Working in the UK: information for international students
As an international student, you may want to consider working here while you study. There are a number of ways you can gain work experience so that you can develop and showcase your skills, for example:
- Part-time jobs
- Placements and internships
- Volunteering
- GCU's Common Good Award
You may also want to explore the possibility of working in the UK after your studies.
Targetjobs explains when and how employers recruit graduates, including the difference between graduate schemes and direct entry routes: Guide to job hunting in the UK for international students
As an international student or graduate, you must be absolutely clear about your eligibility to work in the UK as stated on your visa. The Careers Service does not advise on these matters. If you are in any doubt, you must check this with GCU’s VISA team (International Student Support) who will advise you on all related issues.
The most up-to-date information on visa requirements is available from:
UK Visas and Immigration – GOV.UK
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
UKCISA - international student advice and guidance - Student work
Visas and permits for international students who wish to work in the UK (Targetjobs)
Targetjobs also explains the UK's immigration rules on working while studying: Guide to job hunting for international students
Scotland.org has developed an information page to help international students find a job after graduation.
Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland offer free advice appointments to people who want to move to Scotland or who have already arrived and need help to settle in. They offer information and advice on a wide range of topics, including navigating immigration rules, education, and employment.
The advice appointments are available via video call, via telephone, or in person. For full details, please see Scotland's Migration Service.
Remember that as a GCU student, your priority is to study and achieve your qualifications.
The following information is given only as general guidance and the hours that you can work while studying will be clearly stated on your Student Visa:
- During term time, this will be part-time with specific hours as stated on your visa
- During university vacation, you can usually work full-time. Check with your school to clarify the vacation dates that apply to you.
Please contact the VISA team if you are in any doubt about your working entitlement.
Everyone working in the UK must have a National Insurance number. If you're an International or EU student you'll need to apply by phone for this in order to work while studying. You must be eligible to study or work in the UK to get a National Insurance number.
Phone using the National Insurance number application line: 0800 141 2079 Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
Your first step is to login to CareerHub@GCU to see all of our current paid and voluntary work experience opportunities. All GCU students are automatically given full access to CareerHub@GCU. The system is single sign-on which means you can simply login using your usual GCU username and password.
You can also follow us on GCU Careers Blog , Twitter/X , Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with career-related information and activities both on and off campus. There will be opportunities for you to connect with employers at Careers Fairs and other employer events, so make sure you find out what’s happening.
A 'Right to work checks: an employer's guide' provides information on how to carry out right to work checks, why employers need to do them, and which documents they can use.
UKCISA provide advice for employers to help them understand the responsibilities that they have when employing international students.
Graduate jobs
If you are looking for a graduate job, you'll need to become career-ready very quickly. Use your time at GCU not only to gain your degree but also to develop the graduate attributes and employability skills that employers expect you to have, for example, teamwork, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Remember to follow GCU Careers on social media and log in to CareerHub@GCU to see all our latest vacancies. All GCU students are automatically given full access to CareerHub@GCU. The system is single sign-on, which means you can simply log in using your usual GCU username and password.
Some graduate employers advertise early and expect you to apply before your course has finished. These employers are likely to have a long recruitment process that may involve a number of stages, and can also be very competitive. Plan well ahead and make good use of graduate Careers Fairs, Career Conversations, and additional events and support organised by GCU Careers Service.
Targetjobs explains about when and how employers recruit graduates, including the difference between graduate schemes and direct entry routes: International students' guide to job hunting in the UK.
Work in the UK after graduation
There are a range of options available for international students who want to stay and work in the UK after their studies. The UK Government website provides up-to-date information on visa and immigration regulations.
The new Graduate Visa route allows you to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for two years (three years if you have a PhD) after successfully completing your course of study. You do not need to have found a job to apply for this visa, as this is an unsponsored route.
The Skilled Worker route (which replaces the Tier 2 General Visa) requires sponsorship by an employer to do a job that has to meet certain salary and skills requirements.
Further details of the graduate and skilled worker visas, as well as other post-study visa routes, are available from the International Support team.
UKCISA also has detailed information relating to your options if you are considering working after your studies.