Working part-time as a student can be a valuable way to top up your monthly budget and ensure you can live comfortably while studying. It can also be a great way to earn experience of working in fast-paced environments, adding value to your CV after you graduate.
If you are a full-time student, please make sure you are confident you can fit any part-time work in with your studies to ensure you’re reaching your full potential and graduating with the best results possible.
Gaining part-time work
You can find part-time work in a variety of different ways:
- Thefutureworks is the university’s own commercial recruitment agency and is an ideal path to finding flexible work opportunities. They specialise in roles that you can fit around your studies.
- Becoming a student ambassador gives you the opportunity to celebrate your university, course, or university department while earning at the same time. Take part in photo shoots, attend Open Days, or write about your experiences to help other students.
- You can also find jobs yourself, search for your favourite brands and see if they have any suitable positions you can apply for, or check out the local job boards.
International students
As an international student, it’s important to know the rules around how much you can work while studying in the UK.
- You are able to work if your student visa or biometric ID card states:
- Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State
- Work (and any changes) must be authorised
- Restricted work term-time*
*Subject to visa conditions. For more information, please visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
- You are unable to work if your student visa or sticker states:
- No work or recourse to public funds
- No work or engaging in business
If you have been issued with one of the above ‘unable to work’ stickers and your course takes longer than six months, you may want to challenge this. To do so, please ask to speak with the Entry Clearance Manager to try and remove it before entering the UK.
If you can work while studying with us, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and you can work full-time during university vacation periods.
There are some restrictions to how you can work during your time studying in the UK:
- You must not open your own business, or work self-employed, and you must not provide any services as either a professional sports person or entertainer.
- You must not pursue a career by filling a full-time permanent position while studying as this would require a different visa.
The UK’s Home Office is very strict on the rules of working as an international student, and if they suspect you have been working, that can impact your request to extend your stay in the UK. For more information, please visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.
If you have any questions, it’s always good to check with our international office first:
International Office
Coventry University
Priory Street
Coventry
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