If you're on a course of 6 months or more, you'll probably have a passport stamp or visa sticker that allows you to work.

During term-time you can work up to 20 hours per week, whilst in vacations you can work as many hours as you want.

For more information on regulations download Working during your studies (PDF, 112K).

Key facts

• The UK national minimum wage is currently £4.77 per hour for 18 – 21 year olds and £5.73 per hour for anyone older. These figures change each year on 1st October.
• You can earn up to £6,035 a year before paying income tax.
• You’ll pay National Insurance contributions if you earn more than £105.00 a week – this is 11% of your pay.
• For more details see the Inland Revenue’s dedicated students and work website.

Your National Insurance Number

How to get a National Insurance Number:

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.

Telephone 08456 000 643 and explain that you are an International student and that you need to apply for a National Insurance Number. You will be sent a simple application form by post. You need to fill in this form and send it with a copy of your visa and the personal pages of your passport to the address on the form. It is unlikely that you will need to go for an interview at the job centre but this may be required in some cases.

If you have any problems getting a National Insurance Number, contact MMU International.

Sometimes employers will not let you work until you have National Insurance Number. You are still allowed to work whilst you wait for your number, but most modern payroll software requires the user to input a number. One way employers can resolve this is by creating their own temporary National Insurance Numbers. If you have an employer who will not employ you whilst you wait for your number, contact MMU International and we will try to help you.

References

These are always useful, so try to bring employer references with you if you've worked before.

It would also be a good idea to bring a police check if possible from your own country - and especially if you want to work with children.

Finding a job

The Student Job Shop

A good way to start if you're looking for a job is to contact the Student Union.

Many job opportunities exist within the Students' Union, the University and external companies and there are jobs in many fields-including retail, office call centres and catering. The vast array of choices mean that you should be able to find a quality job that suits your skills, experience and availablity.

There are opportunities available in both Manchester and Cheshire.

Visit your local Students' Union for more information or visit their job vacancies webpages.

Careers Service

We have careers offices at MMU Manchester and MMU Cheshire.

MMU students and recent graduates can use the service, which is free. The contact numbers are:

• Manchester site: +44 (0)161 247 3483
• Cheshire site: +44 (0)161 247 5326

Or you can send the Careers Service: careers@mmu.ac.uk

If you are looking for part time work please go to MMU's Careers website.

Other job opportunities

The following organisations are all a good source of paid and voluntary work:

• CoMMUni - This is MMU's own student volunteering and work experience service.
• Student Ambassadors - get involved in all kinds of jobs and activities on campus; email jobs4students@mmu.ac.uk for information.
• Local Job Centre Plus offices
  • 96 Wilmslow Rd, Rusholme, Manchester
  • 18-20 Fountain Street, Manchester (City Centre)
  • 32-34 Market Street, Crewe
  • 38-44 Delemere Street, Crewe

Further Opportunities in the UK and abroad

• International Voluntary Service
• BUNAC

Opportunities after your studies have finished

There are a number of schemes that will help you if you want to stay in the UK after your studies to gain work experience.

One of the most popular is the Post Study Work Scheme, which allows most graduates the opportunity to stay in the UK for 2 years to work or set up a business.

There are also additional schemes, including sponsored worker and opportunities as a highly skilled worker. These schemes provide options for a longer period of work experience and may allow for settlement in the UK after a qualifying period.

You can download a guide on Working in the UK after your studies from the UKCISA website, or contact MMU International for further information on these schemes.