Study and Work as a Student in the UK| Apply Now

February 25, 2024 by top gospel

Although it is a great idea to work and study, experts normally encourage foreign students not to depend on part-time jobs to pay for their education because living in the UK is among the costliest. There should have been money set aside for both living expenses and tuition already.

Well, we are going to walk you through what you need to know about studying and working as an international student and also some restrictions that are put in place for students who work and study. We have also included universities that allow students to work and study, and jobs you can do too so make sure you read through this article.

Work Eligibility for International Students in the UK

As an international student, you must first determine whether your chosen university has any restrictions that may affect your chances of finding work before considering studying and working in the UK. The kind of work a student can do and where it can be done (on or off campus) may be restricted by those limitations.

Eligibility to work as an international student in the UK is determined by two key factors:

• Restrictions imposed by the University of Study (which are heavily impacted by your study course)
• Restrictions imposed by state-run official institutions

Please note that you must carefully review the information contained on your passport, residence permit documentation, and student visa to determine your eligibility to study and work in the UK as an international student, assuming that your university does not put restrictions on your ability to work.

Study and work restrictions for international students in the UK

International students are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours per week (from Monday to Sunday) although, this restriction does not apply to citizens of EU or EEA countries. The following categories of international students are not qualified to work when studying in the UK:

• A course at a further education college.
• A course where the student aged under 16 has a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
• A part-time postgraduate course or above that is supported by a recognized body in the UK or that receives public funds as a Higher Education Institution.
• A course offered by a private higher education provider.
• Study and Work Jobs available for international students

Work placements are a great option for international students who want to get employment and work experience in the UK, especially if they are not eligible for employment. International students are still able to do a work placement as part of their education even though they are not legally allowed to work.

What is Work placement?

Work placement is a temporary job that is intended to give a trainee experience of the job they are training for. Most of the time, you will work for a business or organization for six to twelve months before going back to school for your last year.

Study and Work as a Student in the UK

When searching for part-time work to apply for, keep in mind that the majority of these positions are available to students and typically require little to no experience or training because most of the work will be done on the job. Nevertheless, to stand out as a stronger applicant, you should modify your CV to the position for which you are seeking.

You can also apply for positions your university might be offering. Many universities usually hire international students for part-time jobs on campus or as research assistants for professors.

Below are some jobs that you can perform as a student in the UK:

• Hospitality roles
• Personal tutor
• Sales or retail jobs
• Customer Service Agents
• Blogger
• Graphic designer
• Delivery jobs
• Caretaker
• Part-time jobs in cafes or restaurants

Jobs you are not permitted to perform as a student in the UK

• Professional sportsperson including a sports coach.
• Work as a dentist or a doctor in training, except you are enrolled in a foundation program.
• Self-employment or initiating a commercial activity.
• Full-time permanent jobs.

Your Financial Legal Rights in the UK as an International Student Working

As a worker in the UK, you are eligible to be paid the following based on your age:

• Under 18 – £4.55 (£364 monthly)
• 18 to 20 – £6.45 (£516 monthly)
• 21 to 24 – £8.20 (£656 monthly)
• 25 and over – £8.72 (£697 monthly)

How many hours are you allowed to work as an international student?

International students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time during holidays. Generally speaking, universities offer tools to help students locate part-time jobs, either off-campus or in nearby communities.

In an email message, the International Junior Advisor at a university highlights the significance of the Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) in establishing permitted work hours.

According to another source, international students are usually allowed to work 20 hours a week during the academic year and up to 40 hours during the summer. They can even work part-time while they are enrolled in classes.

Is the National Insurance Number necessary for students working and studying abroad?

International students who are interested in learning more about their opportunities for learning and employment must apply for a National Insurance Number to be eligible to work in the UK.

By calling the National Insurance Number application line, you can apply for a National Insurance Number for free and begin working while you wait to receive this.

As an international student working either part-time or full-time, you would have to pay national insurance and income taxes. You will now be granted access to certain state services, such as health insurance.

Work after Study Visa in the UK

International students can now stay in the UK after finishing their studies, thanks to a new post-study visa that was introduced in September 2020 as part of the Graduate Immigration Route.

After completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK, international students may stay and work for a maximum of two years (three years for PhD graduates) at any skill level, provided they meet the requirements.

Universities in the UK that allow students to study and work

Coventry University:

The Coventry Institute is a public research institute situated in Coventry, England. The history of Coventry University is linked to the founding of the Coventry School of Design in 1843. The college was known as Lanchester Polytechnic from 1970 to 1987 before being awarded university status in 1992 by the Further and Higher Education Act. It was renamed Coventry University after that.

Because the courses are flexible, the institution’s tuition costs are frequently less than the maximum of £16,000 that UK universities are permitted to charge for full-time degrees. Due to the part-time nature of many of the courses offered, sessions may be held at unusual times, including on weekends and evenings.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading is a public research university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1892 as University College, Reading, and is now an extension college of the University of Oxford.

King George V gave the university the right to award degrees to its graduates in 1926, making it the only university to hold a royal charter between World Wars I and II. The university is commonly known as a “red brick university” because it was established in the nineteenth century.

University of Chester (United Kingdom):

The University of Chester is a public institution situated in Chester, England. The university was founded in the UK as a teacher training college. It has a University Center in Shrewsbury, one in Warrington, and five campuses throughout the Chester region. It offers a range of foundational, undergraduate, and graduate courses in addition to conducting academic research.

Aberystwyth University:

Aberystwyth University offers its varied student body a well-rounded academic and cultural experience through worldwide collaborations and partnerships.Founded in 1872 and once a part of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth University is located in the Welsh coastal town of Aberystwyth.

It gained independence in 2007. The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. It also has a beautiful campus on the sea. The campus has state-of-the-art amenities like sports complexes, libraries, and labs, and the Old College serves as a reminder of the university’s illustrious past. Aberystwyth University is well-known for its contributions to computer science, biology, and agriculture research. It is home to a number of research centres and institutions.

Brunel University London:

Although it is usually simply known as Brunel, Brunel University London (BUL) is a public research university located in the Uxbridge neighborhood of London, England. It was established in 1966 and named in honor of the Victorian engineer and Industrial Revolution pioneer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Brunel College of Advanced Technology became Brunel University upon obtaining a royal charter in June 1966. Brunel University London (BUL) was formally founded in 2014. In the UK, the university is recognized as a plate glass university.

Anglia Ruskin University:

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is a public university located in East Anglia, United Kingdom. The Cambridge School of Art was founded in 1858 by William John Beamont, a Fellow of Trinity College at the University of Cambridge. It became a university in 1992, and in honor of the author and Oxford University professor John Ruskin, it took on his name in 2005. Ruskin gave the Cambridge School of Art’s inauguration speech in 1858. This is one of the “post-1992 universities.” The university’s motto is Latin Excellentia per societatem, which translates to English Excellence through cooperation.

University of Portsmouth:

Located in Portsmouth, England, the University of Portsmouth is a renowned academic institution that shows academic brilliance. Only five schools in the South East of England have been awarded the highly esteemed Gold grade by the esteemed 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework. This institution is one of them. The institution, which ranks as the 25th largest in the UK, enrolls roughly 28,280 different students in undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a thriving academic community, which is well renowned.

University of Manchester:

Located in Manchester, England, the University of Manchester is a well-known public research university with an outstanding record and a dedication to academic achievement. Its main campus, located on Oxford Road just south of Manchester City Centre, acts as a center for research, education, and cultural enrichment. Notably, the university adds to the creative and intellectual landscape of the area while serving as the guardian of important cultural assets. These include the Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tabley House Collection, the John Rylands Library, the Manchester Museum, and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

University of Greenwich:

Located in Kent, United Kingdom, and London, it is a famous public institution with a long history. It is called the Institution of Greenwich. Its origins can be seen in its former names, Thames Polytechnic and Woolwich Polytechnic. Located in the Royal Borough of Greenwich is the university’s main campus, which is housed at the recognizable Old Royal Naval College, and its Avery Hill site. A third campus, which is part of a collaborative venture, is situated in Medway, Kent. The University of Greenwich offers a comprehensive array of subjects across disciplines such as architecture, business, computing, mathematics, education, engineering, humanities, maritime studies, natural sciences, pharmacy, and social sciences. The institution takes pride in its diverse academic portfolio, catering to a wide range of student interests and career aspirations.

University of Strathclyde:

The University of Strathclyde, also known as Oilthigh Shrath Chluaidh in Scottish Gaelic, is a public research university located in Glasgow, Scotland. This is Glasgow’s second-oldest institution, having opened as the Andersonian Institute in 1796. In 1964, it became the first technology university in the UK to be granted a royal charter. This institution, named for the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, has more than 100 nationalities among its faculty and student population, making it the third largest in Scotland.

How to Apply To Study and Work in the UK

In the UK, applying for an undergraduate degree is a simple procedure. You can apply for up to five courses at once through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which simplifies the application process in exchange for a small processing cost. UCAS speeds the application process by handling every step of it.

Start by visiting the UCAS website, where you can complete your application form. Concurrently, craft a personal statement. This statement serves as your opportunity to distinguish yourself by elucidating your interest in the course, showcasing relevant skills, and highlighting life experiences and achievements.  Additionally, include a written reference from a person who can attest to your capability to undertake the course, such as a tutor or one of your school teachers. It is advisable to reach out to your referees well in advance to ensure they have ample time to provide the reference.

UK Study Application Deadlines

• October: Applicable for courses at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as for most courses in medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry.
• 15 January: Designated as the ‘on-time’ deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses.
• March: About some art and design courses.
• 30 June: The late deadline for most undergraduate courses. Applications received after this date automatically enter “clearing,” implying that your first choice is not guaranteed. Therefore, timely submission is crucial to secure your preferred course.