Jobs Guide - English

Plan first

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 having to work. This usually means having a sponsor or scholarship. The money you earn part-time should be used like pocket money – for extras like concerts and nights out.

If you will be 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 if your institution can provide evidence of your 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 all weekend. Ask your course director how many hours you are expected to spend doing coursework per week.

Check the rules

If you’ve decided you can handle a job, make sure you’re allowed to work in the UK. The Home Office is very strict, and can deport people who disobey its rules. These rules are very complicated, so we’ve provided a summary for you.

EEA countries and Switzerland
If you are from an 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.

Non-EEA countries
If you are from a non-EEA country, you may be allowed to work during term-time and vacations. Once you have your visa sticker or stamp, check it to see whether you are permitted to work. If you are, your 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 only be able to work a maximum of 20 hours a week.
• You can only exceed 20 hours a week if the work is a placement (such as a sandwich year), forming a compulsory part of your course.

Prohibited work
Some international students have visas which state that they cannot work. This usually applies to people taking a course 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.

Internships
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 would be completed within your current UK student immigration leave

Find that job

It’s easy enough to find student jobs, and you can start by browsing our website. Your institution is also a valuable resource. It may have a jobs bulletin, or a careers service. It’s worth going into bars, cafes and shops to ask if they need any staff. Have some CVs (resumes) in your bag so you can leave your details with them. It goes without saying that you should seem bright and enthusiastic, even if you secretly aren’t! Your local Jobcentre may also be able to help.

If someone offers you a cash-in-hand job, it means they want to 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 your working, the authorities could still find out, and then you might face deportation.

Get paid

How much you get paid will vary according to job. However, all employers by law must pay above the minimum wage. In October 2007, the minimum wage was:
• £5.52 an hour for workers aged 22 and over
• £4.60 an hour for 18-21 year olds
• £3.40 an hour for 16-17 year olds

Some employers pay wages straight into your bank account. Others 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 ant tax or national insurance money deducted.

Pay your 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

Consider work experience after graduation

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 completing 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 to work. It is part of the Fresh Talent Scotland Initiative. See UK Border Agency Website or Scotlandistheplace.

There are also schemes that allow some students to stay on in the UK for professional training or work experience and some students may also be able to apply under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.