Working part-time while you study can help you support yourself financially, gain valuable experience and build skills for your CV. Many international students want to work part time while studying in the UK – but is it allowed? The short answer is yes, depending on your visa conditions. If you’re an international student looking to earn while you learn, this guide covers the jobs you can do, how many hours you're permitted, practicalities like paying tax, and how St Mary’s can support you.
Does the UK allow international students to work?
Yes – most international students in the UK can work while studying. If you hold a Student visa, you're allowed to work up to a set number of hours per week during term time, depending on your course level. Your exact working rights will be stated on your UKVI decision letter and your eVisa record, so always check this before starting a job.
How many hours can international students work?
Term-time working hours
Generally speaking, if you're a Student visa holder on an undergraduate course, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, while foundation students are limited to 10 hours per week.
If you're a postgraduate student, you can work up to 20 hours a week from the start of your course until the official submission of your dissertation or final assessed work.
Working during holidays
During recognised vacation periods, undergraduate Student visa holders can increase their hours to full time, provided you have no classes or exams, so the holidays can be a great time to boost your income.
For postgraduate students, there aren't usually recognised vacation periods, but you can take on non-permanent full-time work from the submission of your final assessed work until your Student visa expires.
There are specific requirements for MBA and postgraduate research students. Visit our page for full details.
What jobs can international students do in the UK?
There are lots of part-time job opportunities for international students while at university in the UK, both on and off campus.
On-campus jobs at St Mary’s
St Mary’s students may be able to find part-time, on-site jobs working in the library, in hospitality or as support staff during events, for example. We and our careers team is here to support you with an application.
Off-campus part-time work
Thanks to our location in Twickenham outside central London, there are plenty of local cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets where international students can find part-time work not far from campus. If you're willing to travel, there's an abundance of part-time work across the capital.
Tutoring is another avenue many overseas students pursue, teaching their native language to local students.
Jobs international students can't do
There are some areas where Student visa holders aren't permitted to work. For example, while studying in the UK, international students must not take on self-employed work, permanent full-time positions, or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. You’ll find full details on what jobs you can and can’t do on the
Are work placements and volunteering considered work?
Work placements are treated differently from part-time jobs under your Student visa. If your placement is an integral, assessed part of your course and approved by the University, it doesn't count towards your weekly working hours limit – it can even be full time and paid. Conditions apply depending on your course, so speak to your course team before making plans.
Volunteering doesn't usually count towards your working hours either, though some types of unpaid voluntary work do. If you're unsure about an opportunity, the careers team can advise you.
Becoming a paid Student Ambassador
As an international student at St Mary's, you can also take on a paid role as a Student Ambassador. It's a great way to gain professional skills, build confidence, and make friends from right across the University.
What Student Ambassadors do
Student Ambassadors perform a wide variety of roles across the University. You might find yourself guiding prospective students on Open Days, answering the phone in the call centre during Clearing, or giving presentations to local school groups. You get full training in outreach, inclusivity, safeguarding and public speaking, and can add the experience to your CV.
How to become a Student Ambassador
Applications are typically open from September through to October. You'll need to submit a written application, and successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person interview.
All the details are on .
Pay, tax and what you'll need to start work
Before starting part-time work in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a , which is used to record your tax and National Insurance contributions. You can usually begin working while your application is being processed, as long as you can prove your right to work. You'll also need for your wages to be paid into.
International students are entitled to the , just like local residents – the exact rate depends on your age. If you earn above the tax-free Personal Allowance across the year, income tax and National Insurance will be deducted automatically from your wages, and your payslip will show exactly what you've paid.
Your employer will carry out right-to-work checks before you start. As an international student, you can prove your status by generating a share code from your eVisa account
Is it difficult to get a job in the UK as an international student?
Finding part-time work as an international student can take a little persistence. You may be competing with local applicants, and employers will need to check your right to work. But with a strong CV and the right support, plenty of international students at St Mary's successfully find work alongside their studies.
Our provides free, confidential advice at every stage, from working out what you'd like to do, to applying for part-time jobs, internships and graduate roles. The team runs workshops and events on incorporating your international experience into your CV. And if you'd like to build workplace experience as part of your degree, our runs accredited work placement modules – 50 hours of placement in an organisation of your choice, counting towards your final degree.
Being an international student at St Mary’s
Working part-time as an international student is a brilliant way to support yourself financially, build your CV and get to know life in the UK beyond campus, and at St Mary's, you'll have a dedicated Careers Service behind you from the moment you arrive.
Find out more about or to start planning your journey to London.