Part-Time Jobs in UK for Students 2026: Rules, Salary, Best Jobs & Work Rights
Priya Sharma
Senior USA Education Consultant
Priya is a senior education consultant at EEC with over 12 years of experience helping Indian students secure admissions and visas to top US, Canadian, and UK universities. She has personally guided 3,000+ students through the F-1 visa process with a 97% success rate.
Part time jobs in UK for students are one of the most important ways Indian students fund their living expenses while studying in the United Kingdom in 2026. With the UK National Minimum Wage rising to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over (effective April 2026), part time jobs in UK for students can now generate £800–£1,800 per month depending on the city and role. Student Route visa holders are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time (unlimited hours) during official university holidays — including Christmas, Easter, and the long summer break. This comprehensive 2026 guide from EEC — 27+ years of experience, 50,000+ students placed — covers every aspect of student employment in the UK: visa work rules, the 2026 minimum wage, the best-paying part-time jobs for Indian students, on-campus opportunities, city-wise earning potential (London vs Manchester vs Sheffield), the National Insurance Number process, and tax-free allowance rules. Whether you are preparing for the September 2026 intake or already studying in the UK, this guide helps you maximise your earnings legally and safely.
UK Student Work Rules — 20 Hours/Week During Term Time
The UK government strictly regulates how many hours international students can work. Your Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4) specifies your work entitlements directly on your visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). Indian students must understand these rules thoroughly — violating them can result in visa curtailment, deportation, and a ban on future UK visa applications. Here are the complete 2026 work rules:
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Rule | During Term Time | During Holidays | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Hours | 20 hours/week | Unlimited (full-time) | Based on official university term dates |
| Visa Condition | Printed on BRP/eVisa | Same visa — no separate permit | Check your BRP for "Work 20 hrs p/w term" text |
| Who Qualifies | Students on courses RQF Level 7+ (Master's) | 20 hrs also for RQF Level 6 (Bachelor's) | Below-degree-level students: 10 hrs/week only |
| Self-Employment | NOT allowed | NOT allowed | Student visa prohibits freelancing/self-employment |
| Professional Sportsperson | NOT allowed | NOT allowed | Cannot be employed as a professional sportsperson |
| Full-Time Permanent Work | NOT allowed | Allowed during holidays only | Must return to part-time when term resumes |
| Volunteering | Allowed (unpaid) | Allowed (unpaid) | Does not count toward 20-hour limit |
The 20-hour limit is calculated on a weekly basis — you cannot "bank" hours (e.g., work 10 hours one week and 30 the next). HMRC and UKVI conduct random audits, and universities are required to report students who they suspect are working beyond their permitted hours. Indian students on a master's programme typically get the 20-hour allowance, while those on foundation or pre-sessional courses may be limited to 10 hours per week. Always check the work condition printed on your BRP before accepting any job offer. For students who plan to stay and work after graduation, the Graduate Route visa provides up to 2 years of unrestricted full-time work rights (reducing to 18 months from January 2027).
Warning
Planning to study and work in the UK? EEC helps Indian students understand visa work conditions, find part-time jobs, and manage their finances — all part of our free study-abroad guidance. 50,000+ students placed since 1997.
Book Free ConsultationUK Minimum Wage for Students in 2026 — Hourly Rate Breakdown
The UK National Minimum Wage is reviewed annually by the Low Pay Commission and adjusted every April. The 2026 rates represent a significant increase from previous years — great news for Indian students working part-time. Here is the complete breakdown by age group:
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Age Group | 2026 Rate (From April) | 2025 Rate | Increase | Monthly Earnings (20 hrs/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71/hour | £12.21/hour | +4.1% | £1,017–£1,100 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.00/hour | £8.60/hour | +16.3% | £800–£870 |
| Under 18 | £7.55/hour | £6.40/hour | +18.0% | £604–£655 |
| Apprentice Rate | £7.55/hour | £6.40/hour | +18.0% | £604–£655 |
Most Indian students arriving for their master's in the UK are aged 21-28, meaning they qualify for the full National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour in 2026. At 20 hours per week during term time, that translates to £244.20 per week or approximately £976–£1,060 per month before tax. During holidays, working full-time (37-40 hours/week), Indian students can earn £1,830–£2,120 per month. These earnings can significantly offset your living costs in the UK — especially if you study outside London where rent and expenses are lower. Students who arrived via the UK after 12th route and are under 21 should note the lower age-band rates.
Good News
Best Part-Time Jobs for Indian Students in the UK — Hourly Rates
Not all part-time jobs pay the same. Some roles offer significantly higher hourly rates, flexible scheduling that works around lectures, and even career-relevant experience. Here are the most popular and best-paying part-time jobs for Indian students in the UK in 2026:
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Job Type | Hourly Rate (2026) | Hours Flexibility | Skill Required | Career Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Associate (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Primark) | £12.21–£13.00 | High — shift-based | None — training provided | Low |
| Restaurant/Café Server | £12.21–£14.00 + tips | High — evening/weekend shifts | Customer service | Low-Medium |
| Kitchen Porter / Food Prep | £12.21–£13.50 | Medium — fixed shifts | Basic food hygiene cert | Low |
| University Library Assistant | £12.21–£13.00 | Very High — fits around lectures | None | Medium |
| Campus Ambassador / Student Rep | £12.50–£14.00 | Very High — term-time only | Communication skills | High |
| Teaching/Research Assistant | £13.00–£18.00 | Medium — scheduled hours | Academic strength in subject | Very High |
| IT Help Desk (University) | £13.00–£15.00 | High — shift-based | Basic IT knowledge | High |
| Warehouse Worker (Amazon, DHL) | £12.50–£15.50 | Medium — night shifts available | Physical fitness | Low |
| Tutoring (Private) | £15.00–£30.00 | Very High — you set schedule | Strong academics | High |
| Barista (Costa, Starbucks, Indie) | £12.21–£13.50 + tips | High — morning/evening shifts | Barista training (1-2 days) | Low-Medium |
| Care Home Assistant | £12.50–£14.00 | Medium — fixed rotas | DBS check required | Medium |
| Delivery Driver (Deliveroo, Uber Eats) | NOT ALLOWED | N/A | N/A | N/A — Self-employment prohibited |
Pro Tip
Don’t Navigate This Alone.
27+ Years. 50,000+ Students. High Visa Success Rate.
On-Campus Job Opportunities for Indian Students in the UK
On-campus jobs are the safest and most convenient option for Indian students — they are designed to fit around your academic schedule, located within walking distance of your lectures, and employers fully understand your visa work restrictions. UK universities actively create part-time employment opportunities for international students. Here are the top on-campus roles available in 2026:
Library Assistant
Shelving books, assisting with cataloguing, managing study spaces, and helping students with library resources. £12.21–£13.00/hour. Quiet working environment — many students study during downtime.
Student Union Bar/Café Staff
Serving drinks, operating tills, stocking shelves, and maintaining the SU venue. £12.21–£13.50/hour. Busy evening/weekend shifts during term — social and fun environment.
IT Support / Help Desk
Assisting staff and students with Wi-Fi, software, printer issues, and lab equipment. £13.00–£15.00/hour. Excellent for computer science, IT, and engineering students — adds to your CV.
Student Ambassador / Campus Tour Guide
Leading tours for prospective students, attending open days, and representing the university at events. £12.50–£14.00/hour. Builds communication and leadership skills — sporadic but well-paid.
Research Assistant (Postgraduate)
Supporting professors with data collection, literature reviews, transcription, and lab work. £13.00–£18.00/hour. Directly relevant to your academic career and CV.
Gym/Sports Centre Staff
Reception duties, equipment supervision, class scheduling, and facility maintenance. £12.21–£13.50/hour. Free gym membership often included as a perk.
To find on-campus jobs, check your university's careers portal (e.g., Handshake, CareerHub, or the SU jobs board) at the start of each term. Most on-campus positions are posted in August/September for the autumn term, January for the spring term, and April for the summer. Indian students should apply early — popular roles like IT support and student ambassador fill up within days. Universities like those listed in our best universities in UK guide typically offer the widest range of on-campus employment. If you are studying at a more affordable UK university, check whether the university has a dedicated student employment team.
Need help finding part-time work during your UK studies? EEC\u2019s UK support team provides job-hunting guidance, CV templates, and interview preparation — completely free for all EEC students.
Book Free ConsultationMonthly Earning Potential for Indian Students by UK City
Your earning potential in the UK depends heavily on where you study. London offers the highest wages (and many employers pay above minimum wage to attract staff) but also the highest living costs. Cities like Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Glasgow offer a better earnings-to-cost ratio. Here is a city-by-city breakdown for Indian students working 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays in 2026:
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| City | Avg Hourly Rate | Term Earnings (20 hrs/wk) | Holiday Earnings (40 hrs/wk) | Monthly Rent (Shared) | Net After Rent (Term) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £12.50–£14.00 | £1,000–£1,120/month | £2,000–£2,240/month | £700–£900 | £120–£420 |
| Manchester | £12.21–£13.00 | £976–£1,040/month | £1,952–£2,080/month | £450–£600 | £376–£590 |
| Birmingham | £12.21–£13.00 | £976–£1,040/month | £1,952–£2,080/month | £400–£550 | £426–£640 |
| Sheffield | £12.21–£12.80 | £976–£1,024/month | £1,952–£2,048/month | £350–£500 | £476–£674 |
| Glasgow | £12.21–£12.80 | £976–£1,024/month | £1,952–£2,048/month | £350–£480 | £496–£674 |
| Edinburgh | £12.21–£13.50 | £976–£1,080/month | £1,952–£2,160/month | £450–£600 | £376–£630 |
| Leeds | £12.21–£12.80 | £976–£1,024/month | £1,952–£2,048/month | £370–£500 | £476–£654 |
| Coventry | £12.21–£12.60 | £976–£1,008/month | £1,952–£2,016/month | £350–£480 | £496–£658 |
| Newcastle | £12.21–£12.60 | £976–£1,008/month | £1,952–£2,016/month | £330–£470 | £506–£678 |
The data reveals a counterintuitive truth: Indian students earn more net income in northern UK cities than in London. While London wages are £0.30–£1.80 higher per hour, rent is £250–£400 more per month. A student in Sheffield earning £976/month and paying £400 rent retains £576 — while a London student earning £1,060/month and paying £800 rent retains only £260. This is why EEC consistently advises Indian students to consider universities in Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham, and Glasgow for the best financial outcomes. For a comprehensive cost comparison, read our cost of studying in UK 2026 guide. Students looking to minimise expenses should explore our cheapest universities in UK guide — many affordable universities are located in cities with the best earnings-to-cost ratios.
“I studied MSc Data Science at Sheffield Hallam and worked 20 hours a week at Tesco and as a university IT assistant. I earned about £950 a month during term time — enough to cover all my groceries, phone bill, and transport. During the summer break, I worked full-time and saved nearly £3,000 in two months. EEC helped me plan my finances before I even left India.”
— Arjun M., MSc Data Science, Sheffield Hallam University — Now on Graduate Route visa
National Insurance Number for Indian Students — How to Get It in 2026
Every Indian student who works in the UK needs a National Insurance (NI) number. This is a unique personal reference number used by HMRC to track your tax and National Insurance contributions. Without an NI number, your employer may apply an emergency tax code — which means you pay more tax than necessary. Here is the step-by-step process for 2026:
Get a Job Offer First
You do NOT need an NI number to start working. Your employer can hire you without one — they use a temporary reference. However, you must apply for your NI number as soon as you start employment.
Call the NI Number Application Line
Phone 0800 141 2075 (free from UK mobiles and landlines). The line is open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm. You will answer identity verification questions over the phone. Have your passport, BRP, and UK address ready.
Attend an Identity Verification Appointment (If Required)
In some cases, HMRC may ask you to attend a Jobcentre Plus office for an in-person identity check. Bring your passport, BRP, proof of UK address (bank statement or utility bill), and your employer's details.
Receive Your NI Number by Post
Your NI number arrives in a letter within 4–8 weeks. The format is two letters, six numbers, and one letter (e.g., AB 12 34 56 C). Give this number to your employer immediately so they can update your payroll records.
Keep Your NI Number Safe
Your NI number is for life — even if you leave the UK and return later. Store it securely. You can also find your NI number in the HMRC app or your Personal Tax Account online at gov.uk.
Pro Tip
EEC provides every UK-bound Indian student with a complete pre-departure financial toolkit — NI number guide, bank account setup, and budgeting worksheets.
Tax Rules for Indian Student Earnings in the UK — 2026
Understanding UK tax rules is critical for Indian students working part-time. The good news: the UK has a generous Personal Allowance that means most part-time student workers pay ZERO income tax. Here is the complete 2026 tax breakdown:
← Swipe left to see more columns →
| Tax Component | 2026 Threshold/Rate | What It Means for Students | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £12,570/year tax-free | Earn up to £12,570 before any income tax is due | None — automatically applied |
| Basic Rate Income Tax | 20% on £12,571–£50,270 | Only earnings ABOVE £12,570 are taxed at 20% | Deducted automatically via PAYE |
| National Insurance (Employee) | 8% on earnings above £242/week | Most part-time students earn below this threshold | Deducted automatically if applicable |
| Student Loan Repayment | N/A for international students | UK student loans don't apply to non-UK students | No action needed |
| Council Tax | EXEMPT for full-time students | Full-time students are exempt from Council Tax | Get exemption letter from university |
Here is the critical calculation for Indian students: at 20 hours per week and £12.21/hour, you earn approximately £12,698 per year (52 weeks × 20 hours × £12.21). This is only £128 above the Personal Allowance — meaning you would pay just £25.60 in income tax for the entire year (£128 × 20%). In practice, most Indian students who take a few weeks off for exams and travel earn below £12,570 and pay ZERO income tax. Students who work full-time during holidays may push slightly above the threshold, but the tax liability remains minimal. For a deeper understanding of UK costs, see our cost of studying in UK guide. Students funding their education through loans should read our education loan for UK guide to understand how part-time earnings interact with loan repayment schedules.
Good News
How to Claim Back Overpaid Tax
If you have been placed on an emergency tax code (usually because you started work without an NI number) or if you leave the UK before the end of the tax year (5 April), you may be entitled to a tax refund. Indian students can reclaim overpaid tax by completing form P85 (Leaving the UK) or by contacting HMRC directly. The refund typically takes 6-8 weeks and is sent by cheque or bank transfer. Do NOT pay for "tax refund services" that charge 20-40% commission — the HMRC process is free and straightforward. Many Indian students leaving the UK after their Graduate Route visa ends can reclaim £200–£800 in overpaid tax.
Warning
Indian students planning their UK study journey should factor part-time work earnings into their overall budget. At £12.21/hour and 20 hours/week, you can realistically earn £10,000–£14,000 over a 12-month master's programme (including holiday full-time work). This can cover 40-60% of your annual living costs outside London, significantly reducing the financial burden on your family. Combined with UK scholarships, part-time earnings make studying in the UK remarkably affordable. Students who wish to explore studying without English test scores can check our guide on how to study in UK without IELTS in 2026.
The UK remains one of the best countries for Indian students to earn while studying in 2026. The £12.21/hour minimum wage, 20-hour work allowance, holiday full-time flexibility, and £12,570 tax-free threshold create an unmatched earning environment. Whether you are working as a barista at Costa, a teaching assistant at your university, or tutoring A-Level students privately, every pound you earn reduces your dependence on loans and family support. Indian students with academic concerns should know that even those who study in UK with backlogs have full access to part-time work rights — your work entitlement is based on your visa, not your grades. Book a free consultation with EEC today to plan your UK study-and-work strategy. With 27+ years of expertise and 50,000+ students placed, EEC ensures Indian students arrive in the UK fully prepared — academically, financially, and professionally. Visit your nearest EEC branch to speak with a UK specialist and start your journey.
Pro Tip
Frequently Asked Questions: Part-Time Jobs in UK for Students
Ready to Study in UK?
Free counseling. Free admission process. Pay tuition only after visa approval. high visa success rate since 1997.
Related Articles
Cost of Studying in UK 2026: Tuition Fees in INR, Living Expenses & Budget Guide
The total cost of studying in UK for Indian students ranges from ₹12 Lakhs to ₹45 Lakhs per year. Complete fee breakdown by university and city.
Read ArticleGraduate Route Visa UK 2026: Post-Study Work Visa Rules, 18-Month Change & How to Apply
The UK Graduate Route visa gives you up to 2 years (18 months from Jan 2027; 3 for PhD) of unrestricted work rights after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed.
Read ArticleUK Student Visa 2026: Student Route Process, CAS Letter, Documents & Interview Guide
The UK Student Route visa has a 95%+ approval rate — the highest among major destinations. Complete process, CAS letter, and document guide.
Read Article