If you are allowed to work, you can easily find out about any part-time jobs that are available by consulting notice boards around your institution, looking in local newspapers and job centres, and visiting your college or university careers office. Many institutions have their own 'job shop' which displays part-time and holiday vacancies and some may issue job vacancy bulletins. The careers service can also provide you with extensive information and advice about employment, training and further study, and help you with job-hunting and making applications.

The careers service can also provide you with extensive information and advice about employment, training and further study, and help you with job-hunting and making applications.

Before taking a job, think carefully about how much time you will have available. Success on your course is your priority. Your studies may be intensive and demanding and you should be realistic about the amount of time this will leave for part-time work. Many students find that working part time helps improve their English, but you must be careful not to let work interfere with your studies.

If you’re a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country or a Swiss National, you’re free to work in the UK. If you are a student from outside the European Economic Area, you’ll need to follow the procedures explained below.

Before you look for a job in the UK, you’ll need to check that your passport stamp or visa sticker allows you to work. There is a useful page called Working in the UK during your studies that has information on how to recognise this, and international student advisers at your institution are also happy to help you too. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) also provides information for you on its website.

As in most countries, there are some conditions for working which you’ll need to check before you look for a job.  If you’ve got the  passport stamp/visa sticker that lets you work, you can do so as long as:

• You are not self-employed, set up or run your own business, provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer, or pursue a career by taking a full-time position while studying
• Money that you hope to make while doing part-time or vacation work cannot form part of your entry clearance/visa application. You’ll need to show that you can meet the cost of studying and living in the UK without relying on employment apart from money gained from a guaranteed sandwich year placement, or earned through employment at the institution at which you will be studying. Your institution will need to provide evidence of your guaranteed earnings if you want to include these in your visa/entry clearance application
• During term time you work for a maximum of 20 hours a week. It is very important that this is not exceeded.
• The work you are undertaking is a work placement (including 'sandwich' years in employment) that forms a compulsory part of your course
• In some situations, you may also be able to undertake an internship with a company lasting for up to three months.

If you work part time during your studies, you’ll need to meet the conditions explained above.

If you graduate from a recognised UK higher education institution with a degree or higher, you can apply to stay on and work in the UK for two years in the Post-Study Work category. All graduates are eligible regardless of their subject or the area in which they studied. After these two years are over, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit if you possess skills of which there is a shortage in the UK.

The Post-Study Work category replaces the former International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme.

Immigration rules change frequently, so check the UK Border Agency's website for the most up-to-date information. The UKCOSA guidance note, Working in the UK after your studies at www.ukcosa.org.uk/pages/guidenote.htm, may also be helpful.