Best part-time jobs for international students in the UK

Are you an international student in the UK who finds yourself always short on cash or just barely scraping by on the financial resources you have? It might be time to think of ways to supplement your income. The good news is there are plenty of part-time jobs with high pay that you can take up while studying in the UK.

Before we delve into what these high-paying part-time jobs are, it’s important to take note of the work conditions that you — as an international student — should comply with. If you’re on the general student visa, you are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during term breaks.

Another important thing to note is that as an international student, freelancing is not allowed in the UK. You may only be allowed to work for jobs that have been authorised by the state, which are detailed in your immigration documents. You are not allowed to host your own private entertainment services or in professional sports too (such as a coach or professional athlete).

If you are unsure about the part-time jobs you are allowed to do, consult a trained immigration professional. You can also speak with your university for advice. Failure to know what you can and cannot do on a Student visa could have severe consequences for you.

With that being said, here are four part-time jobs with high pay that you — as an international student in the UK — can potentially take up, along with the approximate pay per hour.

Taking up a part-time job as a market researcher can help supplement your finances as an international student in the UK. Source: Joe Raedle/Getty Images/AFP

Jobs with high pay for international students in the UK

Student ambassador

Average pay: £10.39 per hour 

Are you a big fan of your university? Would you like to encourage prospective students to enrol there the way you did? Then consider being a student ambassador for your university.

The pay for this role may vary from one university to another. Many universities look for international students to represent their brand and diversity on campus by participating in social media live chats with international students.

You may also be paid to promote the university if you work over the summer or after you graduate.

Graduate research assistant

Average pay: £10.11 per hour 

Graduate research assistant jobs may be a full-time or part-time gig for postgraduate students. In this role, you will be assisting senior researchers and or professors.

Graduate research assistants have the primary responsibilities of conducting research and performing experiments that advance knowledge in their field of study.

Dog walker

Average pay: £9.92 per hour 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing part-time job, then being a dog walker would be a great pick.

Walking a dog can decrease loneliness and help you get your daily dose of exercise for the day. In fact, studies have shown that being around a dog can lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.

If you’re looking for part-time jobs with high pay in the UK, you could get a job as a library assistant at your university or at a local library nearby. Source: Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP

Library assistant

Average pay: £9.35 per hour 

In terms of part-time jobs with high pay for international students in the UK, being a library assistant is a role you can take up at your local university or at a library nearby.

You will be assigned to assist patrons with any enquiries they have. This includes signing up library cards for them, using the library catalogue, and navigating the library’s various areas. You may also be expected to troubleshoot library equipment such as computers, copiers, and printers if they malfunction.

Most of the time, you will be working at the circulation desk of the library, and work closely with a circulation supervisor or other librarians.