International Students
Working in the UK
The majority of international students on Tier 4 visas have immigration permission which allows you to work in the UK while you are studying.
Most international students studying full-time courses are eligible to work up to 20 hours each week during the semester time (i.e. take a ‘part-time’ job) and can also work full time (35hrs or more) during vacations.
If you are considering working in the UK after graduation and are not from an EEA (European Economic Area) country you will need to apply to UKBA to 'switch' to a different category of visa.
Visa Options
- Tier 1: PSW (Closed as from 6 April 2012)
- Tier 1: Graduate Entrepreneur
- Tier 2: Sponsored Skilled Worker
- Tier 5: Government Authorised Exchange
Part-Time Work
Undertaking work while studying will help you to develop transferable skills (such as team work, communication, problem solving, customer service, organisation and planning). It will also allow you to meet new people, develop your English if it's not your first language and provide valuable experience to add to your CV.
There are many opportunities in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas when it comes to part-time or vacation work. Jobs within pubs, shops, restaurants and catering are all frequently filled by students and are usually the easiest jobs to find. During the Edinburgh Festival a lot of casual work is available in the city including work in Public Relations, Marketing, Technical venue work, ticket sales as well as an increase in the availability of general bar, restaurant and hotel jobs.
You may also want to consider undertaking a more formal period of work experience, sometimes referred to as an ‘internship’, which are usually full-time during the summer vacation. These are offered by many of the larger graduate employers and are aimed mainly at undergraduate students at the end of their penultimate year of study.
Masters students cannot normally apply for these formal internships due to the visa restrictions on working hours.
Careers can help you with:
- Finding part-time work, internships, work placements and vacation work through Careers Direct - Jobs
- Information about Income Tax and National Insurance
Once you have written confirmation of employment you will need a National Insurance Number. For information on Income Tax and National Insurance or to check whether you are allowed to work while studying please contact the Careers Service.
Working After Graduation
To find a job:
- Check out Careers Direct - Jobs, International Graduate Jobs and Prospects Graduate for vacancy information
- Check the Careers Noticeboards (updated regularly) in your School and in the Careers Resource Room (SR 1.13)
Need help applying for a job?
To improve the effectiveness of your CV/Application:
- Attend Skills Sessions on 'Effective CVs and Written Applications'. For details see What's On
- Read through the information on CVs, Covering Letters and Applications in our CVs, Applications & Interviews sections.
Useful Links
UKCISA - The Council for International Student Affairs provides advice and information to international students studying in the UK and to staff who work with them.
HWU International Student Advisors' Office - For information on immigration advice (visa extension, dependants visa, entry clearance correction, batch scheme, etc); tuition fee status enquiries; welfare advice (council tax, opening a bank account, etc) and administration of the University's student exchange programmes (Erasmus and Non-EU)
Graduate Prospects guide for International Students