'You can make the most of your UK study experience by gaining some valuable work experience abroad. Getting a job while you study in the UK can enhance your resume. Your future employer will be looking for smart, creative, team-orientated people – working and studying in the UK could make you the perfect candidate.'
If you are studying in the UK under a Tier 4 Student Visa, you can work for up to 20 hours a week in term-time (when classes are in session). You can also work full-time during the holidays and on work placements.
Working while you study in the UK will help you to get to know British people and society better. You can put your abilities to work and develop your personal and practical skills. Your UK place of study will have a careers service center to help connect you to the world of work. They will provide a wide range of help and support, including:
• access to job adverts
• help with writing CVs (resume) and job applications
• tips on preparing for job interviews
• information about what it’s like to work in the UK.
They will also help you get first-hand experience of the workplace, consider career choices and make professional contacts. Many UK institutions also have partnerships with local employers who want students to work for them – so they understand that you’ll need flexibility to work around your studies.
UK working regulations for international students
If your general student visa application is successful, you don’t have to apply for a separate work permit. You will be given a passport sticker or identity stamp that allows you to:
• work part-time up to 20 hours a week during term-time, and full-time during holidays
• work full-time during the period when your course has finished but your immigration permission to be in the UK has not yet expired (normally up to four months)
• take a work placement that is no longer than 50% of your course length (with some exceptions, such as PGCE courses) and is assessed by your institution
• work full-time or part-time while you wait for your application under Tiers 1 or 2 of the points-based system to be processed
• work part-time up to 20 hours a week during term-time and work full-time during holidays while you wait for your visa extension application to be processed.
If you are on a short course in the UK (six months or less), your entry clearance sticker will tell you if you’re allowed to work while you study. If the third line states ‘student visitor,’you must not work or do any work placement as part of your course (paid or unpaid). If it states ‘student’ you will be allowed to work. For more information on working while you study in the UK visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website.
National Insurance numbers for international students
If you want to work while you study in the UK you will need to apply for a National Insurance number. National Insurance is the UK’s social insurance program that provides payment to people who are unemployed, incapacitated or retired. Your National Insurance number is your own personal account number that ensures your contributions are properly recorded. To make an appointment for a National Insurance number interview while you’re in the UK, phone 0845 600 0643 between 8am and 6pm weekdays. If you are hard of hearing or have speech difficulties call 0845 600 0644.
At your interview you will need to provide proof of identity (passport, birth certificate or bank statement), your right to work in the UK (passport sticker or identity stamp) and details of your job offer. Your new employer can allow you to start work before your number is issued and should deduct contributions from your pay. For further information on National Insurance numbers visit the Job Centre Plus website.
