The United Kingdom is considered one of the most chosen countries when it comes to studying abroad because of the world-class education provided by the top-most universities. But Studying in the UK and living here is not an easy job. The UK is, for sure, one of the most expensive countries which cost a lot of wealth. Fortunately, there are various other options to make one’s dream of studying abroad possible and within the budget. You can apply for a well-developed student loan and also various scholarship schemes provided by the university that will give you financial assistance.
Moreover, in the UK, various universities allow foreign students to work part-time. Working part-time while studying in the UK is a very convenient method of earning some extra bucks which will lighten your burden.
The money you make from working could help you to cover the cost of your tuition fees, travel expenses, accommodation, and food and will make you an independent and responsible person. But in order to work, you’ll need to follow some tough rules and restrictions.
Well, the answers to some of your questions?
What are the eligible levels of Studying in the UK?
Your eligibility the Studying in the UK purely depends on two major restrictions imposed by – your University and those by state-run official institutions. But before running to state officials for permission you need to ensure that your university doesn’t have any problems or rules pulling you back from working. Some universities may allow you to work inside the campus and also you can work on your own. Finding part-time is not that tough because it is easy for international students as they are opened to a variety of jobs. For a comprehensive guide for working during your studies, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the UK Visa and Immigration websites with the necessary paperwork.
1. The first eligibility starts with your Tier4 visa, the official student visa needed in the UK, and your age. But, if you’re under 16 and don’t have a Tier4 visa, then you are not allowed to work under any circumstances.
2. Students coming from some other country rather than EU/EEA or Switzerland, don’t need any permission to work part-time while studying in the UK.
3. All conditions and limitations are printed out on the Tier 4 sticker (vignette) including the number of hours one can work per week during term-time and in breaks.
4. When receiving your residence permit paperwork there will be a letter with all information, whether you can work or not while you’re studying in the UK.
A. If you’re allowed to work then the following will be stated in you offer-letter –
1. Work must be authorized. 2. Able to work as authorized by the Secretary of State. 3. Work as in Tier 4 Rule. 4. Restricted as in Tier 4 Rules. 5. Restricted work – Part-time during term-time, Full-time during vacation. 6. Restricted work time. 7. Work limited to 20 hours per week at maximum during term-time. 8. Work limited to 10 hours per week at maximum during term-time
B. If you’re not allowed to work then the following will be stated in you offer-letter –
1. No work 2. Work Prohibited
5. If none of the above is stated in your offer letter, then there is some confusion. Kindly contact the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) personally before deciding to get a job.
How many hours you are allowed to work?
Working for too many hours can make you feel stressed and tired which will directly affect your Studying in the UK that is why certain time limits are set by officials. In the UK as an international student, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours at a maximum per week during term-time and full-time during holiday breaks. But there are many restrictions and conditions you must stay in line with in order to be allowed to work. “Week” means a period of 7 days starting from Monday, so if you’re irregular with timing then you have to keep a detailed time-table of your working hours so as you don’t exceed working hours. “Term time” refers to the period where one can work only for limited hours. You can’t work full time until you have received a work permit (Tier 2).
Also, your working hours depends on the type of course that you have chosen for yourself:
In these types of courses, a student can work up to 20 hours per week: A full-time course at a degree level or above in a recognized higher education institution.
A short-term student registered in a program of a foreign Higher Institution settled in the UK.
In these types of courses, a student can work up to 10 hours per week: In a full-time course below level degree sponsored by a recognized body or a publicly-funded Higher education Institution. Any course where the student is aged over 16 holds a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
In these types of courses, a student is not allowed to work while studying in the UK: In a part-time postgraduate course or above that is supported by a recognized body in the UK or that receives public funds as a Higher Education Institution. A course at a further education college at any level. In a course at any level offered by a private higher education provider. At any course where the student aged fewer than 16 has a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
The UK has a National Minimum Wage (NMW) that all employers must be followed by. A student aged between 18 and 20 earns £5.30 per hour and a student age between 21or above earns £6.70 per hour.
What kind of jobs one is not allowed to do while studying in the UK?
Before taking any part-time job, work placement, internship, unpaid or volunteer work, check that your tier 4 (general) visa status allows you to work in the UK, and then there are some restrictions on the kind of job you are willing for. The kind of job you are not allowed to do while Studying in the UK is:
1. Be self-employed or working freelance. 2. Initiate a business activity. 3. Full-time permanent job 4. Work as a professional sportsperson including a sports coach. 5. Work as an entertainer. 6. Work as a dentist or a doctor in training, except you’re enrolled in a foundation program.
What kind of jobs you’re allowed to do while studying in the UK?
The main purpose of the Tier 4 visa in the UK is to ensure that a student is while Studying in the UK without any barrier. Further, it also serves as a route to find out a part-time job for students working within a certain word limit. Said otherwise, the government wants to be ensured that you’re not losing the track of your studies while working. The main motive of these jobs is to gain professional assistance or to compliment your budget.
Being a foreigner, finding jobs in the UK would be a bit difficult to work as you have no information regarding the labor market. Also, many students fear that they don’t have any necessary qualifications or any experience or skills. But that’s not the case, as you don’t require any specific qualifications or skills for a job. There are many such jobs, but if you don’t know at least some of them right from the beginning you may end up with fewer options available.
Below is the list of some jobs that you can easily get and can earn some extra bucks which will give you an idea of what jobs to seek in the UK as a foreign student:
1. Student Support officer
2. Sales assistant
3. Pharmacy Delivery Driver
4. Pizza Delivery Driver
5. Veterinary care assistant
6. Personal Assistant
7. Physiotherapy assistant
8. Admission Officer
9. Sports Facilities Worker
10. Gardener
11. Customer Assistant
12. Freelance translator
13. Waitress
14. Receptionist
15. Facilities Assistant
