International students in Scotland can work up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, and full time in the academic holidays. Scotland has many part time vacancies available for students, particuarly in the service sector, which will enable you to earn some extra money while you are here. Although the work experience you gain may not necessarily be in the area you intend to seek employment in after you complete your studies, it does however give you the opportunity to learn and practice transferable skills that will look good on your CV when applying for jobs back home after you graduate.

Network with Scottish Companies

The Scottish Networks International (SNI) programme is a British Council Scotland initiative that is open to all international students studying at postgraduate level in Scotland. You can become an SNI Associate once you have arrived in Scotland for your postgraduate course. Associates are invited to attend networking events where they get the chance to meet with Scottish companies. Some asociates will also have the opportunity to work full time on a placement with a Scottish company after they graduate. The placement can last anything from a few weeks to a maximum of two years. Interested to find out more? Visit the Scottish Networks International website at: www.scottishni.org

FRESH TALENT: Working in Scotland Scheme

Stay on in Scotland for up to two years after graduating
The Scottish Executive has reached an agreement with the Home Office that will allow overseas graduates from Scottish universities, who are able to prove that they can support themselves financially, to stay on for up to two years after graduation to seek employment. This right to remain in Scotland will allow graduates to seek any type of work during this time.

Who is the scheme for?
Those eligible to apply for permission to stay will be those who have graduated with a Higher National Diploma from a Scottish Further Education College or a first degree, Master’s degree or Ph.D from a Scottish Higher Education Institution.

It will not include students graduating with a Higher National Certificate or postgraduate diploma, recipient of honorary degrees, or people living outside Scotland while studying.

From when you complete your studies, you will have one year in which to apply. If you apply, should you intend to work in Scotland during the time you are allowed to stay, and either leave the country at the end of the two year period or switch to one of the managed migration schemes while you are here. You must be able to maintain yourself and any dependants who are in Scotland with you without applying for help from public funds. If you have received sponsorship to help pay for your studies, you must also provide a letter stating that your sponsor has no objection to you staying in Scotland.

How do I apply?
Applications for the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme must be made after you complete your course. If you are applying from within the UK, you must apply before your leave as a student expires.

If you leave Scotland after your graduation ceremony, you may still apply to take part in the Scheme. Your application however must be made within a year of the date you complete your studies. (Taken as the date on your graduation certificate or, if you are a Masters or Ph.D. graduate, the date of the expiry of your leave to enter or remain as a student). Application forms are available at www.scotlandistheplace.com and www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

Can the scheme find me a job?
No, finding a job is your own responsibility. However the Scottish Executive Relocation Advisory Service will give you advice on how to find employment.

During the two years covered by the scheme, you do not need a work permit and there are no restrictions on the kind of job you can take. It need not be directly related to your studies. You can also choose to be self-employed for the period of your stay.

Can I stay longer than 2 years?
Two years is the maximum stay under the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. However, there may be a number of possibilities open if you want to stay longer. Further details of all the options can be found at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

For more information

If you have any other questions, contact the Relocation Advisory Service in Glasgow. This is a specialist team of advisors who offer comprehensive help and advice about all aspects of settling in Scotland. Their service covers visas, work permits, finding jobs and starting businesses as well as general information about living in Scotland. This is a free service and they are there to help.

You can contact the Relocation Advisory Service in several ways. You can use the online form at www.scotlandistheplace.com or send an e-mail to them at info@scotlandistheplace.com

You can telephone them on + 44 141 248 2808 if you call from outside the UK, or 0845 602 0297 if you are within the UK.

Alternatively you can write to them at:-

Relocation Advisory Service
Scottish Executive
Third Floor, Meridan Court
5 Cadogan Street
Glasgow
G2 6AT