International Students
Working in the UK
Part-time employment
Full-time international students studying in the UK with student immigration permission are normally authorised to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You must make sure that you comply with any restrictions which apply to you, including those related to working during vacations. For further information on regulations and your employment rights visit the UKCISA and NASES websites. Use our Job Shop to search for part-time work in and around St Andrews.
For individual queries about immigration rules relating to working in the UK as an international student seek advice from Wendy Houldsworth, the University's International and Cultural Adviser, based in Student Services.
National Insurance & Income Tax
Everyone who works in the UK (including international students), must have a National Insurance Number. They must also pay income tax if they earn over the ‘personal allowance' in a tax year (April to April). Read the page on National Insurance & Income Tax for further details.
Employment after Graduation
Information on immigration changes frequently. The Careers Centre is not currently in a position to give individual advice but you can inform yourself about up-to-date regulations on the UK Border and Immigration Agency website.
The following resources are also useful:
- Employers in the UK who have been given permission to sponsor international applicants are listed on the UK Border Agency Register of Sponsors - Employers
- The Talent Scotland Relocation Advisory Service has immigration advisers working in Glasgow who can advise employers and workers on visas and immigration matters
- Working in the UK after studies page on the University website
- One of the UK's largest recruiters of graduates, KPMG, has equivalency information relating to European and non-European qualifications on its website
- AGCAS International Students (PDF, 197 KB) - includes information on working and studying in the UK and working outside the UK.
- Working in UK regions
University's Intersessional English Language Support Service (IELSS)
You can ask someone to help you check and improve your English language spelling and grammar on your CV/covering letter at the University's Insessional English Language Support Service (IELSS), which is based in English Language Teaching, Kinnessburn, Kennedy Gardens. IELSS offers two types of tutorial: bookable or drop-in. In order to book a tutorial, use the online booking form available on the IELSS website under "related links". With this type of tutorial, you can send your CV/covering letter at least two working days in advance so that a tutor can prepare it before the tutorial. If, however, there are no bookable tutorials available in a suitable time frame, the drop in tutorial service offers you an alternative. To reserve a drop-in tutorial, visit the ELT Reception Office from 8.45 onwards on the day you would like to see a tutor. This service runs all day on Wednesdays, and on Thursday and Friday mornings during semesters at present. Unlike the bookable tutorial service, it is not possible to send your CV/covering letter in advance. If you would like further information, please contact Janie Brooks (eltsupport@st-andrews.ac.uk).