Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK

Part-time jobs for international students in the UK are more than just a way to earn money. They open doors to new skills, valuable networks, and a smoother transition into life in a new country.

For many students, these opportunities become the stepping stones to long-term career success.

But here’s the kicker: not every role is created equal, and knowing your student work rights UK can make all the difference. By choosing wisely, you’ll find flexible student jobs UK that fit your studies while giving you meaningful experience.

The key is striking a balance between income, growth, and well-being.

Now, imagine building your career even while studying. With options like tutoring jobs UK students enjoy, on-campus jobs for students UK, or freelance work for students UK, the opportunities are endless.

The bottom line? Your journey starts with knowing what’s out there and how to make it work for you.

Understanding Work Rights for International Students in the UK

I want you to feel entirely confident when exploring part time jobs for international students in the UK. You’ll learn about student work rights UK, so you can pick flexible student jobs UK wisely. I’ll guide you with clarity, data, and friendly insight.

Visa Regulations & Hour Limits

When you hold a valid UK Student visa, you may work 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during holidays. Now: here’s the kicker, you must track your hours very carefully.

On average, students work 16.3 hours per week during term time, and 20.8 hours during breaks, according to a recent government evaluation report on student workloads.

That means many students stay within the rules, but some push the limit, 42% worked more than 20 hours in holiday periods.

Here’s how the rules break down:

Study Level	Term-Time Limit	Holiday / Vacation Limit
Degree-level full-time	20 hours/week	Full-time permitted
Below degree-level full-time	10 hours/week	Full-time permitted
Part-time or other study	No employment allowed	No employment allowed

Data sourced from UK immigration guidance.

I’ll explain with an example: imagine you work as a teaching assistant during semesters. Just 16 hours a week, and then switch to summer work UK students favour that lets you work full-time.

You stay legal and earn more.

Restrictions on Self-Employment and Specific Roles

You may be wondering: can I freelance or start my own side gig? The answer is no. Under student visa terms, self-employment and freelance work are not allowed.

That rules out dog walker pay UK freelance gigs, tutoring jobs UK students might find independently, or other similar freelance work for students UK.

Here’s the deal: you must take on roles where you’re clearly employed. Like on-campus jobs for students UK, casual café shifts, or approved tutoring positions under a contract.

That way, you stay within visa rules and enjoy flexible student jobs UK safely.

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Top Part-Time Job Options for International Students

If you’re exploring part time jobs for international students UK, the good news is there are plenty of choices. From flexible student jobs UK in cafés to on-campus jobs for students UK, the opportunities can fit your lifestyle and visa limits.

The bottom line? With the right pick, you can balance study and income smoothly.

Barista / Café Assistant – ~£9–£12/hour

Working as a barista or café assistant is one of the most popular flexible student jobs UK. Shifts often cover mornings or weekends, making it easier to plan around your lectures. Now: imagine serving coffee at Costa or a local shop while sharpening your communication skills daily.

For international students, this role is a great way to improve English fluency while earning steadily.

Library or Campus Assistant – ~£10–£15/hour

On-campus jobs for students UK, like library or campus assistant, are perfect if you want to stay close to your studies. Tasks range from shelving books and managing front desks to supporting campus events.

Here’s one: you could work three evenings a week at the library while still keeping your weekends free. These roles also help you connect with academic staff, creating relationships that can support future career plans.

Retail Assistant – ~£9–£11/hour

Retail roles remain a top choice for summer work UK students often take up. Flexible schedules, evening shifts, and weekend hours make them attractive for busy timetables.

Plus, many stores offer employee discounts, helping you save money on essentials. But whether it’s cashier duties or stock management, retail teaches teamwork, resilience, and customer service skills employers in the UK highly value.

Teaching Assistant / Tutor – £10–£30/hour

Tutoring jobs UK students enjoy can be some of the best-paying opportunities available. Academic roles like teaching assistant jobs UK allow you to support professors in lectures or run small workshops.

Or even better: you can tutor peers one-on-one, either in person or online, often at higher hourly rates. These roles not only boost income but also strengthen your academic confidence and leadership skills.

Delivery Driver / Courier – £9–£15/hour

Flexible student jobs UK often include delivery driver or courier roles through platforms like Deliveroo or Uber Eats. Shifts are adaptable, pay includes bonuses, and you’ll stay active while working.

But why choose this role?

It suits students who want to control their schedules while earning consistently. For international students, this option is a straightforward way to find summer work UK students can manage around classes.

Freelance or Remote Work (writing, design, virtual assistant) – £10–£25+/hour

Freelance work for students UK can offer unmatched flexibility when arranged under proper employment terms. Here’s the deal: although self-employment isn’t permitted, you may take remote jobs if you’re officially employed by a company.

Roles in writing, design, or as a virtual assistant are great options. They let you build a portfolio, gain valuable experience, and even prepare for future career transitions after graduation.

Customer Service / Data Entry – ~£8–£12/hour

Customer service or data entry jobs are popular part time jobs for international students UK because they help you build both admin and communication skills.

These roles may be remote or in-office, giving you the chance to practise professional English in a real workplace.

For example: working in a call centre three evenings a week can teach you patience and adaptability while fitting around lectures.

Event Staff / Seasonal Roles – £10–£15/hour

Seasonal and event jobs are perfect examples of summer work UK students often take advantage of. From festivals to university fairs, these positions offer dynamic experiences and sometimes higher pay rates.

Now: imagine earning extra income during the summer while enjoying a lively environment. An opportunity that feels less like work and more like fun. It’s also a great way to meet people and expand your network.

Dog Walker / Pet Sitting – ~£11–£12.50/hour

Dog walker pay UK is competitive, making this option attractive for those who love pets. While it may not sound like a traditional student job, it provides flexibility and good earnings through local agencies or apps.

Here’s one: walking two dogs each morning before lectures can give you exercise, extra cash, and responsibility all in one. It’s one of the more flexible student jobs UK that balances work and lifestyle.

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Where to Find These Part-Time Roles

Finding part time jobs for international students in the UK starts with knowing where to look. Whether it’s on-campus jobs for students UK, freelance work for students UK, or flexible student jobs UK off-campus, your success depends on using the right resources.

The bottom line? With a smart approach, you’ll land work faster and with less stress.

University Resources

Your university is one of the best places to begin your search. Career services often post listings for on-campus jobs for students UK such as library assistant roles or tutoring jobs UK students can apply for directly.

But stay with me: these services also connect you to summer work UK students can do during holidays. By using official portals, you avoid scams and ensure the jobs meet your student work rights UK.

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Job Boards

Another powerful way to secure flexible student jobs UK is through online job boards. Websites like StudentJob UK, E4S, Indeed, Reed, and TotalJobs let you filter roles by pay, hours, and location.

Here’s an example: you might search “teaching assistant jobs UK” or “dog walker pay UK” and instantly find current listings. These platforms are especially useful for discovering retail, customer service, or seasonal jobs designed for students.

Recruitment Agencies & Walk-Ins

Recruitment agencies such as Adecco and Blue Arrow regularly advertise temporary roles suitable for part time jobs for international students UK. Or even better: you can also try traditional walk-ins by dropping your CV in local cafés, retail stores, or gyms.

Many students land flexible student jobs UK this way, and it often leads to long-term positions. It gets better: agencies can also match you with event staff positions or tutoring jobs UK students thrive in.

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Tips for Balancing Work & Study Successfully

Balancing part time jobs for international students UK with your studies can feel overwhelming. But you can make it easier by following a few simple principles. Now: let’s walk through the top tips that will help you succeed both academically and professionally.

Stay Within Your Visa’s Working Hour Limit
Always remember your student work rights UK clearly set limits. 20 hours during term time, full-time during holidays. Here’s the deal: staying compliant protects your visa status and ensures you don’t risk your future in the UK.
Choose Flexible Roles
Prioritise flexible student jobs UK such as retail, event staff, or on-campus jobs for students UK. These options give you room to plan shifts around lectures or exams. For example, summer work UK students take up often offers full-time hours without harming your term-time schedule.
Use Work to Build Skills
Don’t just think of part-time jobs as income alone. Instead, focus on roles that build transferable skills like communication, teamwork, customer service, and time management. Tutoring jobs UK students enjoy or teaching assistant jobs UK are great examples of skill-building roles.
Monitor Academic Impact
But why? Because your primary goal is still your degree. Track whether your freelance work for students UK or customer service role is affecting your grades. If work feels too demanding, scale back hours to maintain your course performance.

FAQs on Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK

What are the best part-time jobs for international students in the UK?
Popular options include tutoring jobs UK students take, on-campus jobs for students UK, retail, cafés, and customer service roles.
How many hours can international students work each week in the UK?
International students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.
Can international students work remotely or freelance jobs in the UK?
Freelance work for students UK is not allowed under self-employment, but remote roles under official employment contracts are permitted.
Are teaching assistant roles available to international students at UK universities?
Yes, teaching assistant jobs UK are open to international students, often offering flexible hours and valuable academic experience.