4.1 Can I work?
4.2 Type of work
4.3 Sandwich courses
4.4 Internship
4.5 Summer Jobs and Work Experience
4.6 Work for spouse
4.7 Tax on income
4.8 National Insurance

4.1 Can I work?

You have to check what the stamp on the passport says. On your passport stamp there will either be a prohibition or restriction on working in the UK. If you have a prohibition this means that you must not do any paid work in the UK, and if you have a restriction it means that you can work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holiday periods.

4.2 Type of work

Typical jobs for students include cleaning jobs, working in a café or clerical work, which pays about £5.35 per hour for those above 22 years and £4.45 for those between 18-21 years. Remember, you will not get rich, but will have the opportunity to meet people, pick up some new skills and earn a little extra money!

4.3 Sandwich Courses

Many UK Universities offer 'sandwich courses' that include a year's work experience as part of the course.

All students with restriction visa stamps can now undertake work as part of such sandwich courses, provided that the work experience is part of the course at a recognized UK university or college and the time spent is relatively small compared to the duration of the course.

4.4 Internship

Any full-time student who qualifies for work as mentioned above can apply to work as an intern.

You will need to find an employer who is willing to offer you an internship placement. Internships are limited to maximum of three months and are taken up at the completion of your course.

4.5 Summer Jobs and Work Experience

This is an excellent way to gain valuable experience in your specific field of expertise. You need to start to apply for summer jobs well in advance, about 8-10 months in advance, as the competition for summer jobs are extremely tough!

Work experience for international students in UK is facilitated through the Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES).

This scheme enables students to undertake work-based training leading to a professional or specialist qualification or as part of a graduate training programme or just for a limited period of work experience. This scheme is limited to students who are completing an academic or vocational qualification at the UK degree-level or N/SVQ level 4.

Your prospective employer needs to apply for permission to employ you under the TWES scheme from the Overseas Labour Service of the Department of Education and Employment (DfEE).

4.6 Work for spouse

Unlike you, your spouse can work full time or part in the UK if you are a full0time student and your spouse has a dependent visa that allows working.

4.7 Tax on income

You may have to pay income tax on your income from employment or savings. You will have to pay National insurance on your earnings from employment.

4.8 National Insurance

National Insurance (NI) contributions must be made by all who work in UK. You will need an NI number for the duration of your work.

You will not require an NI number to look for work, but once you start work you will need to apply for one at your local Benefits Agency office. You usually need to call them and arrange for an interview. The application procedure takes about six weeks to complete and for that duration you are issued with a temporary number.

For more information about working in the UK, check the following publication www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/working during.pdf