Working as a student in the UK: How to find a job?

Working as a student along with pursuing studies in the UK is highly rewarding, you can not only fund your studies and enhance your career but also gain valuable experience that opens doors to better opportunities in the future. The UK boasts a diverse job market with various part-time positions that fit around your academic schedule, making it easier to balance work and study.

However, finding a well paying job can be challenging, especially for students who have never been to the UK before. You might be wondering what types of jobs you can take on under your visa, how much you can earn, and how to get a job even if you have no prior experience.

In this guide, I’ll tackle these key questions and provide practical tips and resources to help you find a job while studying in the UK. Let’s get started!

How many hours can I work in the UK as a student?

International students are allowed to work in the UK but rules and regulations differ based on your visa type, course length, and the place you are coming from. Whether your program is bachelor’s or master’s you will have to finish up to 10 hours of work during the semester and breaks.

If you need help with deciding your visa type and how to study in the UK, you can book schedule a free appointment with 12 consultants.

Work hour limitations:

You can work 20 hours per week at maximum during university term times.
You can work full-time during the semester breaks.

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Jobs Not Allowed to Students in the UK:

International students in the UK are allowed to work on a student visa with the following exceptions.

You cannot run your own business on a student visa.
You cannot be self employed i.e. freelancing
You cannot sign a contract for a permanent job vacancy in the UK.
You cannot be a professional entertainer or sportsperson, i.e., a cricketer.

Jobs Allowed to Students in the UK | Weekly Earning

For students in the UK, there is an abundance of part-time jobs available that do not interfere with their studies and are flexible for students.

Popular Student Jobs: You can consider Part-time options in the retail and hospitality sector and jobs like babysitter, receptionist, office clerk, tax preparer, tutor, interpreter and more.

Average weekly earnings: The average part-time weekly wage is £112.20. However, skilled students in the top 15% earn around £200 weekly.

Common Student Jobs and their Pay Range:

Student Jobs in the UK	Pay Range of the Jobs
Retail Sales Assistant	£8 – £10 per hour
Waiter/Barista	£9 – £12 per hour
Customer Service Executive	£8 – £10 per hour
Administrative Assistant	£10 – £13 per hour
Tutor	Varies depending on subject and experience
Library Assistant	£9 – £11 per hour
Shop Shelf Stacker	£8 – £10 per hour
Receptionist	£9 – £11 per hour
Dog Walker	Varies depending on location and number of dogs

These jobs are available online on job boards like studentgems.com, Indeed, LinkedIn, and other similar resources. Some of the part time jobs may also be advertised within university premises.

Manual Labour Jobs in the UK for Students:

For students in need, let us recall that manual labour is a noble profession in the UK. Students can utilize their physical strength and practical skills to fund their studies and living costs. Following are the common manual labour jobs and their pay range.

Common Labour Jobs	Pay range
Construction Laborer	£8 – £11 per hour
Warehouse worker	£8 – £10 per hour
Delivery Driver	£9 – £12 per hour
Gardener	£8 – £10 per hour
Cleaner	£8 – £9 per hour
Kitchen Porter	£8 – £9 per hour

Internships for Students:

Students who are not focusing on earnings but are looking to upgrade their experience and skills can go for unpaid work such as internships and work experience programs. Students can also volunteer for social causes that align with their values e.g. volunteer work to end poverty, racism etc. Note: Unpaid work or internships are also counted as 20 hours of work allowed per week.

How to find Student Jobs in the UK with No Experience:

Finding a job in the UK as a student can be time taking. Especially, if you don’t know where to find a job and how to navigate the complexities of your situation. Following are your best resources to utilize to get a job with or without prior work experience.

Contact university career’s team: Your first best option to find a part-time job, internship, and work experience programs. They will either hire you for a part-time job within the university or guide you on how to find a job in the location.
Networking: The second best option to find internships or jobs is networking. People in the local area can refer you for a job or help you find one easily. Utilize your friends and family contacts and network.
LinkedIn: One of the top platforms where you can find jobs and internships in the UK is LinkedIn. Create an account, complete your profile, network with industry peers and experts, set alerts for relevant jobs.

If you have no prior experience you can rely on the skills that you learned during your studies or do skills related courses that take no more than a week to complete.

Online Resources to Find a Job in the UK as a Student:

There are a number of online resources available for students to find a job in the UK. Some of the prominent sites are jobsite.co.uk and studentjob.com.

You can also complete short courses to find a job easily.

These jobs are well paid and are typically completed within weeks:

Quick Short Courses	Cost of Course	Pay range
International Bartender Course	£500 – £800	£10 – £15 per hour
Basic Bartending Course	£200 – £300	£10 – £20 per hour
STCW Fire Fighting Course	£300 – £500	£10 – £20 per hour
Barista Course	£150 – £200	£8 – £12 per hour
Photography Course	£100 – £250	£10 – £20 per hour
Graphic Designing	£150 – £300	£10 – £20 per hour

Consequences of Working More Than 20 Hours Per Week

You are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during university terms. However, you can work full-time during the 6-week semester break. Violating these limits will be considered a breach of your visa rules and conditions. As a consequence, the UK government can either prosecute you, force you to leave the country before study completion, or permanently ban you from obtaining another visa in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to get a job in the UK as a student?

The competition is very tough for international students but consider getting through the automated CV screening and filtering process. If your CV is constantly getting rejected for some reason, things could get really tough.

Is it possible to balance studying and working a Job?

It is possible to balance study and work depending on your course difficulty, some courses like pharmacy require a lot of study. I suggest working no more than 13 hours if your subject is tough.

What are the most in demand jobs in the UK 2025?

The most in demand jobs in the UK 2025 are in agriculture, hospitality, construction, and healthcare sectors.

What are the easiest ways to get jobs for international students in the UK 2025?

In 2025, the easiest to get jobs in the UK for international students will probably be retail assistants, barista, delivery driver, administrative assistant, and tutor.

How can I increase my pay while working as a Student in the UK?

You can increase your pay by doing short courses in the field you are working. If you have no prior experience you can consider doing a 1-4 week course (explained in detail above).

What is the average hourly pay rate for international students in the UK?

The average hourly pay rate for international students in the UK is £10 – £15. You can expect weekly earnings between £100 – £250 in the beginning.

Can international students work while studying in the UK?

Yes, international students can work 20 hours per week during university term times. However, during semester breaks, students can work full time.

Are there any restrictions on the type of work I do in the UK as a student?

Yes, you cannot work on your own business, be self employed (freelance), or be a professional entertainer or sportsperson.

What are the consequences of working more than 20 hours per week?

You can either be prosecuted, forced to leave the UK before study completion, or get banned from obtaining another visa in the future.