Working in the UK: regulations

Preparing for the UK Job Market

If you are an international student at a UK university and want to work in the UK, you will probably have some additional questions or considerations in your job hunt compared to domestic students. Target Jobs answers your FAQs about finding work in the UK in this useful article.

Working rights, responsibilities and safe job hunting

You need a National Insurance Number to work in any type of job in the UK. The application is online and FREE via the UK government website. Apply for your number straight away to avoid delay.

It is important to be mindful of individuals and organisations who offer fake or fraudulent vacancies in an attempt to steal money or your identity. You can find out more about how to stay safe when job seeking here.

If you are offered any job you should be listed as a worker with the company or with an employment agency. It is inadvisable to receive cash for work undertaken unless your pay is detailed on an itemised pay slip.  

Some students work in the ‘gig’ economy such as fast food deliveries. If a job is classed as self-employed, it would not be permitted under your student visa. Working illegally in the UK can result in serious consequences for your right to stay. This useful article from UKCISA has some useful tips and information to help you navigate work alongside your study with a student visa.

You can prove your right to work by showing an employer your immigration documents or by applying for a share code.

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacation periods. That being said, the University does not advise working over 16 hours per week as standard.
One year placements are also permitted under the student visa for the majority of Management School undergraduate students. The International Student Services team issues regular guidance on the flexibility of your student visa.