Working in the UK

On

During your studies

International students who wish to work in the UK during their studies should refer to the Work during study pages of the University website to check when you can work in term time and during vacation (this varies by level of course), and what sort of work you can do. 

We recommend that all students work no more than 16 hours a week during term time to ensure that their studies do not suffer.

Be aware of:

  • National Insurance - you will need a National Insurance Number in order to work in the UK. Visit the Student Jobshop in the Students' Union to ask how to obtain one or call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 141 2079 to start the process. Please do not pay any agency to obtain a National Insurance Number - NINO's are issued free of charge.
  • The National Minimum Wage - in the UK you need to be aware of the minimum amount an employer must pay you per hour.
  • Income Tax - your employer normally takes tax from your earnings each payday and passes it on to the Inland Revenue. Everyone who earns or receives income over a certain amount in the tax year pays income tax. Generally, the more you earn the more you pay. Everyone can receive a certain amount of income in each tax year on which no tax has to be paid (the tax year starts on 6 April and finishes on the following 5 April). If your taxable income is more than the allowance, you pay tax only on the difference. If you have paid tax and your total taxable income for the year does not exceed your Personal Allowance, you may claim a refund.

Further tips and information can be found on the Targetjobs Getting work experience website.

After you graduate

International students who wish to stay in the UK to work after graduation will need to make sure they have an appropriate work visa. The regulations concerning the ‘right to work’ in the UK are complex and can change frequently. It is therefore vital that you keep yourself informed and up to date. Make use of the following websites:

Visa support for international students

International students can get help on applying for a visa in a work category from International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.

The International Student Support, Advice & Compliance team provides advice on a range of UK student-related immigration matters including the Graduate Immigration Route visa and the Skilled Worker visa. 

The Graduate Immigration Route allows International students to apply for a visa to remain in the UK for two years after your studies so you can look for work or start work at any skill level, or three years if you have completed a PhD.

The Skilled Worker visa is the main work visa route for employers to recruit international workers in the UK. 

Contact the ISSAC team to find out more.

Before applying for opportunities in the UK

  • Research the possibilities and target employers who have an interest in the particular mix of skills, experience and motivations that you can offer. For international students emphasise not only the skills gained from your academic background and work experience, but also the things that you as an international student can particularly offer - such as language skills, cultural awareness, international knowledge and maturity/independence/adaptability.
  • For international students consider focusing on employers who are active in the UK and your home country and who can see the value in having employees familiar with both countries.
  • Employers expect applications to be of a very high standard so take care and time over them - particularly check spelling, punctuation and grammar.
  • The International qualifications webpage provides advice on presenting non-UK degree qualifications to UK employers.

I've recently received my offer from Deloitte after being waitlisted for several months. The process was stressful but clearly paid off. I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you. I am really grateful for you being supportive and inspiring during each time we communicated. Also, the Career Services Website and webinars provide a lot of useful advice and tools. Thanks for giving me so much positive energy and practical suggestions. You and your team are doing a meaningful job.

Zitong Guo

MSc/Financial Economics