FAQs Jobs - Questions & Answers

Can I work whilst I study?

Remember that if you do get a job in the UK, it can't be the source of funding for your studies. In order for you to be accepted onto a course, you need to be able to prove that you can support yourself throughout your studies without relying on wages earned through work. This usually means securing a sponsor or scholarship

If you are doing a sandwich placement (usually one year of paid work as part of your course), you can only use this as part of your proof of funding if your institution can provide evidence of guaranteed future earnings.

If you get a part-time job, make sure it doesn't interfere with your studies, which should be your first priority. Many courses can be very demanding, and you may find yourself having to study at weekends. Ask your course director how many hours you are expected to spend doing coursework per week.

What are the rules concerning employment in the UK?

If you've decided you can juggle a part-time job and your studies, make sure you're allowed to work in the UK. The Home Office is very strict, and can deport people if their guidelines aren't followed exactly. Though these rules are very complicated, below is a summary. For full information, we'd advise you to visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Understandingyourworkstatus/Migrantworkers/index.htm

What are the rules if I am from an EEA country or Switzerland?

If you are from a European Economic Area (EEA) Country, you do not need permission to work in the UK. These countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Be ready to show an employer your passport or identity card as proof that you are a national of an EEA country. Students from Switzerland can also work freely in the UK.

What are the rules if I am from a non-EEA country?

If you are from a non-EEA country, you may be allowed to work during term-time and holidays. Once you have your visa sticker or stamp, check it to see whether you are permitted to work. If you are, your permission to work will probably be subject to the following conditions:
• You cannot be self-employed or provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer.
• You cannot pursue a career by taking a full-time position while studying.
• During term time you will be able to work a maximum of 20 hours a week.
• You can only exceed 20 hours a week if the work is as part of a placement (such as during a sandwich year) and forms a compulsory part of your course.

Under which conditions am I prohibited from working?

Some international students have visas which state that they cannot work. This usually applies to people taking courses of six months or less, such as a language course. If this applies to you and you would like to work, talk to your international students' office or student welfare officer.

Can I take an Internship?

If you are on a degree course, you can take an internship of up to three months (not limited to 20 hours a week), providing:
• You are on an undergraduate or postgraduate degree course in the UK
• The internship is offered by an employer as part of their recruitment procedure
• You have not taken an internship previously with that employer
• The internship is paid, and the pay and conditions of employment are comparable to those for a resident worker doing the same kind of work
• The internship is completed during your current UK student immigration leave

How do I find a job?

There are plenty of student jobs available, so why not start your search by browsing the job listings on Foreign Students.com?

Your local Jobcentre may also be able to help and, remember, your institution can be a valuable resource too. It may have a jobs bulletin board, or offer career advice services . It's worth visiting bars, cafes and shops to ask if they need part-time staff. Take your CV (résumé) with you, so you can leave your details with them. It goes without saying that you should appear professional, bright and enthusiastic!

When should I NOT accept a job?

If someone offers you a cash-in-hand job, it means they will pay you without a wage slip, and without deductions being made for national insurance or income tax. This is illegal, and you should not accept the work. Even if there is no record of you doing the work, the authorities could still find out, and you might face deportation.

How much will I be paid?

How much you are paid will vary according to job. However, all employers by law must pay above the minimum wage. From October 2009, the minimum wage is:

£5.80 per hour for workers aged 22 years and older £4.83 per hour for workers aged 18-21 £3.57 per hour for all workers under the age of 18

Some employers will pay wages straight into your bank account. Others will write a cheque, or pay in cash. In all cases you should receive a wage slip detailing the hours you worked, the rate of pay and any tax or national insurance money deducted.

Do I need to pay tax?

Once you are offered a job, you should apply for a National Insurance number from your Jobcentre Plus office. When you start working, National Insurance contributions and Income Tax will be deducted from your pay, and given to the government. Find out more

Can I work once I've completed my studies?

If you graduate from a UK institution with a degree or higher in any subject, you can stay on and work for one year in the UK. The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) should be applied for within one year of successfully obtaining your qualification. In Scotland, all students graduating from a HND, degree or postgraduate course from a Scottish institution can apply to work for two years after graduation. , as part of the Fresh Talent Scotland Initiative. See UK Border Agency Website or Scotlandistheplace.

There are also schemes which allow students to stay on in the UK for professional training or work experience, and some students may also be able to apply for positions as a highly skilled worker http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/general/