Most international students on a Student visa can work part-time in the UK. Here is everything you need to know before you start — get it wrong and it can affect your visa.
Student visa (Tier 4): up to 20 hours per week during term time. Unlimited hours during official university vacation periods (Christmas, Easter, summer — check your university's term dates). Pre-sessional language courses: check your visa — some restrict to 10 hours. PhD students: same 20 hour limit during term time in most cases. Always check your own visa — the limit is printed on the visa itself or your eVisa status.
You need an NI number before you start work. Without it your employer may deduct emergency tax (which you can reclaim but it's a hassle). Apply online through HMRC — it takes about 4 weeks to arrive. Your university international office can help if you get stuck.
The UK personal allowance is £12,570/year — you pay no income tax below this. If you earn less than this (likely for part-time work), you should pay zero income tax. If your employer deducts tax in error, reclaim it from HMRC. Ask your employer for a P60 at the end of each tax year (April) — keep it safe. If you have multiple jobs, your employer may use an emergency tax code — call HMRC to fix it.
Your payslip will show: Gross pay (total before deductions), Income Tax deducted (should be zero if under £12,570/year), National Insurance contributions (you pay 8% on earnings above £242/week — this is separate from income tax), Net pay (what you actually receive). Keep all your payslips — you may need them for visa extensions.
Your university careers service is the best starting point — many post campus jobs that are student-friendly with flexible hours. Common student jobs: library assistant, lab demonstrator, note-taker, student ambassador, café or bar work, retail. Indeed, Totaljobs and Gumtree list local positions. Avoid zero-hours contracts if you can — they offer no guaranteed hours.
You cannot: work as self-employed or a sole trader, work more than 20 hours/week during term time, be a professional sportsperson or entertainer, fill a permanent full-time vacancy. If you are unsure about a specific job offer, ask your university's international office before accepting.
Working more hours than your visa allows is a criminal offence and can result in deportation and a visa ban. Check your visa conditions before accepting any work.