Jan 17, 2025
Career Opportunity
11 mins read

Top Part-Time Jobs in UK for International Students

For international students chasing their dreams in the UK, part-time jobs are a great way to become financially independent and gain useful experience. These jobs help cover living expenses and offer chances to learn new skills, connect with people, and embrace the culture. All these are basic to a wholesome experience while studying in UK. In this blog, we'll discuss the best part-time job options for international students in the UK in 2025.

Key Highlights

  • Earn while you learn: Take a part-time job to help with your living expenses.
  • Boost your CV: Get real experience and learn skills that employers want.
  • Immerse yourself in British culture: Improve your language skills and meet local people.
  • Work within visa regulations: Know the rules for working part-time on a student visa.
  • Explore diverse job sectors: Find a part-time job in areas like hospitality or tutoring that match your skills.
  • Utilize university resources: Use career services and job boards at your university to find good job options.

Best part-time jobs in the UK for international students in 2025.

International students sometimes get frustrated with how life and finance are navigated outside the academic walls. The good news is that the UK has abundant part-time jobs designed especially for students. These jobs tend to help students achieve work-study balances while following visa rules. In addition, they financially support students and offer them the opportunity to join the life of British society to acquire new skills and enhance their resumes.

From busy cafes in cities to the bustling university campus, there are a number of options. Let's discuss some of the best part-time jobs one can get in the UK for international students in 2025.

1. Subjects to be tutored in areas that you have a passion for

It can even be an absolute thrill to share what you know.  Tutoring is a good way for international students to have extra pocket money, while at the same time they can gather valuable experience. Good in math? Maybe in a particular language? Consider tutoring some other students or school kids. It can be the answer to making money and feeling good about themselves.

You will find a vast number of agencies that offer tutoring services online. Therefore, it is somewhat easy to find students in need of your skills. If you like meeting face-to-face, community centres and university notice boards are good places to show what you offer. Just remember to plan your time well. Balance your tutoring with your classes to keep both your work and studies in check.

2. Serving as a Campus Tour Guide

Who better to show the lively experience of university life than an international student who lived it? Being a campus tour guide lets you share what you know about the university and the local culture with future students and their families. This is a great chance to improve your customer service skills while making some extra money.

As a campus ambassador, you will lead visitors around the university. You will point out important places, places to stay, and highlights of student life. Your special viewpoint as an international student will help those thinking about studying here.

3. Working in Retail: From Fashion to Tech Stores

The UK is famous for its varied stores and shops. There are many part-time jobs available for international students who want flexible hours and some extra money. If you enjoy fashion, technology, or books, a retail job can give you good customer service skills. It also helps you learn about British shopping habits.

Many well-known stores offer contracts that work well for students. This means you can arrange your work hours to fit with your school schedule. The weekdays will often fall on weekends and evenings, when you are usually busy, so you can fit some of your work into your studies. Keep an eye open to job openings at popular brands or in small shops, which would be of interest.

4. Barista in a local coffee shop or campus cafés

Part and parcel of student life is the smell of fresh coffee. Working as a barista is a great way to be part of local culture. There are many chances to work at nice independent cafes or busy coffee shops on campus if you love coffee and people.

You would learn as a barista the absolute art of pouring the perfect espresso and steering milk just so. You would also be taught how to craft lovely latte art. Assignments could include:

  • It serves customers and then takes their orders there.
  • Keeping the workplace clean and tidy.
  • Informing customers of new menu items and special deals.
  • Social media must be a part of the cafe world. You will get excellent photographs of your beverages and reach out to your customers online.

5. Opportunity for Administrative and Library Assistant Jobs at University Campuses

Most universities are usually large and harbor many part-time jobs for students. These help students get experience in administration or libraries while giving them a comfortable place to be; they allow for flexible hours that fit neatly with your school schedule.

As a library assistant, you will help students and teachers with their research. You will also handle book loans and returns and keep the library neat. Jobs as an administrative assistant involve many tasks. These tasks include answering phones, setting up appointments, managing emails, and offering general office help.

6. Freelance Content Writing or Graphic Designing

In today's digital world, there are many freelance jobs for people who are good at writing or graphic design. If you are skilled at making interesting content or nice designs, think about sharing your work on freelance sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Guru.

Finding new clients is truly important through social media. These can include sites such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or Behance where you can really show off some of your writing examples or design work. Online groups related to the skills you are developing can help you find great freelance projects. Set some good deadlines and work in such a way that you don't interfere with schoolwork.

7. College and Community Events Event Staff

This is something from which, be it the marvellous festivals or music festivals that the UK really enjoys with some of the vibrant events from natural academic conferences. Being part of an event staff team is a great way to experience the local culture, meet new people, and earn some extra money. Universities host many events each year, giving you chances to work on campus and at outside events.

As an event staff, you will be in a very different kind of role. You might be expected to manage the registration desk, assist the guests, or even help set up and break down. For this role, you would be prepared by customer service experience, problem-solving skills, and teamwork skills. And you'd be positioned right at the heart of live action.

8. Food Delivery or Ride-Sharing Services

In today’s digital world, services that deliver food and offer rides are becoming very popular. For international students who are looking for flexible hours and extra pocket money, these platforms are a great way to earn some money in your own schedule.

Companies connecting drivers to restaurants and hungry customers seeking quick solutions to meet their meals include Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt let you use your own car to give rides to people. Here are some key benefits of these platforms:

  • You can pick your work hours: work when you want and how often.
  • During peak periods and weekends, you will get more money.
  • That means you get to visit other parts of your city.

9. Research Assistant to University Faculty

Students, especially those who are more focused on their studies, can try themselves at working as research assistants. Research assistance is a useful experience and gives them a chance to learn something about the academic world. Part-time research assistant jobs are something that most universities have as a rule. This is the opportunity for students to help with different research projects while learning from experienced professors.

As a research assistant, you assist in data collection and analysis. You will also do some literature review and may even be asked to write parts of academic papers. This is a very hands-on experience that can help a lot if you intend to continue your studies or get work in research jobs. You will also get the chance to network with people in your field, which is another good part of this role.

10. Fitness Instructor or Personal Trainer at Campus Facilities

Are you excited about health and fitness? If yes, working as a fitness instructor or personal trainer at campus facilities is a great chance for you to share what you know and earn extra money. Many universities possess excellent sports centres and gyms. They usually look for qualified trainers and even freely join fitness classes or give personal sessions.

Whether you are a high-intensity interval training instructor, a yoga instructor, or a strength conditioning instructor, this role can be personally and professionally rewarding. You will help foster a healthy lifestyle within the university community. At the same time, you can gain valuable experience in teaching fitness and managing clients.

Job RoleAverage Salary (per hour)
Tutor£15 - £30
Campus Tour Guide£9 - £12
Retail Worker£8 - £12
Barista£7 - £9
Administrative Assistant£9 - £12
Library Assistant£8 - £11
Freelance Content Writer/Designer£10 - £25
Event Staff£8 - £12
Food Delivery/Ride-Sharing£8 - £15
Research Assistant£10 - £15
Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer£15 - £30

Exploiting the Part-time Job Market in the UK for International Students

Before you start looking for a part-time job, check the work visa rules that accompany your student visa. You will need to know how many hours you can work and what type of work you are allowed to do. The services for a career at your university also prove beneficial. They have tips and tools that prove especially helpful to international students.

Have a plan of action to design a great CV and cover letter. These must reflect the skills, experience, and passion shown by you. Tailor each job to your application. Show that you understand the requirements of the job and explain how your background fits in to the role on your application.

Know About Work Visa Regulations

Before you take up any part-time job in the UK, you should know that there are work visa rules for international students in the country. According to the rules, your visa will specify how many hours you can work per week. Mostly, you can work up to 20 hours during school time, but full time during breaks.

Most will pay you the paid hours, but if you work more than those allowed hours, it might lead to serious issues, including your visa. So ensure each and every potential employer is aware of your visa limits as well as their reason for compliance with that limit. Your university's international student office will also guide you on learning about the rules regarding visas and work permits.

Using University Career Services in Finding employment

Universities' career services offer excellent opportunities for students from all over the world, including international students looking for part-time jobs, internships, and full-time graduate employment. In these departments there are many resources, and there is a huge amount of support available:

ServiceDescription
CV and Cover Letter WorkshopsExpert guidance on crafting effective job application materials tailored for the UK job market.
Internship and Job BoardsAccess to exclusive vacancies specifically aimed at students at your university.
Mock InterviewsPractice your interview skills with experienced career advisors to boost your confidence.
Networking EventsConnect with potential employers at career fairs and industry networking sessions.

Utilise the facilities available: book a session with your career advisers, get your CV checked, and learn some job-seeking skills by attending workshops.

Conclusion

A good thing about studying abroad in the UK is that many international students work part-time jobs in the UK. These are generally regarded as enriching your study time abroad. You can choose from tutoring roles to being staff at campus events. There is something for everyone based on different skills and interests. It is important to know about work visa rules. Using university career services can help you find a job more easily. By trying these options, international students can earn money and gain useful work experience. You can also meet new people. If you are an international student wanting to explore part-time jobs in the UK, this guide can help you start off well.

FAQs

How much can an international student earn in the UK part-time?

International students who study in the UK can get an hourly wage between £8 and £12, working at a job of their own choice. Of course, money will depend on the kind of work. Some common kinds of part-time work include tutoring, shop jobs, and event staff. Familiarity with visa regulations and access to resources on campus at the career service will be helpful.