Working part-time in the process of studying in the UK not only helps you cover some of the tuition fees, but also accumulates practical experience and soft skills after graduation. For international students who are often worried about "Can I study in the UK" or "Is it difficult to apply for a job in the UK", this is actually not too difficult, as long as you are really determined and always show your best at work.

To help you better understand the regulations on part-time work as well as common part-time jobs when studying in the UK, let's explore with IDP right in the article below!

1. Can international students in the UK get part-time jobs?

Similar to other study abroad destinations, international students can completely work part-time when studying in the UK. With any program you are studying, such as a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD level, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and work full-time during vacations or internships. The average working salary will be between 9 - 12 GBP per hour.

To be eligible to find a part-time job studying in the UK, you need to keep in mind two main aspects. First, you need to make sure that your university doesn't restrict students from working part-time. You also need to meet the regulations from the Government to be eligible to find a part-time job:

  • You need to be over 16 years old

  • You need to have a UK student visa

  • Your visa must be issued by an organization that has the authority to sponsor immigrant students

However, there will be restrictions on the type of work you get to do and the hours you work. You must not work if your passport or identity card says "No Work" or "Work Prohibited", otherwise you will be in breach of immigration conditions, which is against the law in the UK. To find out more, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website or contact IDP for detailed advice.

2. Regulations on part-time work when studying in the UK

Although international students are allowed to find part-time work during their studies in the UK, there are still strict rules that you need to follow, such as:

2.1. Regulations on working time

To easily find out how many hours you can work during your study abroad process, you can check based on your student visa.

  • For those who currently have a student visa and are currently enrolled in a full-time study program lasting more than 6 months, you can work up to 20 hours per week during your studies.

  • If you are currently enrolled in any program of study below Bachelor's level, you can only work 10 hours per week for the duration of your studies.

Once you choose to work legally part-time in the UK, you will be entitled to up to 16.8 days of paid leave per year. You will also need to pay taxes set by the Government.

2.2. International students need to register an insurance card number

According to UK Government regulations, all international students are required to register for a National Insurance Number (NI Number) to easily track tax-related issues when working in the UK. This card number is similar to the personal tax code in Vietnam.

The time from registration to the issuance of the card number can take about 12 weeks. If you are looking for the opportunity to work and settle permanently in the UK after graduation, you should look for work from a formal unit, with income tax, insurance and salary paid in a clear way.

2.3. The benefits of all employees are the same

Whether your job is part-time or full-time, you still enjoy the same benefits and incentives. Regardless of the company or employer, part-time employees still enjoy all the same benefits as full-time workers.

3. Common part-time jobs when studying in the UK

Every student has a different goal when studying in the UK, so there will be many forms of employment that suit each person's abilities and development plans. Part-time jobs when studying in the UK are divided into main groups such as:

3.1. Part-time jobs in the UK

Some part-time jobs commonly seen when working part-time in the UK can be mentioned such as: waitress, food delivery, store assistant, etc. These are jobs that are always in short supply in the UK because the working time of each person is quite short, even some stores only recruit in the form of seasonal jobs.

The plus point of these jobs is that they do not require too much professional skills. Instead, the skills you are required to have are communication skills, handling situations, agile work style, and withstanding high pressure. If you choose to work in restaurants or convenience stores, you will have to serve a sizable number of customers on weekends, which requires good endurance and perseverance in the work.

For general part-time jobs, you will be paid according to the salary set by the UK Government. For those of you who work in the service industry or have direct contact with customers, you may receive additional "tips".

3.2. Part-time jobs in the UK support for majors

In addition to general jobs, some students also choose part-time jobs suitable for their majors such as teaching assistants, tutors guiding underclassmen, student ambassadors or hotel receptionists, etc.

Usually, these jobs will be selected quite carefully by employers, you need to submit applications as well as pass the interview round. Many international students look for part-time jobs that match their majors to gain more work experience and experience the culture of the working environment from an early age. Besides, these jobs not only bring a more attractive salary but also help you complete your CV when looking for a job in the future.

See more: Top 7 online part-time jobs for international students

4. How to find a part-time job in the UK

There are many ways to apply for a part-time job in the UK for international students. The most common way is to apply for jobs directly at restaurants, supermarkets, or any retail store that interests you. If the stores are still not in demand, don't forget to leave a CV so they can contact you in the future.

You can also find a job at the school's career fairs. During the learning process, most lecturers and career counseling departments have career guidance programs for students. You can participate in career fairs or follow the school's message board to easily find the right job for you, connect with employers.

Websites and fan pages on social networks of the international student community and the Vietnamese community are also a reliable source of part-time job search. Besides, you can also search for part-time jobs on online sites such as:

  • www.svuk.org.uk

  • www.justjobs4students.co.uk/

  • www.e4s.co.uk/

  • www.student-part-time-jobs.com/

  • www.student-jobs.co.uk/

  • www.studentjobs4u.co.uk/part-time-jobs.htm

Hopefully, the above information will partly support you in the process of finding a part-time job when studying in the UK. Each job will bring you new experiences and skills necessary for future work, and depending on each purpose, you can choose a suitable job for yourself. However, always remember that your goal is to study, and must always know how to manage your time, balancing your studies and part-time work.

Understanding the British education system with IDP

For those of you who are cherishing your dream of studying in the UK, the experts at IDP are always ready to advise you on studying in the UK with all the information about schools and majors that attract human resources and bring high demand for immigration as well as job opportunities after graduation. You can also learn in detail about the process of preparing study abroad documents and calculating living expenses during your time studying in this country.

IDP also provides essential support services for international students through finding accommodation, booking flight tickets at preferential rates, free phone SIM (UK), and equipping skills before departure (pre-departure session).

Contact IDP for study abroad advice today!

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