Working in the UK during your studies

Am I allowed to work?

For immigration purposes, international students from outside the EU/EEA must show that they can pay their fees and living expenses without working and without claiming public funds (benefits).

Most international students are allowed, however, to supplement their funds by working part-time while they study. If you have a Tier 4 (General) Student visa, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during term-time, and full-time during holidays. If you have a Student Visitor visa, however, you are not allowed to work.

Although legally you can work up to 20 hours, the University strongly advises that students not work more than 15 hours per week as extra work may adversely affect your studies. Postgraduate students should also be aware that they may not be allowed to work unlimited hours during normal University holidays, as their courses do not necessarily follow the usual University calendar.

If you are uncertain whether you are allowed to work, or would just like to check the rules, you can email isa@ex.ac.uk.

I’m an EEA citizen. Am I allowed to work?

Most students from the EU/EEA can work freely without further permission, but students from a few countries are subject to further regulations. Some EU/EEA students will have to register their employment within the first month of work under the Worker Registration Scheme, while Romanian and Bulgarian students must apply for authorisation under the Worker Authorisation Scheme and will be subject to the same hourly restrictions as Non-EEA students. For further information, check out the UKCISA information sheet on this topic. Application forms for both schemes are available from the UK Border Agency website.

How do I find a part time job?

Career Zone in the Forum can help you find a part time job and enhance your employability. The service is open between 9am and 5pm weekdays. They can also help you get your National Insurance Number, and assist you with any issues once you find a job.

Do I have to pay tax? What is National Insurance?

It depends on how much money you earn. If you earn over a certain amount you will need to pay tax on your earnings but students working part-time are unlikely to earn enough to have to pay tax. You can also claim tax back if you have paid it and haven’t earned over your personal allowance.

All employees pay National Insurance contributions to fund public services such as the National Health Service (NHS). A National Insurance Number (NIN) is a number unique to you to which will help your employer to pay your National Insurance contributions. No one else can use this number.

You do not need a National Insurance number to start work but you will need to get one once you have started a job. Your employer will give you a temporary number while you wait for your permanent number

The Career Zone website has detailed information about tax and how to apply for your National Insurance number.