Part time work while studying

Illustration of two people working at laptops

Gain practical experience and earn extra income

International students often benefit greatly from part-time work - it's an excellent opportunity to obtain practical experience and earn extra income.

You also get invaluable exposure to the UK job market and a chance to develop and showcase your transferable skills and abilities.

But do keep in mind that your academic obligations are always most important.

It's also very important to be aware that student visa holders are limited to working no more than 20 hours a week (Monday to Sunday) in term time. Note that postgraduate students do not follow term time and can only work 20 hours a week throughout their course.

Find out more about essential documents to work in the UK

Visa restrictions

International students are required to follow visa regulations for any part-time work

Make sure you read our guidance on part-time work for Student Visa holdersLink opens in a new window

Be aware that student visa holders are limited to working no more than 20 hours a week (Monday to Sunday) in term time. (Find our term dates hereLink opens in a new window) Note that postgraduate students do not follow term-time and can only work 20 hours a week throughout their course.

Part-time opportunities on campus

There are many opportunities for paid work on campus - both for University departments and the Students' Union.

Some of our opportunities for part-time work on campus open for applications before the start of the academic year.

For information on:

how to balance a job and study
part time work opportunities at the University
information on national minimum wage and national living wage and national insurance
managing your time, expectations and well-being

visit the Student Funding Support guide to working at universityLink opens in a new window.

Be aware that student visa holders are limited to working no more than 20 hours a week (Monday to Sunday)

Part-time opportunities off campus

A greater variety of work can be found in the surrounding community - and even remote work opportunities. (Be aware that student visa holders are limited to working no more than 20 hours a week [Monday to Sunday].)

myAdvantageLink opens in a new window

Under ‘Vacancies’, click ‘more search options’ and tick ‘part time’ and ‘casual’ to find part time work opportunities in local areas.

UnitempsLink opens in a new window

Unitemps is our university-owned, campus-based recruitment service and offers flexible employment opportunities tailored for students, both on campus and in the local area.

External Jobs Portals

There are many, many external jobs portals and many of them offer part-time job or part time internship opportunities, rather than just full time roles. Our current international students have shared a few that they’ve used, for example:

Indeed UK;Link opens in a new window a portal to the British job market, from internships to part-time gigs.
CV LibraryLink opens in a new window
LinkedIn:Link opens in a new window filter for ‘part time’ under Jobs.

If you are using an external job portal, the University cannot accept responsibility for the content of these portals.

Read our guidance for safer job searching in our 'Safer job searching: guidance for students' on our policies pageLink opens in a new window.

Direct sourcing jobs with local businesses

You can also connect directly with local businesses such as grocery stories and retail outlets for part-time job opportunities. Explore roles in retail, food service, and more, tailored to your skills and interests while building your transferrable skills.