How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the UK?

Here are the working hour’ guidelines for international students in the UK

1. For full-time degree programs, the maximum allowed weekly work hours is 20, equivalent to 4 hours per day with weekends off.
2. Language courses like German, English, French, or Spanish permit up to 10 hours of work per week, but no more.
3. Freelance or contract-based work is not permitted.
4. Full-time employment in a company requires a UK post-study work visa.
5. If you have enrolled in part-time courses, you will not be allowed to work in the UK.
6. During session breaks, students can work for up to 40 hours a week but not more than 8 hours a day with weekends off.

How Much Can International Students Earn in the UK?

For international students, understanding the average salary in the UK is a key part of planning their study and work journey. On average, international students can earn between £1,200 to £2,500 per month through part-time jobs or internships while studying, depending on factors such as their field of study, location, and the nature of their employment. This salary helps many students manage living expenses and tuition fees and gain valuable work experience while pursuing their education.

Types of jobs available for international students

Here are the types of jobs available for international students in the UK:

1. Part-time jobs: International students typically find part-time work in sectors like retail, hospitality, customer service, or administration. These roles are readily available and offer flexible hours, which are ideal for students balancing studies. Common positions include working as a cashier, waiter, barista, or store assistant.
2. Internships and placements:For students looking to gain experience in their field of study, internships and work placements are great opportunities. These can be full-time during university holidays or part-time during the semester, depending on the course structure. Some internships are paid, while others offer valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
3. Graduate jobs:Once students complete their studies, they can apply for full-time graduate roles. With the UK’s post-study work visa, also known as the Graduate Route, international students can stay in the UK for two years (three years for Ph.D. graduates) to work or look for employment.

Part-time jobs – Average salary in the UK per hour

The most common part-time jobs for students tend to be in retail and hospitality. Here’s the average salary in the UK per hour:

• Retail and customer service roles:£8-£10 (₹880 – ₹1,100) per hour.
• Hospitality (waiters, baristas, bartenders):£9-£12 (₹990 – ₹1,320) per hour, including tips.
• Administrative roles:£10-£13 (₹1,100 – ₹1,430) per hour.

If a student works 20 hours a week (the maximum allowed during term time), they can earn between £640 and £1,040 (₹70,431 to ₹1,14,438) per month before taxes, depending on the job and location.