How Much Can International Students Earn by Working Part-Time in the UK?
Finding fully-funded scholarships to study in the UK can be very competitive. According to research by Scholarship Scanner, 70 UK universities offer scholarships for international students starting in January 2025, but only two of these universities provide fully-funded scholarships.
For students receiving partial scholarships, working part-time while studying can help cover living costs. But how much can you actually earn by working part-time in the UK?
If you’re still looking for study abroad scholarships, check out our database for the January 2025 intake. We’ll also release information about the best UK scholarships for international students in September 2025 soon.
Can International Students Work While Studying in the UK?
Yes, most international students can work part-time in the UK. The UK government (UKVI) usually allows students on a study visa to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during university holidays. However, it’s essential to check the conditions on your specific visa and any rules your university may have about working hours. For more advice, visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Do International Students Have Time for a Part-Time Job Alongside Their Course?
Many international students successfully manage part-time work while studying in the UK. If you’re studying a course that doesn’t have classes every day (such as business or humanities) you may have 2 or 3 days each week without any classes. However, intensive courses like medicine often require full attendance from Monday to Friday. Most university classes take place during standard office hours (9 AM to 5 PM), so evenings and weekends are usually free for part-time work.
How Much money Can international students Earn by Working Part-Time in the UK?
In 2025, the UK’s minimum wage for adults over 21 will be £12.21 per hour. If you work the maximum 20 hours per week during term time, you can earn around £250 per week. During university vacations, you can work full-time and potentially earn even more. Always double-check your visa conditions and university guidelines before taking up a job. For more information, visit UKCISA.
How To Find Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK?
We have written a blog article which shares some essential tips on finding part-time work for international students.
Choosing the Right City for Work and Living Costs
If working part-time is a priority, carefully consider where you choose to study. Larger cities often have more job opportunities but typically come with higher living costs. On the other hand, universities in more remote areas, such as Durham or Keele, may offer a quieter environment but could make finding part-time work more challenging.
To plan effectively, research the cost of living in your chosen city. Websites like livingcost.org can provide useful insights. For instance, Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city, offers plenty of part-time jobs and is significantly more affordable than London. Overall living costs in Birmingham are 40% lower, and rent is an impressive 88% cheaper compared to London (source: livingcost.org, November 2024).
Cities outside of London often balance affordability with job opportunities, making them great options for international students. Whether its Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, York or Glasgow, the UK has some fantastic cities outside of London (to name just a few). Take time to explore and compare different locations before making your decision.
Final Thoughts
Working part-time not only helps you earn money but also gives you valuable work experience. Having a part-time job while you study in the UK can help you stand out to future employers. This is especially important if you’re looking to work in the UK after you complete your degree, either with the Graduate Route visa or via sponsorship.
Gaining real-world work experience shows that you’re not just focused on your studies but also developing important skills for your career. In a competitive job market, having work experience on your CV can be essential for finding a graduate job.
For international students, combining a part-time job with a partial scholarship for graduate students is a smart way to fund your studies and enhance your career prospects. Many UK employers offer flexible opportunities that fit around your academic schedule, making it easier to achieve your goals.
Have you secured your scholarship yet? Explore the Scholarship Scanner database for the January 2025 intake. We’ll also release information about the best UK scholarships for international students in September 2025 soon.
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