Moving to a new country can be an overwhelming change, and living costs in the UK are not exactly low. Many international students take up part-time jobs for extra financial support while studying in the UK. When planning on working while studying in the UK, there are certain things which you should keep in mind. Here's what you need to know.
If you need information, advice and assistance regarding studying in the UK, book a free consultation call with SI-UK India today.
Allowed Working Hours for International Students in the UK
Indian students can work in the UK on a Student Visa. But before working in the UK, make sure to check that your visa allows you to work in the UK. The maximum hours allowed for employment are as follows:
- 20 hours per week during the term
- 40 hours per week during holidays
National Insurance Number for International Students
All non-UK students are legally obliged to get a National Insurance number (NINo) once they start working in the UK. If you have found work before getting the NINo, you can apply, start working, and tell your employer you have applied for one. A NINo is also required to claim benefits or apply for a student loan. You can apply for a NINo yourself or can use a service by paying a small fee of £25. To get one, you have to call the NINo application line.
National Insurance number application line:
- Telephone: 0800 141 2075
- Textphone: 0800 141 2438
The process takes around 15 days. You may or may not have to go for a face-to-face interview at JobCentre Plus before getting your NINo.
National Minimum Wages for International Students in the UK
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is the minimum amount that employers may legally pay to their employees in the UK. This is the same for a UK and non-UK resident in the country. Also it is the same for students who’re working part-time or are full-time workers.
The NMW as of April 1st, 2022 is:
- £9.50 per hour for workers 23 and over (known as the National Living Wage)
- £9.18 per hour for workers 21 - 22
- £6.83 per hour for 18 - 20
When deciding to work in the UK while studying, remember to not take on more than you can handle. Maintain a healthy work-study-life balance to make the most of your time in the UK.
Student Employment FAQ
For students aged between 18 and 20, the national minimum wage works out at £6.15 per hour. For those aged 21 and over, they can earn £7.70 per hour in the UK.
Finding part time jobs for students in the UK is very easy. You can find work as a bartender, barista and more. You will be performing the same duties as someone in a full-time position, but receiving fewer hours so you need to be extremely flexible with your availability. Universities can also assist in your job search.
If you're a student and want to work, there's lots of opportunities in part time jobs in the UK. With a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during university term time and more outside of university term time.
Part time jobs for students are limited to a maximum of 20 hours a week.
Study Abroad in the UK
If you want to enrol at a UK university or need help deciding where to study in the UK, book a free consultation with SI-UK India today.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 