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Are you an international student in the UK? Are you in search of part-time jobs? If yes, then you are in the right place. Examples of part-time jobs for UK international students include call center jobs or customer service jobs, retail assistant in a store, and so forth. But there is one twist. You need a work permit.
The number of hours depends on the course that the student is taking and the kind of visa he or she holds. In simple terms, if the student is on a degree-level course, he or she can work 20 hours a week when studying and full-time during vacation periods.
This guide will provide all the important information regarding the type of part-time job a UK international student can do, from the number of working hours a student can work, high-paying part-time jobs, and much more. If you are coming to the UK for the first time, you should ensure you go through it.
What Are Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK?
A part-time job, in the UK employment context, is any paid role where you work fewer hours than a standard full-time contract, which is usually around 35 to 40 hours a week. For international students on a Student visa, part-time work is not just a lifestyle choice. It is a legal category with its own rules, hour limits, and restrictions set out in the UK Immigration Rules.
Part-time work matters for three main reasons:
- It helps cover everyday living costs such as food, transport, and social activities
- It builds UK-based work experience that strengthens your CV
- It helps you understand British workplace culture, which is genuinely useful if you plan to stay on and work in the UK after graduating
The most common types of part-time work for students in the UK include retail, hospitality, campus roles, tutoring, and increasingly, online part-time jobs for students in the UK that can be done around lectures.
Can International Students Work Part-Time in the UK? The Visa Rules Explained
Yes, while the majority of foreign students with a Student visa can work in the UK on a part-time basis, the number of working hours will vary depending on your course level. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs, students who have been granted Student permission can typically work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year on a degree-level course or up to 10 hours per week on a course that is not a degree-level one and full-time during vacations (UKCISA).
Before accepting any job offer, make sure to check the terms of your visa thoroughly. In case you are still trying to figure out the terms of your visa, you might find our UK student visa checklist helpful.
Weekly Work Hour Limits by Course Level
| Course level | Term-time work limit | Vacation period work limit |
| Degree level (undergraduate, postgraduate) | Up to 20 hours per week | Full-time |
| Below degree level (foundation, pre-sessional English) | Up to 10 hours per week | Full-time |
| PhD or research students | Up to 20 hours per week | Full-time, following institution rules |
“Week” is the term that refers to the period from Monday to Sunday and is seven days long; averaging is not allowed. Even if in one week you work for 25 hours and the following week for 15 hours, it will mean a violation, since the average is quite acceptable. This limit applies to all jobs combined. If you have two part-time jobs with an hourly sum of more than 20 hours, it is a visa violation.
Jobs You Cannot Do on a Student Visa
Some kinds of employment are prohibited irrespective of the number of hours allocated for employment, and they include:
- Self-employed activities or freelance employment, including selling goods or services via online platforms
- Starting or operating a company on your own
- Professional sport and entertainment employment
- Permanent full-time employment (unless you change visa categories)
How to Get a National Insurance Number
To receive payments through PAYE, you must have a National Insurance number. If not, your employer might put you under an emergency tax code, resulting in paying higher taxes until the problem is rectified. You can apply for this without charge via the application service provided by the government on their website (GOV.UK), and you can begin working before receiving it provided you have proof that you have the right to work.
Best Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK
There is no single “best” job, since it depends on your course timetable, your location, and your English confidence. That said, some roles consistently suit student schedules better than others.
| Job type | Typical hours | Common employers |
| Retail assistant | Evenings and weekends | Supermarkets, high street shops |
| Hospitality (barista, waiter, kitchen porter) | Flexible shifts | Cafes, restaurants, pubs |
| Campus roles (library assistant, student ambassador, open day helper) | Flexible, term-time only | Your own university |
| Tutoring or language teaching | Self-scheduled | Private students, online platforms |
| Delivery or warehouse work | Evenings, weekends, holidays | Logistics and delivery firms |
| Customer service or call centre | Shift-based | Retail brands, telecoms |
Jobs On Campus
Student jobs on campus tend to be the easiest jobs to balance with lectures since your employer is aware of the terms and examination period. Examples include working as a librarian, open-day guide, or student ambassador, among others, and you will be notified about the available positions by the university careers service. The salary offered is usually in accordance with, or a little bit higher than, the National Living Wage.
Retail and Hospitality Jobs
Retail and hospitality continue to employ the most part-time student workers across the UK, especially in places like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Flexible shifts that fit into a lecture schedule can be provided, and many employers have experience hiring international students. Therefore, the interview process will not be difficult.
Tutoring and Online Work Opportunities for Students in the United Kingdom
If you feel confident about your English or other skills, tutoring could be one of the most flexible ways to earn extra income. Most students engage in tutoring as part of an additional job, since it is always possible to organize tutoring time around academic activities. Bear in mind, however, that if it is considered self-employment and not employment, this work may be forbidden according to the terms of your visa.
Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK
Salaries differ according to positions, locations, age, and experience; however, all employers have a statutory obligation to pay at least the National Minimum Wage or the National Living Wage. The National Living Wage for employees aged 21 years and above increased to £12.71 per hour, whereas that for those aged 18 to 20 is £10.85 per hour as of 1 April 2026 (GOV.UK, Low Pay Commission).
| Role | Typical hourly pay (2026) | Notes |
| Warehouse or logistics assistant | £12.71 to £14.00 | Often includes evening or night shift premiums |
| Bar or hospitality supervisor | £12.71 to £13.50 | Tips can add significant extra income |
| Private tutor | £15 to £30+ | Rate depends on subject and experience |
| Retail supervisor | £12.71 to £13.80 | Requires some prior experience |
| Delivery driver (cycle or car) | £12.71 to £15.00 | Some platforms pay per delivery rather than hourly |
If you work 20 hours weekly at the National Living Wage rate of £12.71 an hour, then you will be making £254 a week or about £1,100 a month before tax and National Insurance payments. This figure can be very useful in estimating your monthly expenses from your part-time job salary in UK.
How to Find a Job in the UK as an International Student
Understanding how to source work in the UK goes a long way. Here is what most students do in their quest to secure some employment:
Quick job sourcing checklist
Sign up with your university careers office, which will usually have vacancies that are specifically open to students
- Search through UK-based job sourcing sites like Indeed, Reed, and TotalJobs
- Take a look at in-store or notice board vacancies in local stores and cafes
- Consult with your students’ union office, which might have some paid positions available
- Get your CV written out in UK form, with your UK mobile number and National Insurance number included when you have it
- Have an answer ready for your working hour limitation on your visa before any interviews
Temporary Summer Jobs and Extra Income Ideas in the UK
After term finishes, the restrictions around your work hour allowance will be lifted, and you can work a full-time position within the officially stated vacation period as per your university guidelines.
It is at this time that most students choose to get a summer job while studying in the UK, where they can find short-term employment opportunities like retail, events, festivals, and other hospitality-based work that peaks during the summer months.
If you are interested in additional work opportunities in the UK besides one full-time job, then you can:
- Join extra shifts during vacation periods when the 20-hour allowance restriction does not apply
- Work in paid positions at the university campus, such as being an ambassador for the open days, which is usually paid on a daily basis
- Do some seasonal retail jobs during December and summer sales
The UK Job Market for International Students in 2026
The point is that it is necessary to have realistic expectations regarding the current job market situation for international students in the UK. The unemployment rate among young people aged 16 to 24 was about 16.4%, the highest rate during the past ten years, based on recent labor market statistics of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) analyzed by the House of Commons Library (Commons Library).
At the same time, the UK is one of the leading countries attracting students from all over the world with 685,565 international students attending the UK higher education institutions in 2024/25 (HESA).
What it actually implies is that competition for part-time jobs, particularly in popular university cities, has become stronger. However, it does not mean that there are no job opportunities. What it means is that an early start and an extensive search give you great chances to get employed.
Common Mistakes International Students Make When Working Part-Time
- Averaging weekly hours instead of remaining within the limit every week
- Taking on another job without tallying the total weekly hours for both jobs
- Beginning freelancing without recognizing that it violates the terms of your visa
- Failing to apply for a National Insurance number at the right time, resulting in deduction of emergency taxes
- Thinking that dissertation or write-up periods qualify as vacation while the university considers them term time
Final Thoughts
Part-time work for an international student in the UK is a real option and can be very helpful for almost all students. The main point is to know the number of your allowable hours, keep appropriate documentation, and apply for those jobs that will be compatible with your studies, not in competition with them.
If you are not sure yet about choosing your course or university, and want to start your job search in the UK only after that, contact us at London Language Club.
FAQs About Part-Time Jobs UK International Students
Q1. What are the maximum hours that international students can work part-time in the UK?
Ans: Most students enrolled on a degree-level course may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time in vacation periods. Students enrolled on non-degree level courses may only work up to 10 hours per week.
Q2. Do international students need a National Insurance number to work in the UK?
Ans: Yes, because they require it to be able to get paid properly under the regular taxation system. They can begin working prior to getting their National Insurance number, although they must apply as early as possible to avoid being charged emergency tax.
Q3. What is the minimum wage for part-time jobs in the UK for international students?
Ans: There are the same National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage requirements for international students as there are for all other workers. From April 2026, this will be £12.71 per hour for those who are 21 years or older.
Q4. Is it possible for international students to have online part-time jobs in the UK?
Ans: It’s only possible if it falls under employment, not self-employment or freelance work. Make sure you always verify with the platform or employer, as self-employment is not allowed under the student visa.
Q5. What types of jobs are in high demand for international students in the UK?
Ans: These are retail, hospitality, warehousing, and logistics, as well as on-campus jobs, along with tutoring in subjects that you have good knowledge about.
Q6. Is it possible for international students to have full-time jobs during university vacations?
Ans: Yes, as long as your study program allows it and you have the appropriate visa.