Pick the wrong part-time job and you could be fined or kicked out of university. Pick the right part-time job and it can be a learning opportunity with a paycheck. The choice is yours. Hi everyone, welcome back. Today we’re talking about how international students in the UK can get part-time jobs.
Because unlike in Pakistan, india, and Bangaladesh or in many other countries, When you study in the UK, it’s very common to get a part-time job to make ends meet because the UK can be a very expensive place to live. But there’s lots of do’s and don’ts when it comes to working as an international student in the UK.
Which is why today we’re breaking down jobs international students can and can’t do in the UK. the average pay you can expect to earn, websites to find these jobs, the pros and cons of each of these roles, and live openings. Many international students who moved here for studies often took up jobs, working long hours and neglecting their university responsibilities. As a result, many failed their courses due to poor attendance and lack of focus. To address this issue, the Home Office introduced regulations limiting the number of hours international students can work in the UK.
When it comes to your working hours, during term time, international students on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week. During holidays and vacation periods, students can work full time, which is 40 hours. Now, in case you’re wondering what types of jobs students in the UK can take up, there’s permitted jobs and not permitted jobs.
Students can work in most types of part time jobs that comply with the working hour restrictions. But on the other hand, there are certain jobs and activities that international students cannot do, including self-employment and this includes freelance work or running your own business.
So you can’t start your own startup, you can’t monetize your YouTube or your Instagram channel and you absolutely cannot start gardening in your neighbor’s house all by yourself. You also cannot work as a professional sports person or a coach.
Working as an entertainer as well is generally prohibited so no you cannot go and busk on the road or sing for money. When it comes to permanent full-time jobs, students cannot take up permanent full-time positions while they are studying in the UK. When it comes to doctors or dentists in training, unless you are on a recognised foundation programme, students cannot work in these roles. When it comes to work placements and internships, Work placements that are part of your course and are assessed as part of your studies are permitted.
Now, these placements must be no more than one third of the total duration of degree level studies. Internships and part-time work relevant to your field of study is also allowed, provided they adhere to the working hour restrictions. If you aren’t sure if you’re allowed to do a particular job, you can always check by doing the following.
You can check your visa conditions. Always check the specific conditions attached to your visa. These conditions will be outlined in your visa documentation that you would have received. You can also check with your university. Universities often have career services and international student advisors who can provide guidance on acceptable employment.
And finally, ensure your employer is aware of your visa restrictions. They need to comply with UK immigration law and may ask to see your visa to confirm your eligibility to work. Now, while we do this, I might present some hard-hitting facts that you may not like, but my intention isn’t to upset you.
It is to help you get a realistic picture of things here. Starting off with hospitality roles. You’ve got roles like baristas, waiters, waitresses, kitchen assistants, and maid. The average pay is £8 to £10 per hour. Plus, in some cases, you also get tips.
If you’re looking for jobs in this sector, you can visit cafes and restaurants and companies to inquire about openings. You can also use portals like caterer.com and local hospitality job boards. Now, I know a lot of folks who come from countries where it’s not common for students to work look down on roles like this, but listen up.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in doing any honest work. Get rid of the misconception that you didn’t come to the UK to wait tables. Yes, of course you didn’t. You came here to study. Now, if there is an opportunity to earn while you’re studying without too many restrictions, which allows you to go home and focus on your courses, take it.
At the same time, you learn about the service industry, which is one of the most difficult industries. You learn how to interact with customers, You learn to be patient, you learn how to deal with difficult situations, all of which are going to help you going forward.
