Work and Study in UK

Overseas Education is an amazing way to explore new avenues in the field of study you want to make a successful career. The UK is on the top study abroad destinations for students over the past few years. Apart from it being a powerhouse of knowledge, the UK is a perfect destination for students. It creates an ambience that exposes them to new cultures and languages which in turn builds confidence and is very effective for networking.

The UK is one of the most student friendly destinations in the world. The UK thrives on the high satisfaction rates, especially for International Students. Another plus point in favor of the UK is the reinstatement of the 2 year work right which permits students to stay back in the UK for 2 years after the completion of their program, to search for employment. International Students need to have a Tier 4 visa (General Visa) that permits them to work simultaneously. Another important detail is to make sure that your visa has no restrictions. If the visa has no restrictions, then the student has to check with the University on its policies and rules in the case of employment.

If a work placement is mandatory for your study course, then there is a fixed time-limit you should work. Currently, if you’re attending such course you’re allowed to work for the period of time which is less than 33% of the whole duration of your course.

Your eligibility to work in the UK while studying depends on two major restrictions: those set by your university and those by state-run official institutions. First, you must ensure that your university doesn’t have any constrain pulling you back from working before dealing with state officials. For example, depending on your study course your university may limit working hours to you, aside from governmental restrictions.

In these types of courses, a student can work up to 20 hours per week

A full-time course at a degree level or above in a recognized higher education institution

A short-term student registered in a program of a foreign higher institution settled in UK

After you make sure you’re allowed to work in the UK, you’ll now have to deal with some constraints on the type of work you’re willing to do. There are certain jobs you’re not allowed to do while studying in the UK. Below are some types of them (paid or not paid) you can’t engage to when you’re holding a Tier 4 visa.

Be a self-employed or working freelance

Initiate a business activity

Full-time permanent job

Professional sportsperson including sport coach

Work as an entertainer

Work as a dentist or a doctor in training, except you’re enrolled in a foundation program.

As an international student, you may already speak more than one language, which will help to set you apart from other candidates. However, if you do not have a native level of English proficiency, be aware that you’ll need a high standard of English to stand a chance of landing a job in the UK. Work on your skills while studying for your degree, and take additional classes if you feel you need to.

For becoming a Permanent Resident the international students is securing the “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa”. After 5 years of completing a graduate job, a person can apply for the ILR. A stable income along with a full-time job, good moral conduct with no criminal record will help in securing the ILR visa. People also have to pass the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and a recognized English Language test. The entire process of obtaining the ILR visa can take up to 6 months.