Jobs For International Students In The UK

If you’re searching for the best jobs for international students in the UK, you’ve come to the right place.

Hopefully, you’re excited to be an international student in the UK! It may rain a lot, and our food can be a (cough cough) an acquired taste - marmite and baked beans aren’t for everyone after all.

Still, studying in the UK can be pretty fun, albeit quite expensive. Especially for international students with no student loans.

One of the best ways to support yourself is by finding a part-time job. But where should you start? In this guide, we’ll explore the best jobs for international students, visa regulations, and tips to help you land the perfect role to earn some extra money.

If you're an international student looking for a job, Prograd can help match you with opportunities near you. Simply fill in this quick form and get started today!

Can I Work In The UK As An International Student?

Yes! International students in the UK can work, but there are specific rules to follow.

✔️ Tier 4 (General) Student Visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
✔️ You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or take a permanent full-time job.
✔️ Work restrictions may vary depending on your university and course level—always check the latest UK Home Office guidelines.
✔️ Many universities offer career services that help international students find compliant job opportunities.

What To Look For In A Job For International Students?

There’s no reason why you shouldn't excel at a job as an international student. But still, there are a couple of things you should think about.

When looking for a job, keep these factors in mind:

🔹 Visa Regulations – Your job must comply with your visa restrictions.
🔹 Flexibility – Can you balance the job with your studies?
🔹 Location – Do you prefer remote work or an in-person role?
🔹 Skill Level – Some jobs require strong English skills, while others don’t.
🔹 Experience – Some jobs, like tutoring or research roles, require specific expertise

What Are The Best Jobs For International Students?

Translator

Speaking a second language can make you an attractive candidate in the UK. Especially as a translator!

This job will sharpen your language skills, and translating is a useful lifetime skill. Especially if you’re thinking about becoming a linguist later down the line.

📌 Best for: Bilingual or multilingual students.
📌 Why it’s great: Use your language skills to translate documents, websites, or even provide live translation services.

✔️ Flexible hours
✔️ High demand for many languages
✔️ Can be done remotely

Remote Work

If you’re not that confident in going out and about in the UK, don’t be put out. There are lots of great remote jobs for international students!

This can involve writing, graphic design, or computer programming. Whatever takes your fancy! Not only can this develop marketable skills, but these jobs can often be flexible and freelance.

This can give you plenty of time to do your studies, but also to explore a bit of the UK!

📌 Best for: Students who prefer to work from home.
📌 Popular roles:

✔️ Freelance writing – Blogging, content writing, academic writing.
✔️ Graphic design – Creating visuals for businesses.
✔️ Programming – Software development, coding, website creation.

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Work from anywhere
✔️ Fits around your schedule
✔️ Develops skills for future jobs

For more insights, explore our article on easy remote jobs for students.

Language Tutoring

If you’re an international student, you may have a real edge when it comes to language tutoring!

In the UK, being fluent in a language other than English means you can offer language tutoring and conversation practice. This will be great for your communication and teaching skills. Plus, you can earn some serious dough!

📌 Best for: Students fluent in a second language.
📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ High earning potential
✔️ Flexible working hours
✔️ Great for communication skills

Many UK students are keen to learn new languages, so if you’re fluent in Spanish, French, Mandarin, Arabic, or another language, tutoring could be a perfect fit.

Tourism

If you’re an international student in the UK, there’s (ofc) lots of studying to do. But you also want to experience the UK, right? To do this, and earn some money too, why not work in tourism?

If you’re a student in a place with tourist attractions, you may be able to work as a tour guide or member of the in-house staff.

📌 Best for: Students who enjoy interacting with people.
📌 Popular roles:

✔️ Tour guide – Work at tourist attractions or historical sites.
✔️ Hotel staff – Receptionists, concierge, housekeeping.
✔️ Restaurant & café jobs – Barista, waiter/waitress, kitchen staff.

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Good tips & bonuses
✔️ Helps improve English skills
✔️ Great for networking

Campus Jobs

As an international student, there’s no place that will be more understanding of your situation than your university. This makes getting a job on campus an ideal option.

Just pop into your campus library, cafe, bar, or administrative office to check for openings.

📌 Best for: Students looking for work within their university.
📌 Popular roles:

✔️ Library assistant
✔️ Student ambassador
✔️ Admin assistant

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Convenient (on campus!)
✔️ Understanding employer
✔️ Flexible hours

Retail and Hospitality

Getting a job in a bar, restaurant, cafe, shop, etc., is always a good one to go for as an international student.

You’ve got to be reasonably confident with the language to have these jobs. But it’s also a great place to develop your English skills. And, as there are so many of these jobs kicking around, it’s always pretty simple and unstressful to nab one.

They also have super flexible hours, allowing you to work late-night and weekend shifts.

📌 Best for: Students who enjoy customer service.
📌 Popular roles:

✔️ Supermarkets
✔️ Clothing stores
✔️ Bookshops

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Flexible shifts (evenings & weekends available)
✔️ No prior experience required
✔️ Often offers employee discounts

Event Staffing

Event staffing is a dynamic option among jobs for international students. Many universities and cities host a variety of events throughout the year, from conferences and exhibitions to concerts and sporting events.

Working as event staff can offer flexible hours and the opportunity to meet new people, making it a suitable choice for students looking to balance work with their studies and social life.

📌 Best for: Students who want short-term, flexible work.
📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Work at concerts, festivals, sports events
✔️ Meet new people
✔️ Variety of roles (ticketing, security, catering, etc.)

Virtual Assistant

The role of a virtual assistant is becoming increasingly popular in the realm of jobs for international students. With businesses moving online, there's a growing demand for virtual assistants.

This role can involve managing emails, scheduling appointments, or handling social media management. It's perfect for students seeking flexible, remote work opportunities to complement their academic commitments.

📌 Best for: Organized students with admin skills.
📌 What you’ll do:

✔️ Manage emails
✔️ Schedule appointments
✔️ Handle social media accounts

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Remote & flexible
✔️ Develops time-management skills
✔️ No commuting required

Research Assistant

Becoming a research assistant is a prestigious opportunity among jobs for international students who excel in their field of study.

Opportunities to work as a research assistant for your professors or within university departments can be an excellent way to deepen your knowledge, gain experience in your field, and contribute to meaningful projects. This role not only enhances your resume but also builds a strong foundation for your future career.

📌 Best for: Students excelling in their academic field.
📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Builds research experience
✔️ Enhances your CV
✔️ Pays well

Many universities offer research assistant roles for top-performing students. These can be a great stepping stone for future academic or industry careers.

Delivery Rider or Driver

For those who prefer being on the move, working as a delivery rider or driver presents a flexible option among jobs for international students. If you have a bicycle, motorcycle, or car, working for a delivery service can offer great flexibility and the chance to get to know your city better.

With the rise of app-based food and parcel delivery services, there are often plenty of opportunities available, allowing students to work according to their own schedules and earn a steady income.

📌 Best for: Students who own a bike, motorbike, or car.
📌 Popular options: UberEats, Deliveroo, Just Eat.

📌 Why it’s great:

✔️ Work on your own schedule
✔️ Good pay (especially during peak hours)
✔️ No customer interaction required

How to Find a Part-Time Job as a Student

Finding a part-time job means exploring various avenues:

• Campus Job Boards: Universities often have job boards advertising part-time jobs available on campus.
• Networking: Connect with professors, advisors, other students, and even friends or family to learn about job openings.
• Local Community Boards: Check notice boards in libraries, community centres, or local cafes for job postings.
• Direct Applications: Visit local businesses, such as shops, restaurants, and cafes, to ask about part-time positions.
• Online Job Portals: Use online platforms that list part-time job opportunities suitable for students.

For a guide, read our article on where to find a part-time job as a student.

International Student Jobs

Finding a part-time job as an international student in the UK is a great way to earn money, build skills, and meet new people. Just be sure to choose a role that fits your schedule and visa regulations.

Want personalised job matches? Sign up with Prograd today and get matched with part-time and remote job opportunities near you!

FAQs on Jobs for International Students in the UK

Can international students work in the UK?

Yes, most international students on a Tier 4 visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

How many hours can international students work?

The limit is usually 20 hours per week, but check your visa details and university guidelines.

What are the best-paying jobs for international students?

High-paying options include research assistant roles, language tutoring, virtual assistant work, and freelance programming.

Where can international students find jobs?

• University job boards
• Online job sites like Indeed, StudentJob, and LinkedIn
• Prograd's job matching tool – Find student jobs here