EEA and International Student Regulations
European Economic Area (EEA) Students
If you are a student from a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a Swiss national then you can work in the UK without any restrictions on the type or amount of work you undertake. Students are subject to the same tax and national insurance contributions as UK students.
EEA countries:
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International Students (Non-EEA Students)
If you are an International Students on a full-time course (over 6 months) with a restricted stamp you are allowed to work subject to certain conditions:
- You can only work up to 20 hours per week during term time
- You can work full time during vacations (see academic calendar for dates)
- You can work during a placement year of a sandwich course without a permit
These conditions (above) apply as long as International Students:
- Do no set up their own business
- Not self-employed
- Do not work as a professional sports person or entertainer
- Do not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in students being 'administratively removed' from the UK with 48 hours.
Tax
International Students need to pay tax at the same rate as a UK citizen.
National Insurance (NI)
All employed people who earn over a certain amount each year have to pay National Insurance. In order to be employed in the UK you will need a National Insurance number so that the Contribution Agency can keep a record of how much National Insurance you have paid.
To obtain a National Insurance number:
- You will need a firm, written offer of employment
- You should make an appointment with Customer Services at the local Benefits Agency
- When you go for your interview you will need to take:
- Two Forms of identification
- A letter from the university
- Your employer will give you a temporary number until you receive your own
You must obtain your NI number as soon as possible as it may take up to six weeks for your National Insurance number to be allocated. You will be able to work on your temporary number until you receive your own number.
More information
For more information regarding work in the UK please visit these websites:
