you can do as a student. You can do various works like graphic design, content writing, website design, and any other course-related work. But the working hours for it will be counted as self-employed.

What Kind Of Work Can You Not Do?

Though you can do many jobs while you study in the UK, these are the ones that you’re not allowed to:

• You cannot run your own business or be self-employed.
• You are not allowed to do work related to business activities.
• You cannot work in professional or semi-professional sports, including coaching.
• You are not allowed to work as a performer or entertainer.
• You cannot take training jobs as a doctor or dentist unless it is part of a foundation programme.
• You are not permitted to take a permanent full-time job unless your visa conditions allow 

What Are The Working Hours?

The working hours of international students in the UK depend on their visa. If they’re on a Student visa, then it’s around 10 to 20 hours per week, from Monday to Sunday. They can work full-time during the holidays or when the university is off. 

Furthermore, if you’re a research student, your working hours may be different from those of regular students. You should check with the faculty.

Working Hours And Pay

Working hours count only when you actively work on your job, no matter if it’s two jobs or only one. 

If you’re on paid leave from one job and take up a second job during that time, the hours from the first job don’t count towards your limit. 

You can still complete your 20 or 10 hours of the working week period on the second job if you want. However, you need to make sure that the first job allows you to work on another job.

When Can I Work Full Time In The UK As A Student?

If you’re a student, you can work full time in the following situations:

What Evidence Do You Need To Provide To Your Employer?

Your employer will need proof that you’re allowed to work while studying. You can give them the following evidence to get a job as a student in the UK.

• A letter from the university showing your holiday dates (to confirm if you can work full-time).
• A student status letter proving you’re enrolled and actively studying.
• A share code (from the gov.uk site) so they can check your visa status online.
• If you’ve finished your course, a final results letter confirming your studies are complete.

What Should Be Your Salary Expectations

Keep your salary expectations realistic, since most students work only 10 to 20 hours a week. Your work, employer, field, and location determine how much you get paid. Some fields pay you more, like IT jobs or tutoring.

• If you’re under 18, you can get paid £6.40 per hour
• For students 18 to 20 years old, the per-hour pay is around £10.18
• Students 21 years or older can earn £11.44 per hour

What Happens If You Exceed The Limits?

If you work more hours than your visa allows, it’s considered a visa rule breach. If you do that, you could be prosecuted and may be asked to leave the country. Even if your course isn’t complete, you may still be removed from the UK for violating the visa rules.

The worst part is that it’ll keep you from getting the UK student visa again. So, avoid exceeding the limits, follow every rule, and focus more on your studies.

Best 10 Part-time Jobs For UK International Students

There are many jobs in the UK for international students. They can choose the one that suits their expertise and interests. These are some that you can consider for yourself.

• Retail worker: Serve customers and restock shelves in shops.
• Translator: Translate spoken or written language.
• Dog walker: Walk dogs for busy owners.
• Research assistant: Help with uni research tasks.
• Prep cook: Prep food and assist in the kitchen.
• Barista: Make coffee and serve in cafés.
• Hotel receptionist: Check in guests and answer calls.
• Server: Take orders and serve food.
• Teaching assistant: Support teachers and students in class.
• Tutor: Teach subjects you’re good at.

How To Find A Job In The UK: Best Websites

The best way to find jobs in the UK is by asking your university friends, exploring your area, and seeing if any restaurant, shop, or supermarket has any vacancies. Besides, you can use these websites, which post new jobs in the UK every day.

• Indeed
• Totaljobs
• Reed
• Glassdoor
• Monster.

Final Words

Can I work while studying in the UK? Luckily, you can work as a student in the UK, but you need to know about the work hours limit and the rules to follow. 

For students on a student visa, they can work up to 10 to 20 hours a week during the term time. 

When they’re free, such as during holidays, after the course has ended, or while waiting for it to restart, they can work full time as well.

If students have a regular visa, it’s crucial for it to be listed as the “sponsor track record” in the status column.

If it’s not, they won’t be able to do any work, neither full-time nor part-time, except for university-related placement work. 

If you want to study in the UK, StudyLeads, a leading education consultant in Pakistan, can help. We handle everything from the paperwork to finding the universities and settling in the UK. Contact Us today.

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