- International students on degree-level courses can work 20 hours weekly during term time and unlimited hours during semester breaks in the UK.
- The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over stands at £12.21 per hour (₹1,481), rising to £12.71 (₹1,541) in 2026.
- Tutoring offers the highest part-time wages at £15-£35 per hour (₹1,820-₹4,246), making it the most lucrative student job sector in the UK.
Studying in the UK offers international students structured opportunities for part-time jobs alongside their studies. The UK labour market continues to absorb student workers across sectors such as retail, hospitality, logistics, healthcare support, and university-based roles, where flexible scheduling is standard practice.
In this blog, we will explore highest-paying part-time jobs in the UK for students, work regulations, and how to balance earning with studying effectively.
Understanding UK Student Work Regulations
Work rules for international students in the UK protect your visa status whilst allowing you to earn. These regulations balance your academic commitments with financial needs during your studies.
Student visa holders studying degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Full-time work is permitted during official holidays and semester breaks. Students on courses below degree level can work only 10 hours per week during term time.
Key work restrictions in the UK:
- No self-employment or freelancing allowed
- No full-time permanent positions during studies
- Term-time work limited to 20 hours weekly for degree students, 10 hours for below-degree students
- Unlimited hours during Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks
- Work experience placements forming part of your course are exempt from hour limits
National Minimum Wage in the UK
The National Living Wage stands at £12.21 (₹1,481) per hour for workers aged 21. Students aged 18 to 20 earn £10.00 per hour (₹1,213), whilst those under 18 receive £7.55 per hour (₹916). The National Living Wage will increase to £12.71 per hour (₹1,541).
Monthly earning potential varies by hours worked:
- Working 20 hours weekly at £12.21 generates approximately £977 monthly (₹1L)
- Working 15 hours weekly produces around £733 monthly (₹88,913)
- Full-time holiday work at 40 hours weekly reaches £1,954 monthly (₹2,36,994)
Cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh often pay 15-20% above minimum wage due to higher living costs. Skilled positions command rates between £13 and £20 per hour (₹1,577 to ₹2,426).
High-Paying Part-Time Job Sectors in the UK
Certain industries actively recruit students and offer wages significantly above minimum rates. These sectors value your skills and provide genuine career-building opportunities during your degree.
| Job Category | Positions | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tutoring | Academic subjects, English language teaching | £15-£35 (₹1,820-₹4,246) |
| IT and Tech Support | Software testing, web development, helpdesk | £13-£18 (₹1,577-₹2,183) |
| Healthcare Support | Care assistants, pharmacy assistants | £12.21-£14 (₹1,481-₹1,698) |
| Hospitality | Waiters, bartenders, hotel staff | £12.21-£13 (₹1,481-₹1,577) |
| Retail | Shop assistants, customer service | £12.21-£13 (₹1,481-₹1,577) |
| Student Ambassador | University tours, recruitment events | £11-£13 (₹1,334-₹1,577) |
| Library Assistant | University library support, shelving | £12-£13 (₹1,456-₹1,577) |
| Delivery Services | Food delivery, courier services | £13-£16 (₹1,577-₹1,941) |
English Language Requirements for Student Jobs in the UK
Language skills directly impact your job options and earning potential. Many roles require functional English, whilst others demand advanced communication abilities.
Basic English proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.0 equivalent) suits:
- Kitchen staff and food preparation roles
- Warehouse and stock room positions
- Cleaning and maintenance work
- Delivery driver roles
Intermediate English (IELTS 6.5-7.0 equivalent) opens opportunities in:
- Retail customer service positions
- Restaurant and café front-of-house roles
- Reception and administrative support
- General hospitality positions
Advanced English (IELTS 7.5+ equivalent) qualifies you for:
- Tutoring and teaching positions
- IT support with customer interaction
- Healthcare support roles
- Student ambassador and university recruitment
Your university’s IELTS or equivalent score already proves your English meets visa requirements. Jobs requiring advanced language skills typically pay £2-£5 more per hour than basic roles.
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Balancing Work Life and Academics in the UK
Managing part-time work alongside your degree requires planning and discipline. Strategic job choices protect your academic performance whilst building your CV effectively.
- University term-time work should not exceed 15-18 hours weekly for most students. This limit preserves time for lectures, independent study, and assignment completion.
- Semester breaks offer maximum earning potential without academic pressure. Christmas (3-4 weeks), Easter (2-3 weeks), and summer (3-4 months) holidays allow full-time employment.
- Campus-based employment provides the best work-study balance. Library assistants, research support roles, and student union positions understand academic priorities.
Key Takeaways
The UK part-time job market rewards students willing to balance work with studies effectively. Minimum wage protections establish baseline earnings, whilst skilled positions and tutoring roles offer substantially higher hourly rates. Understanding work regulations protects your visa status and academic standing.
Strategic job selection matters more than maximum hours worked. Campus roles and flexible employers respect academic commitments, making sustainable earning possible without grade penalties. Your English language ability directly correlates with available positions and wage levels.
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FAQs
How many hours can international students work in the UK during term time?
Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, while below-degree students are limited to 10 hours weekly.
What is the minimum wage for students aged 21 and over in the UK for 2025?
The National Living Wage is £12.21 per hour (₹1,481) from April 2025, increasing to £12.71 per hour (₹1,541) in April 2026.
Do international students pay tax on part-time earnings in the UK?
Students earning below £12,570 annually pay no income tax, though National Insurance applies on weekly earnings above £242 (₹29,355).
Which part-time jobs in the UK offer the highest wages for students?
Tutoring positions pay the highest at £15-£35 per hour (₹1,820-₹4,246), followed by IT support at £13-£18 per hour (₹1,577-₹2,183).
Can international students work full-time during university holidays?
Yes, students can work unlimited hours during official semester breaks including Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays without violating visa conditions.
Can international students apply for the Graduate Route visa while studying in the UK?
Students must apply before their student visa expires and after their university confirms course completion to the Home Office.
How long does the Graduate Route visa allow students to stay in the UK after graduation?
Bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive up to 18 months PSW allowance, while PhD graduates receive 3 years.
Are international students allowed to do freelance work or start a business on a student visa?
No, self-employment, freelancing, and business activities are strictly prohibited on UK student visas and can result in deportation.
Do international students need a National Insurance number to work in the UK?
Yes, all workers in the UK must have a National Insurance number, which students can apply for free online after arriving.
What happens if a student works more than 20 hours during term time accidentally?
Exceeding work hour limits constitutes a visa breach that can lead to visa cancellation, deportation, and future UK entry bans.
If you are an aspirant looking to study at your dream university, book an appointment with AdmitX today and start your applications early to avail yourself of all the benefits.
