UK is the second most popular study destination worldwide. According to official international enrollment statistics of 2017-2018, a total of 458,520 international students attended universities in the UK that indicates a rise of 3.6% in comparison to the previous year. Moreover, new enrollments share 54% (that is 247,685) of the total international student strength in the UK.

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• The highest number of international students studying in the UK are from China, India, the US, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
• In 2017-18, 106,530 Chinese students were enrolled at UK universities, followed by India with 19,750 students.

The fee structure for International students varies considerably and approximately ranges between US$14,130 to 53,700 or more for medical degrees.

Along with the high cost of living, the average cost of studying in the UK is estimated to be US$31, 380 per year, needless to say, studying in the UK can be a financial concern for many.

Fortunately, there are many options for students to make their education in universities an easy mission to accomplish.

Apart from the easily accessible student loan system and different scholarship schemes by the universities, engaging in a part-time job for managing your living expenses is a very productive and popular option among students. There are certain queries that are bound to spring up when international students consider a part-time job in the United Kingdom, we’ve explored them through the article:

How many hours you’re allowed to work per week in UK?

The time limit of permissible working hours totally depends on the type of course, you are attending. The government and universities want to ensure that students do not lose track of their studies hence they set some rules. Moreover, these rules are meant to help students in creating a balance between their studies and work.

Below mentioned details will help you in getting an idea of how many hours you can work with respect to the type of your course.

Students permitted to work up to 20 hours a week:

• If he/she is attending a full-time course/degree from a recognized higher education institution.
• If he/she is attending a short-term program from an institution settled in the UK.

Student permitted to work up to 10 hours a week:

• If he/she is attending a full-time course that is sponsored by a recognized body or a publicly-funded course.

Source: Giphy

NOTE: Students can work full time during university vacations.

Types of jobs not allowed for students in the UK

First of all, you need to make sure if your student visa permits you to work. There are certain types of jobs that a student is not allowed to do in the UK while studying under a student VISA.

Some of such jobs in which you can’t engage in when you hold a Tier 4 visa are as follows:

• Be a self-employed/working freelance
• Initiate a business activity
• Full-time permanent job
• Earning as a Professional sportsperson
• Sports coach
• Working as an entertainer

Types of jobs a student can find in the UK

Apart from some of the restrictions for Tier 4 VISA holders, there are still plenty of jobs available where students can apply easily. These jobs will help students in arranging and managing their finances. But the flexibility could be pretty crucial when it comes to studying and working simultaneously, so it is advisable that you are clear on certain things with your employer like duty roaster, holidays, etc.

Below is a long list of some of the common student jobs in the UK, which will give you an idea over what jobs to seek in the UK as a foreign student.

• Student Support officer
• Sales assistant
• Pizza Delivery Driver/Guy
• Personal Assistant
• Admission Officer
• Gardener
• Customer Assistant
• Waitress
• Receptionist
• Newspaper distributor
• Photographer
• Bartender
• Cashier
• Blogger
• Graphic designer
• Software Developer Intern
• Bookseller
• Tour Guide
• House Cleaner
• Babysitter
• Security guard

Working on Campus

While working on campus will not only help you to gain some extra money, but it will also prove to be a valuable addition to your CV, which will further increase the chances of your employability. However, it is not necessary that every university will provide such opportunities to its students. Within the university you can get yourself enrolled in the following:

• Working at the college cafeteria
• Working as an assistant to sports coach/fitness trainers
• Event Organiser Assistant
• Assistant to the recruitment team
• Volunteer work

VISA requirements for working in UK

If a student wants to work while studying in the UK then the type of VISA you hold matters. Students who fulfill the following criteria will be allowed to work in the UK:

• Tier 4 (general) student VISA
• Tier 4 (child) student VISA

NOTE: Students with Short Term Study VISA and students aged under 16 with a Tier 4 (child) VISA are not allowed to work in the UK.

Ways to Get a Job in UK

Many students choose to work alongside their studies, but how to find a job in a new country is a major concern for them. In case of such an issue, you can go for the possible solutions mentioned below:

• Use Social Media to find a job
• Search Online for jobs nearby
• Attend the part-time job fairs organized by some colleges
• Consult a recruitment agency
• Walk-In and Ask

Education4Students E4S UK based website launched in 2000, is the most visited job portal by students. It is specialized in part-time jobs or seasonal jobs, which helps students in getting a good part-time job. Students can take up full-time jobs during the time of vacations in universities, but they are not allowed to establish their own business to earn money.

Moreover, students are suggested to get enrolled in a job that is related to their course of study, which helps them in enhancing their skills to get better job opportunities in the future. Also, one must not forget to maintain a balance between work and study.