An international student’s guide to part-time jobs in the UK

If you’re planning to study abroad but want the option to support yourself with a side gig, there are many part-time jobs for international students in the UK. Little wonder why the is a surge in the term “part-time jobs hiring” is surging. International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holiday breaks.

Apart from the monetary benefits, part-time work will provide you with a great opportunity to build your network, learn new skills and immerse yourself in the UK work culture, among others. If your interest is piqued, here’s a guide to part-time jobs for international students:

Resources for part-time jobs hiring

International students in the UK can choose to find an on-campus or off-campus job while studying. On-campus jobs could include working in roles such as in the university library, laboratory, bookstore or gym, to name a few. 

If you’re looking for some off-campus options, what are some of the best job resources for international students in the UK? From your university campus to online job portals, here a list of resources:

• University career centre
• StudentJob
• Indeed
• Jobsite
• Reed
• Monster

Jobs international students in the UK are not allowed to do

Before we dive deeper into the types of jobs for students, it’s worth noting that international students must not:

• Be self-employed or engage in business activity
• Engage in a permanent, full-time job
• Work as a professional sportsperson including as a sports coach, paid or unpaid
• Be employed as an entertainer (paid or unpaid)
• Work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you are on the foundation programme

International students in the UK can work for 20 hours per week during term time. Source: Oli Scarff/AFP

Non-seasonal part-time jobs hiring 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs notes that international students in the UK can typically apply for and accept jobs in most types of paid roles, at any level. You can find a variety of part-time jobs hiring, such as a barista, receptionist, waiter or waitress, personal tutor, cashier, house cleaner, among others.

Seasonal part-time jobs hiring  

Whether you’re looking for a gig for the summer or Christmas, opportunities abound if you know where to look. For instance, during the summer, it’s possible to find work as a research assistant on campus. December can be an incredibly busy time for businesses across various industries in the UK. 

The Royal Mail, for instance, notes that Christmas is their busiest time of year. “With so many parcels and letters coming through our warehouse doors, it’s no surprise that we need a few thousand extra helping hands to get everything where it needs to go,” they said on their website.

Royal Mail notes that they hire temporary Mail Centre workers from all different walks of life to help them deliver Christmas across the UK each year. “We are currently recruiting for Seasonal Mail Sorters starting from £11.40 per hour. Just like Mr & Mrs Claus, as a Seasonal Mail Sorter you’ll play a key role in bringing Christmas to people across the UK!”