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) acquired taste - marmite and baked beans aren’t for everyone after all.

But, we all know it can be expensive, especially for international students without student loans.

Finding a part-time job is a great way to support yourself as an international student. 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.

One of the easiest jobs for international students in the UK is playing games on your phone. It's free to sign up, free to play and can earn you some extra pocket money. 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 can't 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, so always check the latest UK Home Office guidelines.
✓ Many universities offer career services that help international students find 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?

Play games online

Looking to earn money and not sure where to start? Getting paid to play online games may sound too good to be true, but it is actually a legit way to earn some extra cash while in the UK!

No need for a CV, no language skills required and totally free to get started. Play on the way to lectures, while watching Netflix or even on a lazy morning in bed - and start to see the pounds rolling in!

Prograd brings you the best paid gaming opportunities, from Tetris and Solitaire to brand new games!

Best for: Students wanting flexibility around their schedule.
Why it’s great: Have fun while earning some extra money.

✓ Total flexibility
✓ Fun and easy!
✓ Play from your phone - whether you're in bed or on the bus!

Translator

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

Sharpen your language skills, build up your portfolio and get paid along the way.

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 going out and about in the UK yet, there are loads of great remote jobs available for international students!

Whether you're more into writing, graphic design, or computer programming, you can pick a job based on your go-to skill set. Not only can this develop marketable skills, but these jobs can often be flexible and freelance. Win-win!

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 obviously a lot of studying to do. But you also want to experience the UK, right? A tourism job lets you earn money while exploring!

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 choice for international students.

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 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 with international students. As more businesses shift to 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: Organised 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 job 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 example, Prograd helps you find easy money-making opportunities for students.

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

How can I get a job as an international student in the UK?

To get a job as an international student in the UK, first make sure you know your visa work limits! You can only work a certain number of hours, so make sure you’re following the rules.

Next, you’ll want to choose a job that won’t get in the way of your studies. Regular shift work can earn you a steady income, but can be inflexible when it comes to fitting around lectures and clubs. Working from your phone - like apps that genuinely pay - offers full flexibility to fit around your lifestyle.

How much can international students earn in the UK?

With limited working hours and in accordance with the UK's minimum wage, students aged 18 to 20 could earn around £688 per month or £915.20 per month for students aged 21 and over (according to student-visa).

What UK jobs are easiest for international students to get?

The absolute easiest jobs for international students in the UK are online jobs like micro tasks and playing games - no need for specific experience or a padded-out CV. Simply, sign up for free and start earning!

Some in-person jobs may require a certain level of spoken English or industry-specific experience. These jobs don’t. You can get started quickly and easily and do a job that truly fits around your academic commitments while earning some extra cash as a student in the UK.

Get a job as an international student

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.

For the most flexible job that lets you have fun along the way, why not get started playing online games for money? It's safe, free to sign up and fully flexible around your schedule.