Minimum Wage in UK For International Students 2023
Minimum Wage in UK for International Students: As an international student pursuing higher education in the UK, it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding the minimum wage. Working part-time while studying is a common practice for many students, and being aware of the minimum wage ensures fair compensation for their efforts. This article explores the minimum wage laws in the UK for international students, its significance, and how it impacts their living and learning experience.
Minimum Wage in UK for International Students 2023
The UK minimum wage per hour is a set minimum amount that any employee or worker in the country can earn per hour. The UK government sets the limit, and no wage in the country can go lower than this amount. This means that no company can hire people to work for less than the minimum wage in the UK.
Every year, the UK’s minimum wage per hour is changed and improved. It is set differently for different age groups and different kinds of work.
Here are the hourly minimum wages in the UK for the current financial year and the years before it.
UK WAGE BAND | UK NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE – APRIL 2022 ONWARDS(IN GBP) |
---|---|
National Living Wage | 9.50 |
Age 21-22 | 9.18 |
Age 18-20 | 6.56 |
Below 18 | 4.63 |
Apprentice | 4.30 |
As a foreign student, you can work and go to school in the UK. But there are limits on how much work you can do and what kind of work you can do.
If you are taking a degree-level study full-time, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time when you are on break. You can work at any level in any kind of paid job. You don’t have to work only on campus.
During term time, if you are taking a study that isn’t for a degree, you can work up to 10 hours per week. You can only work in certain jobs, like those that are related to your studies or are on campus.
You are not allowed to be your own boss or to work as a professional athlete or performer. You can’t work in any job that is considered “engaging in business,” either.
If you want to work more than the number of hours allowed, you will need to get a change to your visa. This is a complicated process, so if you want to do it, you should talk to a visa advisor first.
Working in the UK while you study can be a great way to make more money and gain important work experience. But it’s important to keep in mind that your schoolwork should come first. If you find it hard to study and work at the same time, you should cut back on your hours or look for a different job.
Eligibility for National Minimum Wage UK
In the UK, you must meet the following requirements to be qualified for the National Minimum Wage (NMW):
You must be classed as a “worker” under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. This means that you must be under a contract of employment, or be working under a “worker’s contract”.
You must be at least 16 years old, which is the age when most people leave school.
- You must work in the United Kingdom.
- You can’t be someone who works for themselves.
- You can’t be in charge of a business.
- You can’t be a helper or a worker who doesn’t get paid.
- You can’t be a part of the military.
- You can’t live with the boss or be related to the employer.
- You can’t be an au pair or other non-family member who lives in the employer’s home, works and plays with the family, doesn’t pay for food or lodging, and is treated like a part of the family.
If you meet all of these requirements, the NMW is yours. The NMW rate varies on how old you are and if you are an apprentice or not. As of April 1, 2023, the following is the NMW rate:
- Age 23 and over £10.42 per hour
- Age 21-22: £10.18 per hour
- Age 18-20: £7.49 per hour
- Under 18: £5.28 per hour
Minimum Wage in UK for International Students
The minimum wage in the UK for international students is the same as for UK nationals. As of April 1, 2023, the minimum wage rates are as follows:
- Age 23 and over: £10.42 per hour
- Age 21-22: £10.18 per hour
- Age 18-20: £7.49 per hour
- Under 18: £5.28 per hour
These rates are the least a company is required to pay by law. Some companies might pay more than the minimum wage.
International students have the right to the minimum wage, no matter where they are from, what they do for work, or how long they have been in the UK.
If you are a foreign student and you think you are not being paid the minimum wage, you can call the ACAS helpline to talk to someone in private about your situation.
Here are some more things to remember about the minimum wage for foreign students in the UK:
- To get the minimum wage in the UK, you have to be able to work there properly.
- If you want to get the minimum pay, you have to work at least 20 hours per week.
- If you’re an intern, you might be able to get paid less than the minimum wage.
Tips for Finding Employment with Minimum Wage in UK
Here are some tips for getting a job in the UK that pays the minimum wage:
- Start your job search early. The earlier you start looking for a job, the more time you will have to find the right one.
- Network with people in your field. Talk to your friends, family, and former colleagues to see if they know of any open positions.
- Look for jobs that are advertised as being open to international students. There are many employers who are willing to hire international students, so be sure to look for these jobs.
- Be prepared to explain your visa status to potential employers. Employers will need to know your visa status in order to determine whether they can hire you.
- Be flexible with your hours. Many minimum wage jobs are part-time or temporary, so be prepared to work around your studies.
- Be prepared to start at the bottom. Most jobs that pay minimum wage are first jobs, so be ready to start at the bottom and work your way up.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
- Use job boards and online platforms. There are many job boards and online platforms that list minimum wage jobs. These can be a great way to find open positions.
- Attend job fairs. Job fairs are a great way to meet with potential employers and learn about open positions.
- Contact staffing agencies. Staffing agencies can help you find minimum-wage jobs. They often have a wide network of employers and can help you find a job that is a good fit for your skills and experience.
- Don’t give up. The job search can be tough but don’t give up. Keep applying for jobs and eventually, you will find the right one.
People Also Ask
-
What is the minimum wage for international students in the UK?
The minimum wage in the UK for international students is the same as for UK nationals. As of April 1, 2023, the minimum wage rates are as follows:
Age 23 and over £10.42 per hour
Age 21-22: £10.18 per hour
Age 18-20: £7.49 per hour
Under 18: £5.28 per hour -
Can international students work full-time during holidays?
Yes, international students can work full-time during holidays in the UK. However, the number of hours they can work during term time is limited.
-
Are there any limitations on the number of hours international students can work In UK?
During term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week if you have a full-time student visa for a degree program. This is a total of no more than 20 hours of work per week, whether paid or free and for one or more groups. The 20 hours can’t be spread out over a longer amount of time.