The UK is home to some of the best universities providing world-class education. It can be an exciting experience for international students undertaking education in such a rich cultural heritage. Working part-time to support yourself is also part of the experience many students have to face. The UK government has implemented certain policies and restrictions in recent years that have an impact on students’ ability to work, creating challenges and limitations for them. In this blog, Let’s look at the implications and potential solutions for the policies and restrictions that students working in the UK face.
An international student will have to undertake a variety of task even before he arrives n the UK for education. Tasks like open UK bank account from India, remittance for fees and other expenditures, insurance, lodging, etc. Remigos provides such services and more to help an international student settle in the UK. There are a variety of jobs a student can undertake part-time while studying from retail and hospitality to tutoring and administrative work. Some common part-time jobs for students include
Retail and Hospitality: Many international students work in retail and hospitality, in supermarkets, shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. Customer service positions, sales associates, baristas, waiters/waitresses, kitchen assistants, and housekeeping staff are examples of jobs available in these industries. These positions allow you to hone your communication and customer service skills while also learning about the UK service industry.
Administration and Office Support: International students can also undertake administrative tasks. These positions may be available within universities, offices, and other organizations. Administrative positions can provide valuable experience in office management, organization, and communication skills that can be transferred to a variety of fields of work.
Tutoring and Education: For students who have an excellent grasp of a certain subject or certain topic offering tutoring or educational services is the best way to earn part-time. This could include tutoring in subjects like language, mathematics, and science, or providing music lessons, art lessons, or other specialized skills. It’s a win-win situation for international students since tutoring or education-related roles can be flexible and allow international students to share their knowledge and skills while earning an income. Just like partnering with Remigos you’ll have access to services like remittance, insurance, UK bank account etc.
Event Staff: International students may also find opportunities to work as event staff, including roles such as event assistants, ushers, ticketing staff, or catering assistants. Events could range from conferences, concerts, sports events, festivals, and other gatherings. Working in events can provide experience in event management, teamwork, and customer service skills, and can be an exciting and dynamic work environment.
Couriers: Working as delivery drivers or couriers’ international students can earn part-time. This could involve working for delivery platforms, restaurants, or logistics companies. Delivery jobs can offer flexibility in terms of working hours and may require a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle or a bicycle, depending on the nature of the work.
Warehouse shifter: International students may also find employment in warehouses or as movers, such as in packaging, construction, cleaning, or shifting. These jobs require physical work and are available in various industries, such as logistics, manufacturing, or construction.
Freelancing: Some international students may choose to work as freelancers doing online work, depending on their skills and expertise. This could involve providing services such as graphic design, web development, content writing, virtual assistance, or other online tasks. Freelancing or online work can offer flexibility in terms of working hours and allow international students to work on their own terms.
Rules and Regulations for Working as a Student in the UK
If you are an international student, you may be restricted in the number of hours you can work per week depending on the conditions of your visa. For example, Tier 4 student visa allows you to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Make sure you check with your university or the UK government’s website to ensure your eligibility.
It’s important to note that if you are found to be working more hours than your visa allows, you could face serious consequences, including deportation.
For example, if you are an individual with a short-term study visa studying in the UK you are not allowed to work.
For International students to open uk bank account from India is challenging this is where Remigos and its wide range of services like international remittance, insurance, UK sim card, and Lodging will help you. The UK are subject to various policies and restrictions when it comes to working during their studies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key ones:
Limitations on Working Hours: One of the main restrictions is the limitation on working hours. According to the current UK government policy, international students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. This can be challenging for students who need to work more hours to cover their expenses or gain practical experience related to their field of study.
Minimum Wage Requirements: Minimum wage is applicable to al those working legally in the UK, although this is a fair labor practice, it can sometimes result in limited opportunities for students, as employers may be hesitant to hire them due to higher labor costs, especially for jobs that may not require specific skills or experience.
Employer Sponsorship: The Tier 4 student visa in the UK only allows students to work part-time during their studies with limited working hours and does not automatically grant them the right to work in the UK after graduation. Students will need to prove their worth and find employers who are willing to sponsor their visa, which can be a complicated process.
Restricted Professions: UK has reserved certain professions exclusively for their citizens only, which means that international students may not be able to work in those fields even if they are qualified, limiting international students’ opportunities for employment in those areas.
Brexit Impact: The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, has also had an impact on students studying in the United Kingdom. While EU students used to have the same working rights as UK students, they now face the same restrictions as international students from other countries outside the UK as a result of Brexit. This has reduced job opportunities for EU students in the UK, compounding their difficulties in finding work.
The policies and restrictions on international students working in the UK can have significant implications for their financial stability, career prospects, mental health, and well-being, as well as diversity and inclusion. Many international students rely on part-time work to cover their living expenses but the limitation on working hours during term time may not be enough, leading to financial challenges and impacting their well-being. The policies and restrictions can also limit career opportunities, as students may be forced to take low-skilled jobs or face challenges in finding employment in their chosen field after graduation, affecting their career progression. Additionally, these policies may hinder the diversity and inclusion of international students in the workforce.
