How to study and work in UK-Are you planning to study in the UK? Do you want to study while working in the UK? Are you looking for how to study and work in the UK? If this is you, then you are reading the correct article.
In this article, we will cover all you should know to study and work in the UK. Keep reading to find out.
Can International Students Work and Study in The UK?
Yes, international students can work and study in the United Kingdom. They need to get their National insurance number (NINO), make sure they are eligible, and obey the work and study rules in the United Kingdom.
There are many job opportunities in the United Kingdom for international students. These part-time jobs pay the minimum wage and are sometimes flexible.
How to Study and Work in UK
Below are the steps you must take to study and work in the UK.
- Make sure that you are eligible to work and study in the United Kingdom
- Apply for your National insurance number (NINO)
Eligibility to work and study in the UK
Before you can work and study in the United Kingdom, it is important to make sure that you are eligible. Below are the eligibility criteria to work and study in the UK.
- First, you need to make sure that your university allows its students to work and study. Do not apply to any university that doesn’t support students working and studying. As an international student, before applying to any university make your research meticulously. Ensure that the university you are applying to supports working while studying for students.
- Ensure that your course of study does not limit you from working while studying. You can find this out when researching your intended university.After you have ensured that your university and course of study allow students to work and study, the next step is to check governmental restrictions.
- If you are below the age of 18 years, you are not allowed to work as an international student in the United Kingdom.You must have a Tier 4 visa which is the official student visa in the United Kingdom. If you don’t have this, you can not work in the United Kingdom.
- Only students coming from non-European Union or European Economic Area (Non-EU and Non-EEA) countries are required to get permission to study and work in the United Kingdom.
- Students from countries that are part of the European Union and the European Economic Area including Switzerland do not need permission to work in the United Kingdom while attending a university.
- Students should ensure that they check the conditions and limitations on their Tier 4 sticker (vignette). They will be given a letter that informs them of what they can or cannot do while in the United Kingdom.
- If any of these are listed in your letter then you can work in the United Kingdom; “Work must be authorized, Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State, Work as in Tier 4 Rules Restricted as in Tier 4 Rules, Restricted work – Part-time during term-time, Full-time during vacations, Restricted work time, Work limited to 20 hours per week at maximum during term-time, Work limited to 10 hours per week at maximum during term-time.”
It’s important to note that your passport sticker might not say exactly the above options.
- If ” No work” and “Work prohibited” is in your letter you cannot work while studying in the United Kingdom.If you do not understand what is in your letter, please seek guidance before proceeding to get a job.
- If you decide to change your course of study or move to a higher level of study, then, you may be required to commence a new immigration application. As you wait to receive a response to your new application, ensure you obey the old immigration status.
Apply For Your National Insurance Number
Once you have confirmed your eligibility to work and study in the United Kingdom. The next step is to apply for your National insurance number (NINO).To work and study in the United Kingdom as an international student you need a National insurance number (NINO).
You can get your National insurance number by calling the National insurance number application line for free. Once you have applied for your National insurance number, you can start working while you wait to be issued your NINO.
Paying taxes as a full-time or part-time employed international student in the United Kingdom will grant you some state benefits like healthcare.
How Many Hours are International Students in the UK Allowed to Work Per Week?
The hours permitted an international student to work in the United Kingdom depend on their course of study.
International students who can work 20 hours a week are;
- Students in full-time courses at a degree level or above.
- They must be in an accredited tertiary education institution.Short-term students registered in a program of a foreign tertiary education.
International students who can work 10 hours a week are;
- Students at any course who are under 16 years of age and possess a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
- Students in full-time courses below level degree that are funded by a recognized body or a publicly sponsored as a tertiary education institution.
- Students over 16 years in any course with a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
International students who are not allowed to work in the United Kingdom are;
- Students studying any course in a further education college at whatever level.
- Those in a course offered by a private tertiary education provider at any level.
- Students in a part-time postgraduate course or above that are specifically supported by a recognized body in the United Kingdom or collect public funds as a tertiary education institution.
International students should adhere to these rules and not work longer than they are permitted to whether they get paid or not. A week is a period of 7 days from Monday to Sunday.
Jobs International Students Can do While in the UK
Below are some of the jobs international students are allowed to do in the United Kingdom.
- Student Support officer
- Sales assistant
- Pharmacy Delivery Driver
- Pizza Delivery Driver
- Veterinary care assistant
- Admission Officer
- Gardener
- Customer Assistant
- Receptionist
- Facilities Assistant
- Enrollment advisor
- Finance Assistant
- Newspaper distributor
- Photographer
- Personal Tutor
- Ice Cream Scooper
- Restaurant Host
- Smoothie Maker
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Bookseller
- Tour Guide
- Research Assistant
- Waitress
- Pet caretaker
- House Cleaner
- Babysitter
Types of Jobs International Students are Not Allowed to do in the UK
It is important that after you are eligible to work and study in the United Kingdom that you look for jobs you are not permitted to engage in and avoid them. Below are some of the types of jobs international students with Tier 4 visas can not do in the United Kingdom whether they are paid or not.
- Students can not be self-employed or work as freelancers.
- They cannot engage in a full-time permanent job.
- Students can not be a sportsperson including sports coaches.
- They can not work as an entertainer.
- Students cannot work as doctors or dentists in training unless they are enrolled in a foundation program.
How Much can International Students Earn in the United Kingdom?
International students are entitled to minimum wage according to their age.Students between the ages of 18 to 20 can earn up to £6.45 per hour.Those between the ages of 21 to 24 can earn up to £8.20 per hour.
Students between the ages of 25 and above can earn up to £8.72 per hour.Students can find jobs on and off their campuses.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom is a magnet for international students. Although it is one of the costliest places to study and live, many international students still fight for a spot in the prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.
It is also one of the places where international students are allowed to work and study. We covered how to work and study in the UK in this article. We hope you found this article informative.
Reference
- https://www.academiceducation.co.uk/work-in-the-uk-while-studying/
- https://www.studying-in-uk.org/work-in-uk-while-studying/
- https://degreesandcareers.info/resources/study-and-work-in-the-uk/
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