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Are you an international student studying in the United Kingdom or planning to move there in 2025? Good news — you’re allowed to work part-time and earn money while you study!
Under UK student visa rules, international students can legally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Can International Students Work in the UK?
✅ Yes — But There Are Rules
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If you’re on a Student visa (Tier 4) in the UK, you are legally allowed to work while studying, as long as:
- You’re studying full-time at a licensed institution (college or university)
- Your visa and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) say “Work permitted”
📌 Key Working Rules for Students:
| Condition | Limit |
| During term time | Up to 20 hours/week |
| During vacations | Full-time allowed |
| Self-employment | ❌ Not allowed |
| Permanent jobs | ❌ Not allowed |
| Internships/placements | ✅ Allowed if part of the course |
Best Student Jobs in the UK (2025)
Here are the most popular jobs for international students in the UK:
1. 🍔 Hospitality Jobs
- Restaurant Waiter / Waitress
- Barista / Cafe Assistant
- Fast food crew (McDonald’s, KFC, Greggs)
🕐 Flexible shifts, weekend work, and night pay bonuses.
💰 Average pay: £9 – £13/hour
2. 🛒 Retail Jobs
- Cashier (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi)
- Sales assistant in clothing stores
- Shelf stacker or warehouse picker
🧍 Great for students who like customer service.
💰 Average pay: £10 – £14/hour
3. 📦 Delivery & Driving (With UK License)
- Food delivery (Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat)
- Grocery delivery driver
🚴 Bike delivery is popular in big cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham.
💰 Pay: £12 – £18/hour with bonuses and tips.
⚠️ You need a valid UK driver’s license or provisional license for motor vehicle jobs.
4. 🏫 On-Campus Jobs
- Library assistant
- IT help desk
- Student ambassador
- Events helper
🧑🎓 These are highly flexible and convenient — often posted internally at your university.
💰 Average pay: £10 – £15/hour
5. 💻 Remote / Freelance Jobs
- Online tutoring
- Social media management
- Graphic design
- Writing / content creation
🌐 You can work from your room — just ensure it’s under an employed or contracted role, not self-employed.
💰 Earnings vary based on skill, but many students make £200–£500/month part-time.
How Much Can You Earn as a Student?
Let’s do the math:
If you work 20 hours/week at the UK minimum wage:
- £11.44/hour (as of April 2025)
- That’s £228.80/week
- Around £915/month
During holidays (working full-time):
- You can earn £1,800–£2,200/month depending on your job
🤑 Some jobs like delivery, warehouse, or hospitality (with tips) can push your income even higher.
What Documents Do You Need to Work?
Before you apply for any job, make sure you have:
✅ Right-to-Work Documents:
- BRP card (says “Work permitted”)
- Passport with Student Visa
- National Insurance Number (NINo)
- Bank account (UK-based)
- Proof of enrollment from your university (sometimes required)
📌 Employers will check your working hour limit during hiring.
What Is a National Insurance Number?
It’s a unique ID that lets you work, pay taxes, and receive benefits in the UK.
How to Apply:
- Apply online at the GOV.UK website
- It’s free
- You’ll need your BRP and UK address
💡 You can start working while waiting for your NINo as long as you can prove you’ve applied.
Where to Find Student Jobs in the UK?
Here are the best websites and platforms:
🖥️ Online Job Boards:
- Indeed UK
- StudentJob UK
- TotalJobs
- Reed.co.uk
- e4s.co.uk (specifically for students)
🏫 University Portals:
- Most UK universities have student job boards
- Check with your career services or student union
👀 Walk-ins:
- Print your CV and walk into cafes, restaurants, and shops near your campus
- Ask if they’re hiring part-time
📱 Apps:
- Indeed Flex
- Job Today
- Uber Eats / Deliveroo (for delivery)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I work 40 hours as a student?
No — you can work 20 hours/week during term time. Only during official university holidays can you work full-time.
❓ What happens if I work more than 20 hours?
It’s a serious visa violation. You risk:
- Losing your student visa
- Being banned from returning to the UK
- Your employer being fined
Always stick to the legal limit.
❓ Can I do Uber Eats as a student?
Yes — as long as you’re:
- Not self-employed (you must be under PAYE or a contract)
- Using a bike or licensed vehicle
- Staying within your 20-hour limit
❓ Do I need IELTS to get a student job?
No — you only need IELTS to get into your course. For jobs, your spoken English and ability to follow instructions is what matters most.
❓ What’s the easiest job to get as a student?
- Fast food restaurants (KFC, McDonald’s)
- Supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl)
- Warehouse and picker packer roles
- Cleaning or housekeeping
These jobs are usually high in demand and require no UK experience.
Final Tips for Landing a Part-Time Student Job
✅ Get your documents ready early — especially your NINo
✅ Make your CV short and simple
✅ Walk into local businesses — especially cafes and restaurants
✅ Be flexible with shifts (evenings, weekends = more chances)
✅ Track your working hours to avoid visa issues
Start Earning While Studying in the UK!
Working part-time in the UK as an international student in 2025 is not only legal but a smart way to build your future.
With the right approach, you can earn up to £900/month, build your UK experience, and still focus on your studies.