Employment in the UK

Overseas (non EU) students are no longer required to obtain permission to take paid spare time/ vacation work whilst studying a full time course in the UK.

Students taking up Sandwich Courses i.e. Graduation courses for 4 years are allowed to work in the 3rd year full time for the whole year. For this no permission is required.

The condition covering the hours and type of work the student may do are:

  1. They must not work for more than 20 hours per week during term time except where the placement is a necessary part of their studies and with the agreement of the educational institution.
  2. They must not engage in business, self employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer.
  3. They should not pursue a career by filling a permanent full time vacancy.

UK has lot of Job opportunities – Part/ Full Time and finding/ getting work is fairly easy provided the students are not choosy.

A student can expect to earn 4 – 5 pounds per hour on the weekdays and 10 pounds an hour on the weekends\ holidays. A student can work 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays.

We at UK Education Centre assist, help and guide students to get jobs.

The students who are interested in doing a part time job while studying or a full time summer job in UK, our representative in UK will guide them in getting a job and help them to fill their application forms and moreover tell them the whole procedure – what documents are required, how to get and where to apply for a National Insurance Number.

TERM/ VACATION PERIOD HOW MUCH A STUDENT CAN EARN
Term Time (20 hours* per week)

@ 5** pounds per hour

 100 pounds per week

3500 pounds for 35 weeks
Vacation Time (40 hours* per week)

@ 5** pounds per hour

 200 pounds per week

3400 pounds for 17 weeks

TOTAL

 6900 POUNDS IN A YEAR
*   Currently Permissible by UK Government.
** £5 per hour is the basic minimum wage in UK but one can earn more while
     working on weekend, holidays, evening, etc.

Getting better paid part time jobs can be very difficult although you may earn extra money if you work at the weekends or on National Holidays.

And working during the Sandwich Course to gain practical experience in between study courses - one can work full time and easily earn over £10000 in one year.

We at UK Education Centre have worked out a Unique Scheme by which students can earn much more. For Details Contact the Centre.

Full Time Employment in the UK on finishing the course

After completion of Graduation or Post Graduation Programme, Students can opt to work and gain experience for 2 years under TWES (Training and Work Experience Scheme) offered by the Department of Education and Employment (DFEE) provided the employer accepts your services.

Important Note

You should note that it is not easy to gain full time professional employment and a work permit in the UK after completing your course. For some professions it is easier as there may be a shortage or qualified professionals in the UK in that particular field, for example in software, nursing, medicine, doctors etc.

For full information students are advised to contact the DFEE directly at the following address or look at their website:

Overseas Labour Service
Department of Education and Employment (DFEE)
W5, Moorfoot, Sheffield S1 4PQ.
URL: http://www.dfee.gov.uk/ols

Please note that most British universities/ Colleges have a Career Service which will give you advice on careers, looking for employment, preparing a CV, but they will not find you work. Occasionally Companies visit Universities to do Campus interviews and Career Fairs are held annually throughout the UK, you will be welcome to attend any of these events.