Working in the UK during your studies

This section contains information and links to a range of resources of specific interest to international students who wish to work in the UK during their studies.

It is very important to remember that, although international students are permitted to work part time during their course, you should be in a position to support yourself without needing to find a job. If you are issued a Tier 4 or Student visa, this is granted on the basis that you can prove both fees and living costs are available to you without you having to work- possible future earnings are not admissible evidence for a Tier 4 or Student visa application.

Most part time work available to students (home or international) is low paid and casual; typically employers pay the minimum wage. You are responsible for finding your own part time work, although the Careers Service will help you with your job hunting and application techniques. It very important that you have a realistic view of how much money you can earn as an international student.

UKCISA (the UK Council for International Student Affairs) have produced a very useful guidance note called Working in the UK during your studies.

The University is not able to write individual letters stating that it is ok for you to work. This is because the Immigration & International Student Advice team does not have University authority to confirm individual academic situations and the University as a whole does not have the authority to state whether a person can work or not. However, we have produced a letter stating the rules about international students working in the UK for you to download and print.

If you have any further queries relating to employment regulations for international students then please contact us.