Highest-paying part-time jobs in the UK 

If you’re an international student in the UK, you can work part-time, but it is important to follow the visa rules. These rules help you stay focused on your studies and ensure you remain compliant with UK regulations. Here is what you need to know: 

• Full-time international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. 

• International students below degree level or on language courses can work up to 10 hours per week. 

• You can work full-time during official university holidays. 

• Part-time postgraduate international students are not allowed to work in the UK. 

• Some roles are restricted - you cannot take up self-employment, freelance work, permanent jobs, or work as a professional sportsperson, entertainer, or doctor/dentist in training. 

• Always check your visa conditions. Breaking these rules can put your studies and stay in the UK at risk. 

So, what types of part-time work can you take?

As an international student, you can explore three main types of part-time jobs in the UK: 

On-campus jobs 

These roles are based within your university and include positions like library assistant, teaching or lab assistant, campus guide, or student ambassador. They are convenient because you do not need to travel far, and the schedules are usually designed to fit around student timetables. 

Off-campus jobs 

These roles are in sectors like retail, hospitality, customer service, and delivery. Off-campus jobs often offer higher pay and more varied experience, but they may require longer hours and travel. Many international students choose these roles to build transferable skills and gain exposure to UK workplace culture. 

Online jobs 

Remote roles such as tutoring, social media management, or content creation are becoming popular. They offer flexible working hours and can often be done from home. However, it is important to agree on fair pay and clear contracts before starting online work. 

1. Accountant

If you've got excellent math skills and an analytical mind, you'll thrive in an accountancy position. One of the most well-paid part-time jobs in the UK, the role of the accountant involves preparing business accounts and helping companies to get a better view of their financial status.

Now, becoming an accountant isn't a walk in the park.

You're going to need a natural appetite for numbers and experience using the latest accounting software. Fortunately, a degree isn't necessary to get started.

On average, part-time accountants earn about £15 per hour, but you can get as much as £20 an hour as you begin to make a good reputation. It's even easier to get a great wage if you can get the AAT qualifications to spruce up your CV.

2. Computer Programmer

This part-time position is best suited for people who already have a bachelor's degree in computer science. If you're starting your education from scratch - programming isn't for you.

However, you can get in on the ground floor of this career option if you're taking accounting, science, or admin degrees too - so don't be afraid to check out your options.

As a programmer, you'll be expected to work on a lot of different tasks at once, so a lateral-thinking mind and multi-tasking skills are essentials. You'll also need to work hand-in-hand with software engineers too - so be a team player!

On average, computer programmers earn around £20k a year - but senior individuals with specific expertise can even consult at a rate of between £70 and £150 an hour! Clearly, this is one of the best-paid part-time jobs in the UK.

3. Teaching Assistant / Tutor

If you love the idea of sharing your knowledge with others, but you don't want to get a degree as a teacher - this is the option for you.

Tutoring gives you a part-time way to enlighten others with your specific selection of skills and knowledge. You can even record videos and sell them on sites like "TakeLessons."

It's up to you what you want to teach. Some of the best part-time jobs for students in the UK involve merely sharing what you learn in your Uni classes with other students who are struggling. You could also teach things utterly unrelated to your course - like how to code or play the guitar.

Another great thing about tutoring? You can advertise yourself on social media!

The average pay for a tutor in the UK is around £23,187 per year.

4. Customer Service

Looking for a simple way to top up your cash?

No problem - why not try customer service?

Customer service roles in the UK can pay up to £10.35 an hour - which is a lot more than you'd get from some other careers.

What's more, you're not going to need any specialist skills to get started.

As long as you have a friendly attitude and you're willing to go above and beyond to support your clients, you'll do well in a customer service gig.

One good tip is to look for a job in an industry that's related to what you want to do later. That way, even if the work you do each day isn't very interesting, you'll at least be gaining experience that will make your CV stand out later.

5. Pet Care

Finally, another of the most simple but well-paid part-time jobs in the UK is pet care. If you love taking care of furry friends like cats and dogs, then you can hire out your services to keep cats and dogs company when their owner isn't available.

There are plenty of sites available in the UK to get you started, like Minders-Keepers, or Homesitters.co.uk. You can even just offer your services through social media as a dog walker or a part-time cat whisperer.

Pet care gets you out and about through the day when you're not at school, and it's an excellent opportunity to earn some extra cash too. The average pay for a pet sitter is £24.23 a day in the UK.

Getting one of the best-paid part-time jobs in the UK is just one part of creating a comfortable life for yourself as you learn in the UK.

If you're planning on studying abroad, our counselors will be on hand to guide you through the entire process - from applying to the university to settling accommodation needs.

Contact us today to book your first counseling session!