Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK (2025)

Are you an international student in the UK looking for part-time work to help cover your expenses or gain valuable work experience? Many international students in the UK juggle part-time jobs while managing their academic commitments. Working part-time not only provides extra income but also allows students to develop essential skills, expand their professional network, and get a first-hand taste of the UK work culture.

With the right part-time job, you can earn a decent income without sacrificing your studies. The UK offers a wide variety of part-time roles that cater to students with different skill sets and career aspirations. From working as a library assistant to becoming a freelance graphic designer, the options are plentiful.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the highest-paying part-time jobs for international students in the UK in 2025, their earning potential, and how you can find the best role to complement your studies.

Why Work Part-Time as an International Student in the UK?

The cost of living in the UK, especially in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh, can be high. While many students rely on savings, scholarships, or family support, part-time work is a great way to supplement income and manage daily expenses. Here are some key reasons why working part-time can be beneficial:

• Earn Extra Money: The primary reason many students seek part-time jobs is to cover living costs, including rent, food, transportation, and social activities.
• Develop Work Experience: Part-time jobs give students practical work experience that can be valuable when applying for full-time positions after graduation. Skills like teamwork, communication, and time management are often enhanced through part-time roles.
• Network Building: Working part-time allows you to meet professionals in various industries. These connections can be crucial for finding internships or future job opportunities.
• Balance Studies and Work: Many part-time jobs offer flexible working hours that fit around your academic schedule. This ensures that you can balance earning money with focusing on your studies.

Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK

Below is a list of some of the highest-paying part-time jobs available to international students in the UK. Each role has its unique advantages and can offer students the chance to gain valuable work experience while studying.

1. Library Assistant

Working as a library assistant is a popular option for students who enjoy quiet environments and have strong organizational skills. Many UK universities hire students to work in their libraries, making this an ideal on-campus job. As a library assistant, you’ll help organize materials, assist library users, manage check-outs, and ensure that the library runs smoothly.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£9,990 to £14,190 per annum

Benefits:

• Quiet, relaxed work environment
• Often allows for flexibility to focus on your studies
• Proximity to your campus and classes

How to Find a Job:

University libraries often post job openings on their internal job boards, so check with your institution’s career services or website.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

This role is perfect for students who want a calm atmosphere while earning extra money. Since the environment is conducive to studying, you can use your downtime to review class materials or prepare for exams.

2. Dog Walker or Pet Caretaker

If you’re an animal lover, working as a dog walker or pet caretaker could be a fun and fulfilling part-time job. This job is ideal for students who enjoy spending time outdoors and want flexible hours. Many dog walkers or pet caretakers offer their services independently or through apps like Rover or Tailster.

Average Daily Pay:

£24.23 per day (based on multiple dog walks)

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours that can fit around your studies
• Opportunity to get exercise and enjoy outdoor activities
• Minimal interaction with people, ideal for introverted students

How to Find a Job:

You can find pet-care jobs on websites like Homesitters.co.uk or through apps like Minders Keepers. Alternatively, you can promote your services locally via flyers or social media.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

If you love animals and are looking for a way to earn money without being stuck inside an office or shop, this is the perfect part-time job. It also offers the freedom to work when it suits your schedule.

3. Graduate Research Assistant or Tutor

For graduate and doctoral students, becoming a research assistant is a fantastic way to earn money while contributing to academic research in your field. Research assistants typically assist professors with collecting data, analyzing findings, and writing academic papers. Alternatively, tutoring is another option for academically strong students, allowing them to help others while earning money.

Annual Salary for Tutors:

£24,187 on average

Benefits:

• Deepen your knowledge of your chosen subject
• Flexible working arrangements
• Excellent preparation for a career in academia or teaching

How to Find a Job:

Research assistant roles are often advertised by departments within your university. If you’re interested in tutoring, many students use platforms like MyTutor or offer private lessons to peers in subjects like math, science, languages, or even skills like music or coding.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

This job offers the chance to earn money while advancing your own academic career. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about teaching and want to gain in-depth experience in research.

4. Developer

If you have skills in coding or game design, you can earn a high income by working part-time as a developer. The tech industry in the UK is booming, and there is a constant demand for part-time developers who can work on everything from website design to creating apps and software.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£15,200 to £23,430 per annum

Benefits:

• High salary compared to other part-time roles
• Opportunity to enhance your resume with technical skills
• Work experience in a growing industry

How to Find a Job:

Tech companies and startups often post part-time developer jobs on platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Technojobs.co.uk. You can also find freelance opportunities on websites like Upwork or Fiverr.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

With the flexibility to work remotely, part-time developer jobs offer students the chance to earn good money while improving their technical expertise. It’s also a great way to build a portfolio that will help you secure a full-time role after graduation.

5. Graduate Teaching Assistant

As a graduate teaching assistant, you will assist professors by grading assignments, conducting tutorials, and helping students with course material. This role is particularly beneficial for students pursuing careers in academia, as it provides valuable teaching experience.

Salary:

Varies by institution and specific role, but usually competitive with other part-time academic roles.

Benefits:

• Firsthand teaching experience
• Professional development opportunities
• Enhanced understanding of academic material

How to Find a Job:

These positions are often advertised by university departments, particularly in graduate programs. Check your university’s internal job board or speak directly to your department.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

This job is excellent for those who want to pursue a career in academia or teaching. It allows you to develop essential skills like communication, public speaking, and curriculum development.

6. Database Administrator

Working as a database administrator is a fantastic option for students studying information technology or data science. The role involves managing, securing, and troubleshooting database systems for organizations, which requires a good understanding of database software and programming languages.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£12,000 to £16,000 per annum

Benefits:

• Strong earning potential
• Builds practical, technical skills highly valued in IT industries
• Offers the chance to work remotely

How to Find a Job:

Database administrator roles can be found on job boards like CV-Library, Reed.co.uk, or LinkedIn. Look for companies that offer part-time or freelance positions in data management.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

For students studying IT, this job provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience that will be invaluable in future full-time positions. It also allows you to work flexible hours and develop specialized skills.

7. Graphic Designer

If you have a passion for creativity and are proficient with design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, working as a part-time or freelance graphic designer can be a lucrative opportunity. Many businesses, startups, and marketing agencies hire part-time designers to create visuals for digital campaigns, websites, and promotional materials.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£12,000 to £18,550 per annum

Benefits:

• Creative freedom and flexible working conditions
• Build a portfolio that can lead to full-time opportunities
• Demand is growing, particularly in digital marketing and advertising sectors

How to Find a Job:

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr are popular places to find graphic design jobs. You can also reach out to small businesses or startups in your area that may need design services.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

Graphic design is one of the most flexible part-time jobs for students, offering the ability to work remotely and on a freelance basis. It’s also a great way to build your design portfolio, which can open doors to higher-paying positions in the future.

8. Examination Assistant

As an examination assistant, you’ll help educational institutions manage the logistics of administering exams. Responsibilities include setting up exam halls, handling materials, and ensuring that the testing process runs smoothly. This is a temporary role typically available during exam seasons.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£10,900 to £12,000 per annum

Benefits:

• Flexible hours, especially during exam periods
• Minimal work required outside of exam times
• Ideal for students looking for short-term work

How to Find a Job:

Examination assistant jobs are often advertised directly by schools, colleges, and universities. Check your institution’s job board or approach the administrative office during exam periods.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

This role is perfect for students who are looking for short-term, flexible work that aligns with exam periods, allowing them to focus on studies during the rest of the academic year.

9. Student Ambassador

Many UK universities hire student ambassadors to represent the institution and promote it to prospective students. Duties include conducting campus tours, participating in open days, hosting online chats, and contributing to social media content.

Hourly Pay:

Approximately £11.45 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible hours that fit around your studies
• Improves public speaking and communication skills
• Opportunity to interact with future students and promote your university

How to Find a Job:

Check with your university’s admissions or marketing department. Many student ambassador roles are advertised at the beginning of the academic year.

Why It’s Ideal for Students: This role is perfect for students who are passionate about their university and enjoy interacting with people. It’s also a great way to develop valuable communication skills that can be beneficial in future careers.

10. Call Center Agent

Working as a call center agent is an option for students who have strong communication skills and enjoy customer service. These roles typically involve handling customer inquiries, providing technical support, or making sales calls. Call centers often offer flexible shifts that can accommodate your academic schedule.

Part-Time Salary Range:

£13,000 to £15,360 per annum

Benefits:

• Good pay for relatively straightforward work
• Opportunities to develop customer service and sales skills
• Flexible working hours

How to Find a Job:

You can find call center jobs on popular job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Totaljobs. Many large companies regularly recruit part-time agents for their customer service departments.

Why It’s Ideal for Students:

Call center jobs provide flexible hours and offer an excellent opportunity to develop transferable skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.

Maximizing Your Part-Time Work Experience

While working part-time during your studies, it’s important to find a job that not only helps you earn extra income but also aligns with your career goals. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of part-time work:

• Focus on Relevant Experience: Choose part-time jobs that complement your field of study or future career goals. For example, if you’re studying computer science, a part-time job as a developer or database administrator will enhance your resume and make you more attractive to future employers.
• Balance Work and Studies: Make sure to prioritize your academic commitments. Select a job that offers flexible hours, especially during exam periods, to avoid burnout.
• Build Transferable Skills: Even if your part-time job is unrelated to your field of study, it can still help you develop valuable soft skills like time management, communication, and problem-solving, all of which are essential in any career.
• Network: Take advantage of your part-time work to build professional relationships with colleagues, supervisors, or even clients. Networking can open doors to full-time positions or internships after you graduate.

Final Thoughts

Working part-time as an international student in the UK offers both financial benefits and an opportunity to gain valuable experience. Whether you’re walking dogs, assisting with research, or working as a graphic designer, the key is to find a job that fits your interests, schedule, and career goals.

By focusing on high-paying part-time jobs that provide relevant experience, you can enhance your employability post-graduation and build a strong foundation for your future career. Remember, part-time work in the UK is more than just earning money—it’s about gaining experience, developing skills, and building your professional network.

Are you ready to find the perfect part-time job while studying in the UK? Explore available student jobs or contact us to learn more about how you can work part-time and maximize your study experience in the UK.