These sections contain information specifically for international students about improving your employability and job hunting in the UK and around the world.

You should use this information alongside the rest of the Careers & Employability Service website to help you to explore your options for working during your studies and after graduation.

We cannot find you a job – UK careers services do not operate in this way – but we can help you with your job hunting and applications. Contact us if you have any questions.

• 1. Working in the UK – Key Facts

  In the UK, The National Minimum Wage is the minimum pay per hour almost all workers are entitled to by law. It doesn’t matter how small an employer is, they still have to pay the minimum wage.

  The minimum wage rate depends on a worker’s age and if they’re an apprentice. These figures change each year on 1st October and the latest information can be found on the Gov.UK website.

  As an international student you may be liable to pay National Insurance contributions and tax if you work whilst you are studying. The amount is dependent on how much you earn. For information on paying national insurance and tax please see http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/migrantworkers/uk-tax.htm.

• 2. How to get a National Insurance Number

  You will need to get a National Insurance Number if you intend to work in the UK. You are eligible to apply for a National Insurance Number if you have a valid passport and current visa that gives you permission to work.

  For more information about getting a national insurance number, check the Gov.UK website for the latest information.

• 3. Working during your studies

  As an international student you may be able work in the UK subject to a number of restrictions. Your visa will state if you are allowed to work in the UK, and what restrictions with regards working hours apply.

  If you are studying on a full time degree programme with student immigration permission, your permission to work during your studies will be stated on the sticker in your passport or on your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).

  Failure to meet the terms of your student visa is a breach of immigration laws and you will be committing a criminal offence. If found guilty you could be fined and face up to six months in prison. You would also be liable to be removed (deported) and face an automatic refusal of any application to return to the UK from between one and ten years.

  For more information on the latest regulations see The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

  Note: Remember if you do have a visa that allows you to work in the UK your main reason for being here is to study and therefore you need to be careful to maintain a balance between employment and studies.

  Once you have checked that you are able to work in the UK whilst you study, visit the finding a job section of our website and read our guide to looking for part-time or temporary work.

• 4. Working in the UK after graduation

  If you wish to stay in the UK to work when you have finished your studies you will need to apply for immigration permission, unless you are an EEA or Swiss national. There are different routes which you should check to see if you qualify and decide which is most appropriate for you.

  Details of the current situation are available on the website of The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and the UK Government’s Border Agency

• 5. Looking for Work

  The best place to start looking for vacancies is right here on our website. Employers send us details of part-time and graduate job vacancies, along with work experience and voluntary opportunities which we advertise via Opportunities Online.

  Graduate Prospects comprehensive website provides careers information and advice to International. You can search graduate vacancies, find information on working in the UK and look through country specific careers information.

  International Graduate Jobs – Graduate Prospects and The Careers Group, University of London are working in partnership to bring together UK-educated International Students (European & Overseas) and Graduate Employers via this searchable online database.

  Don’t forget the finding a job section of this website for further details on finding vacancies in the UK.

• 6. The application process

  Make the most of the Careers & Employability Service to help you with the job application process.

  We can help with writing a UK-style CV. Use the guides on our website or attend our workshops on completing application forms and writing CVs. We can also help you to prepare for interviews and practise the tests you may be set as part of the recruitment procedure.

  The MMU Professional Passport replicates a rigorous graduate recruitment process and will help you to consider all your attributes and skills in an employment-focused way so that you learn how to promote them and persuade future employers to offer you the job.

• 7. Working outside the UK

  Our working abroad page is a great starting point for those looking for employment outside the UK.

  Going Global is an online database packed with information for those considering working outside of the UK – whether you are an international student planning to return home or looking to explore career opportunities in a new country. Going Global contains job-hunting profiles for over 30 countries, including information on:

  • job vacancies and internships
  • work permit/visa regulations
  • job application and interview tips
  • cultural and relocation information.

  Country guides

  Whether you are a graduate returning to your own country, a placement student, or simply want to work in another country these location guides are packed with useful advice. They include information about which sectors are growing, where to look for vacancies and how to apply for jobs – including example CVs and interview tips.

  As well as Going Global, the following websites have guides on other countries:

  NASES
  Graduate Prospects

• 8. Improve your job prospects

  Make yourself employable
  Alongside your academic studies, develop the key skills employers look for by taking part in our Student Employability Development Programme or the MMU Professional Passport

  Gain experience
  Consider part-time work, work experience placements and voluntary projects. You might use your language skills as a starting point to building experience.

  If you are considering volunteering, make sure that you are providing a service for a registered voluntary or charitable organisation and not simply carrying out unpaid work for an employer. If you are in any doubt, The UKBA’s ‘Full guide for Employers on preventing illegal working in the UK’ provides guidelines for volunteers.

  Make connections and network
  Keep up to date with the jobs market where you plan to look for work. Take advantage of mentoring opportunities and networks such as our Alumni association. See our guides to networking and using social media to job hunt.

  Meet with employers
  Attend careers fairs, recruitment events and employer presentations on campus and beyond.

  Develop your English language and communication skills
  Mix with UK students and contact ELSIS if you need additional help.

  Market yourself
  It’s not just about what you have to offer, but how you communicate that to an employer. Use our guides or attend our workshops on completing application forms and writing CVs.

• 9. Key contacts and organisations

  Immigration and working in the UK

  MMU’s Immigration and Welfare Unit can provide confidential advice and help with many aspects of living or studying here. They also support students through the UK immigration processes during their time at MMU. Their team is based in the New Business School at the All Saints Campus in Manchester. Current MMU students can call in to the Student Hub to book an appointment to see a member of their team between 9.30am and 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

  The UK Border Agency (UKBA) provides official information and application guidelines for both international individuals and employers about work visas and extending your stay in the UK.

  UKCISA: The UK Council for International Student Affairs this organisation provides information and help to international students studying in the UK about living and working in the UK, immigration and finance matters. They have a useful website and a number of downloadable guidance sheets. A telephone advice service is also available.

  Qualifications, study and culture

  The International Society Looks after the welfare of international students during their time in Manchester and promotes positive international relations. The society also runs a programme of events and activities for international students.

  UK NARIC The National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) can make general comparisons as to how international qualifications compare with UK qualifications. NARIC make a charge for providing certificates of equivalence to individuals directly.

  English Language Services for International Students (ELSIS) provides free English classes and one-to-one tutorials for international students at MMU in every faculty during the Autumn and Spring terms, and one-to-one individual writing consultations during the third term and summer. Courses include English language development, grammar, pronunciation and academic writing.

  You might also like to read our guide to useful websites for international students.