It is undeniably true that attending the university can be very expensive, more so if you are an international student studying abroad. By taking up part-time jobs in the UK, you can seek extra income, you will be better placed at keeping tabs on your funds, getting work experience, and also be exposed to a British workplace culture and meet new people.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 part-time jobs in the UK for international students
- Best job sectors for students studying in the UK
- Benefits of part-time jobs in the UK
- Types of part-time jobs in the UK for international students
- How many hours can international students work in the UK?
- How to find part-time jobs in the UK for international students?
- Frequently asked questions
Top 10 part-time jobs in the UK for international students
Let us look at some of the best part-time jobs in the UK for international students, along with their per hour wage and average weekly salary (lowest to highest) in the table given below.
| Job sector | Per hour wage (approximately) | Average weekly salary (20 hours) |
| Barista | £ 10.00 | £ 200.0 |
| Customer Service Representative | £ 11.13 | £ 222.6 |
| Teaching Assistant | £ 11.65 | £ 233.0 |
| Library Assistant | £ 12.00 | £ 240.0 |
| Tour Guide | £ 12.32 | £ 246.4 |
| Dog Walker | £ 12.50 | £ 250.0 |
| Babysitter | £ 13.00 | £ 260.0 |
| Event Planner | £ 14.00 | £ 280.0 |
| Translator | £ 14.11 | £ 282.2 |
| Tutor | £ 25.00 | £ 500.0 |
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1. Barista
As a barista, you will be primarily responsible for the preparation and serving of coffee and other beverages, operating a cash register, and customer service. This role will help you build valuable customer service skills and enhance your ability to multitask. In addition, the flexibility in hours will make it an excellent job opportunity for students.
2. Customer service representative
As a customer service representative, you will assist customers on the phone, via email, or chat; solve their problems; and provide product or service-related information. You will develop your communication and problem-solving skills, besides getting experience in dealing with most diverse situations.
3. Teaching assistant
As a teaching assistant, this position entails assistance in the grading of assignments for professors, leading discussion sections, and helping students with coursework. You will have excellent education experience and mentoring opportunities; it allows you to delve deeper into subject material.
4. Library assistant
As a library assistant, you will help in organising books, checking materials in and out, and helping patrons with the library. Such experience can help one toward their goals regarding organisational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with research resources.
5. Tour guide
As a tour guide, you'll lead visitors on tours, provide information about sites or landmarks, and answer their questions. This role enhances your public speaking and storytelling skills while giving you the chance to learn about local history and culture.
6. Dog walker
As a dog walker, you'll take dogs on walks, to ensure that they get some exercise while providing a safe experience and occasionally some basic training. This position offers flexible hours and plenty of physical activity, making it a very relaxed role for animal lovers.
7. Babysitter
As a babysitter, you are going to look after the children in the absence of their parents, feed, play with them, and put them to bed. This position adds responsibility and patience, brings on valuable child experience, and allows flexible scheduling most of the time.
8. Event planner
As an event planner, you will organise and coordinate events, manage logistics, and liaise with vendors as an event planner. This will enhance organisational and project management skills and give valuable experience in business in this area.
9. Translator
As a translator, you will translate written or spoken content from one language to another seeking to maintain accuracy and cultural relevance. This is a position that enhances your language skills and provides experience in a professional setting.
10. Tutor
As a tutor, you will help students learn and master subjects, guide, and support their academic growth. This job reinforces your knowledge in the subject, enhances teaching and communication skills, and can bring along great satisfaction.
Best job sectors for students studying in the UK
Finding a part-time job in the UK that also pays well is not so easy. So, here is a list of high-paying job sectors in the UK that pay more than any regular part-time jobs to international students.
| Job sector | Per hour wage (approximately) | Average weekly salary (20 hours) |
| Sales | £8.82 | £176.4 |
| Administration | £9 | £180 |
| Social Care | £9.05 | £181 |
| Transport and Logistics | £9.52 | £190.4 |
| Health and Medicine Sector | £9.88 | £197.6 |
| Customer Service | £10.35 | £ 207 |
| Education | £11.04 | £ 220.8 |
| Marketing | £11.61 | £ 232.2 |
| Accountancy | £12.34 | £ 246.8 |
| Construction | £13.58 | £ 271.6 |
Benefits of part-time jobs in the UK
Part-time jobs in the UK for international students can be beneficial for several reasons; a few are listed below.
Financial support
Part-time work during studies caters to the expenditure of living in the UK.
Skill development
Part-time work builds up time management, communication, and teamwork skills.
Work experience
Work experience is something employers look out for in candidates. Part-time jobs, internships, and placements improve the resume of any student.
Networking
You will learn how to build a network and professional relationships that will be beneficial in kick-starting your career.
Cultural integration
Studying in the UK allows international students to be integrated into the local culture, meet new people, and develop language skills.
Sense of responsibility
You will learn how to use your money responsibly.
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Types of part-time jobs in the UK for international students
International students in the UK can pursue part-time jobs in three main ways:
On-campus jobs
These roles are within the university, such as library or lab assistant positions, which save travel time and offer convenience, though they may not be highly lucrative.
Off-campus jobs
Positions outside the university, like working in restaurants or offices, provide broader job opportunities but may require commuting and more time commitment.
Online jobs
Remote work options, such as social media marketing or content creation, offer flexible hours and can be balanced with academic schedules. Ensure clear agreements on compensation and experience certificates.
How many hours can international students work in the UK?
- Full-time students may work for 20 hours at most in a week for the duration of the semester, and full-time during the university breaks
- Those studying at below a degree level are permitted to work for 10 hours a week.
- Any restrictions on your ability to work will be visible on your student visa, so make sure you read it carefully.
- Part-time students are not allowed to work in the UK.
- For an international student to work full time or permanently, they require a work permit, a Tier 2 visa.
- Self-employment is not permitted. You need to have an employment contract; this can be different from your university. Still, you should check your university's restrictions on work before applying for any job.
How to find part-time jobs in the UK for international students?
The following are the options for international students seeking part-time jobs in the UK to find the best opportunities:
University resources
Log on to your university's website on career services, employment, or job postings. Most of the universities organise events for career fairs and maintain job boards.
Online job portals
Career websites such as StudentJob, Indeed, and Save the Student have listed part-time jobs for students.
Networking
Avail alumni, instructors, or peers to know about unadvertised openings.
Local businesses
Go around some cafes, restaurants, shops, and other places that interest you and where you may want to work part-time.
Social media
Keep a tab on the job postings that come on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups.
Recruitment agencies
Most of the agencies deal with student employment, so don't forget to call them for more leads.
Career fairs and events
Keep a watch on events that happen at your university or local community where on-the-spot job opportunities do come in.
Volunteer:
You could also try your hand at volunteer activities in the area of your interest, wherein you may gain some experience and contacts that sometimes turn into jobs.
Finding part-time jobs in the UK can be tiring, but it is worth an experience, more so to international students. As an international student, you must do proper research about the requirements for the job, eligibility and the salary aspect before applying.
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Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn in the UK as a student?
As a student in the UK, you can typically earn between £10 and £25 per hour, depending on the job and location. During the semester, full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week, while during university breaks, they can work full-time.
What are the best paid jobs in England?
In England, the highest-paying jobs for students are-
- Waiter at £15.00 per hour
- Sales Assistant at £12.40 per hour
- Retail Assistant at £12.23 per hour
- Administrative Assistant and Bartender at £11.60 per hour
What are the best paid jobs in Scotland?
In Scotland, the highest-paying jobs for students are-
- Receptionist at £12.00 per hour
- Administrative Assistant at £11.60 per hour
- Retail Assistant at £11.00 per hour
- Bartender at £10.00 per hour
- Waiter at £8.00 to £11.00 per hour
What are the best paid jobs in Manchester?
These are the best-paid part-time jobs in Manchester for students: waiter (£12.50 per hour), customer service representative (£11 per hour), receptionist (£10.92 per hour), sales assistant (£10.65 per hour), and administrative assistant (£10.42 per hour).
Which job is best for students in the UK?
As a student, you can earn the most in the UK from these jobs: tutors, £25.00 per hour; translators, £14.11; event planners, £14.00; babysitters, £13.00; and dog walkers, £12.50.
