Working in the UK
Can I work during my studies?
Students who are permitted to work in the UK will have a statement printed onto their visas or on their identity cards to state that employment in the UK is restricted. For example, it may state:
• “No recourse to public funds Work (and any changes) must be authorised”
• "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State"
• "Restricted work in term-time"
Students who are not allowed to work whilst they are in the UK are given a prohibition stamp in their passport or on their ID card. For example:
• ‘No work or recourse to public funds’
If you believe that you should have permission to work in the UK during your studies but you have a prohibition stamp on your visa/ID card, please contact one of the International Student Welfare Officers for advice.
For further information, click here.
How many hours am I permitted to work?
Students who have permission to work in the UK are restricted to working a maximum number of hours during term time.
On 3rd March 2010, The UK Government implemented changes to the number of hours students are permitted to work. If a student made their student immigration application before 3rd March 2010, the working restrictions remain unchanged which means that students can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time hours during the official university vacations.
New rules – If a student makes an immigration application to enter or remain in the UK to study on or after 3rd March 2010, the number of hours they are permitted to work during term time will vary depending on which course they are studying.
Students studying on a course above degree level (e.g., undergraduate degree, postgraduate degree, PhD etc) and those studying on a Foundation course are permitted to study a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. During the official university vacations, students can work full-time (unlimited) hours.
Students studying on courses below degree level (e.g. HND courses) are permitted to work only 10 hours per week during term-time, however during the official university vacations, these students can also work full-time (unlimited) hours.
For further information, click here.
Can I work when I'm doing my dissertation?
When post-graduate students start working on their dissertations, although it is no longer necessary to attend regular lectures, they must not work more than 20 hours per week during term time, as this is an illegal offence. During the dissertation phase of the course, students should be concentrating on their research on a full-time basis.
Can my wife or husband work?
If you made your Tier 4 (General) student immigration application before 3rd March 2010 and your husband or wife is here in the UK as your dependant, they are permitted to work in the UK, providing that the duration of your course your course is 12 months or longer.
New rules: If you make your Tier 4 (General) immigration application on or after 3 March 2010 in order to study a course which is longer than six months but which is below degree level (with the exception of a Foundation degree course) your family members are permitted to come to the UK with you as your dependants, however, they will not be permitted to work even if the duration of your course is 12 months or longer.
How will I find part-time work?
UWIC has a Job Shop which is based in the Careers Service on the Cyncoed campus. If you access the UWIC website you can register online and you will be emailed details of vacancies which are suitable for you. The Careers Service also welcomes personal visits from students and if you want to contact them first to ensure there will be someone available to deal with your enquiry, please telephone: (029) 2041 6333.
Alternatively there are a large number of recruitment agencies available in Cardiff who can help you find part-time work. There are a number of employment agencies on St Mary’s Street, in the city centre, where you can register. You can try searching for jobs on the Internet websites, in The South Wales Echo on Wednesdays or The Western Mail on Thursdays for local job listings. Part-time work available can be in catering, hotel work, clerical work, elderly care, and shop work to name but a few examples. Part-time work is low-average pay and the wages you earn from this can add some extra money to your pocket. You cannot rely on this money to fund your studies or pay for fees.
National Insurance
You will pay National Insurance (NI) contributions in the same way as UK citizens. When you have been offered a job you will be asked for your NI number which you will need to organise. Once your work is confirmed ask for this in writing from your employer and then you will need to telephone the Benefits Agency Office and ask for an appointment to organise your National Insurance number. You must also ask them which documents you will need to bring with you.
Your appointment may not be for a couple of months but do not worry about this. When you go to your appointment you will need to show the relevant documents and will be asked to go through a form with a member of staff there. You will then be given your number approximately 6 weeks following this. Please note that you cannot organise a NI number without a confirmation of a job first. Call the Benefits Agency for an appointment on 0845 6000 643.
Income Tax
You will automatically be subject to UK income tax rules if you take up employment in the UK. If you earn below the personal allowance for the tax year in question then you can speak to your employer about filling out a form so that tax is not deducted from your wages. You can talk to the Inland Revenue Office with any questions about this. Their telephone number is (029) 20 32 5000 or access the HM Revenue & Customs website.
How can I prove to my employer that I am permitted to work?
Some employers who do not regularly employ international students will not be familiar with the wording on a student’s passport or ID card and therefore will not know whether they are legally permitted to work in the UK. In order to help you explain that you do have permission to work, please refer them to the Employer’s section of the UK Border Agency website and the Find your Way to Work leaflet.