10 Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs in London for International Students

London, a global hub of opportunities, offers international students more than just world-class education. If you are juggling studies and finances, part-time jobs here can be both rewarding and lucrative.

From tutoring to tech support, the city provides roles that pay well and build valuable skills. Explore the top 10 highest-paying part-time jobs in London to balance learning and earning effectively!

Quick Overview

Highest paying part time jobs: Tutor, Retail Assitant, Dog Walker, Waiter, Translator, Customer Service Representative, Library Assistant, Barista, Social Media Management & Fitness Instructor.

Average part-time job salary: £41,985 annually

Top companies offering part-time jobs in London

• Manpower
• Adecco
• Hays Recruitment
• Michael Page
• Randstad

Best online sites for searching part-time jobs:

Indeed, Reed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor and GrabJobs.

Getting a part-time job in London as an international student

Securing a part-time job in London as an international student requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. A Tier 4 visa (Student Visa) allows you to work while studying but ensures your university permits part-time employment. 

Adhering to visa regulations and restrictions is crucial to avoid complications. Effectively balancing work and academics can open doors to valuable experiences and financial support.

Part-time job rules

• Working Hours: Full-time degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during session breaks. Foundation-level course students can work up to 10 hours weekly during term time.
• Employment Restrictions: International students cannot work as full-time employees, doctors or dentists in training (unless enrolled in a relevant foundation program), entertainers or sportspersons.
• Freelancing and Business: Freelancing, contractual work and running a business are strictly prohibited.
• Course-Specific Restrictions: Working hours and job opportunities may vary based on the type of course and Tier 4 sponsor regulations.

10 highest paying part-time jobs in London for international students

Tutor (Average salary £20 per hour)

Job Details: Tutoring is a great part-time job for international students with expertise in a subject and a passion for teaching. As a tutor, you will assist students with their coursework, clarify doubts and help them achieve academic success, all while honing your teaching skills.

Expected Salary Bracket: The average part-time salary in London is £20 per hour based on the location and experience.

Eligibility: 

• Students with strong academic performance are often preferred.
• Expertise in specific skills, such as playing a musical instrument, can make you a sought-after candidate.

How to Apply/Find: Local newspapers, networking, online job portals.

Translator (Average salary £10 – £20 per hour)

Job Details: Translation services are a great part-time job option for bilingual or multilingual students. As a translator, you will convert written or spoken content from one language to another, bridging communication gaps.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £10 – £20 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Proficiency in at least two languages.
• Strong understanding of grammar, syntax and language nuances in both languages.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate and clear translations.

How to Apply/Find: Online job boards like TranslatorCafe, ProZ and Upwork. 

Fitness Instructor (Average salary £10 to £20 per hour)

Job Details: If you are passionate about fitness and love helping others reach their goals, becoming a fitness instructor is an ideal part-time job. Your role may include leading group exercise classes or offering personalised training sessions.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £10 to £20 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Excellent communication and motivational skills to lead group classes or work one-on-one with clients.
• Certification in specific fitness areas, such as group exercise or personal training, is often required.

How to Apply/Find: Local gyms, fitness centres or online fitness platforms like TrainAway and ClassPass.

Social Media Management (Average salary £10 to £15 per hour)

Job Details: Social media management is an excellent part-time job for those skilled in social media and interested in marketing. As a social media manager, you will create and schedule engaging content, interact with followers and analyse performance metrics to boost engagement.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £10 to £15 per hour based on experience.

Eligibility: 

• Strong understanding of various social media platforms.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

How to Apply/Find: Online portals like LinkedIn, Glassdoor and Indeed.

Dog Walker (Average salary £12.50 per hour)

Job Details: Dog walking is a popular and rewarding part-time job for international students in London, especially for animal lovers. This role offers flexibility to fit around your study schedule while providing a stress-relieving and enjoyable experience.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £12.50 per hour based on experience and location. 

Eligibility: 

• A genuine love for animals and comfort in handling dogs of various breeds and sizes.
• Physical fitness to manage long walks and energetic dogs.

How to Apply/Find: Networking with local pet stores, pet owners, vet clinics, etc. 

Waiter (Average salary £12 per hour)

Job Details: Working as a server or waiter is a popular part-time job choice for international students. This role involves interacting with customers, offering menu options and ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £12 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Strong customer service and communication skills to ensure a positive dining experience for customers.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

How to Apply/Find: Online job portals like Indeed, Caterer and Gumtree. Local cafes and restaurants may also help.

Library Assistant (Average salary £10 – £15 per hour)

Job Details: International students seeking on-campus employment can apply for part-time positions at universities or public libraries. As a library assistant, your responsibilities include helping patrons locate books and resources, organising shelves and maintaining the library’s order. 

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £10 – £15 per hour based on experience and location. 

Eligibility: 

• Good organisational skills to maintain order and manage library resources.
• Attention to detail for cataloguing and organising shelves accurately.

How to Apply/Find: Local libraries, online job portals or networking.

Customer Service Representative (Average salary £11 per hour)

Job Details: Customer Service Representatives (CSR) handle customer inquiries, resolve issues, and provide product support via calls, emails or chats. This role offers flexible working hours, competitive pay and valuable communication experience.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £11 per hour.

Eligibility: 

• Good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with customers effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

How to Apply/Find: Online job portals and local networking.

Barista (Average salary £10 per hour)

Job Details: If you enjoy the lively coffee shop atmosphere, this role offers the perfect blend of fun and work. Responsibilities include setting up for opening, taking and preparing orders, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring a smooth customer experience. 

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £10 per hour. 

Eligibility: 

• Basic understanding of preparing snacks and café items.
• Good customer service and communication skills.

How to Apply/Find: Local cafes, restaurants or online job portals.

Retail Assistant (Average salary £9.88 per hour)

Job Details: Retail jobs are a popular choice for international students in London. Responsibilities typically include assisting customers, managing transactions and stocking shelves. These roles provide flexible hours and valuable experience in a dynamic work environment.

Expected Salary Bracket: Average £9.88 per hour based on location.

Eligibility: 

• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

How to Apply/Find: Indeed, Monster and Total Jobs. Local shopping centres and retail shops may also have openings.

Part-time jobs for students in London – Citywise

Benefits of part-time jobs in London

• Taking up a part-time job while studying helps cover the cost of living in the UK.
• It enhances essential skills like communication, time management, multitasking and organisational abilities.
• Working in a job related to your course provides valuable experience and exposure to your chosen field.
• You get opportunities to build a professional network and relationships that can kickstart your career.
• It also fosters responsible money management and budgeting skills.

Types of part-time jobs

• Retail: Involves tasks like stocking shelves, assisting customers and handling transactions in stores or supermarkets.
• Marketing: Includes roles such as social media management, where students can engage creatively with brands.
• Hospitality: Jobs like waiters, baristas or servers offer flexible hours and opportunities for customer interaction.
• Education: Ideal for students who excel academically and enjoy teaching others.

How to find part-time jobs

• Local Shops and Businesses: Check vacancy notices or inquire directly at nearby stores, supermarkets, and cafes.
• Online Job Portals: Explore platforms like Indeed, StudentJob and Gumtree for part-time job listings.
• Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to network and find job opportunities shared by companies or connections.
• Referrals: Ask friends, classmates or acquaintances for recommendations or leads on job openings.
• University or College Job Boards: Utilise your institution’s career services or job boards, often tailored to student-friendly opportunities.

Why use Instarem for international students?

Instarem caters to personal and business money transfer needs with competitive exchange rates@, transparent fees and a straightforward process. Instarem offers fast*, secure and hassle-free international money transfer services, making it easier than ever to send money across borders. 

Plus, its user-friendly currency converter provides real-time exchange rates. With affordable rates@ and fast* processing times, Instarem delivers a reliable and efficient way to transfer funds globally without hassle or delays.

FAQs

Q. Can students work part-time in London?

Yes, international students with a valid Tier 4 or Student visa can work part-time in London, provided their university allows it.

Q. How much international students can earn in London in part-time jobs?

Part-time jobs in London typically pay between £10-£15 per hour, depending on the role and employer.

Q. Which part-time jobs pay the most in London?

Roles like tutoring, social media management, server/waiter and delivery jobs pay the most among part-time opportunities.

Q. What is the minimum per-hour salary in London for students?

The National Minimum Wage for April 2025 for individuals under 18 years is £7.55, for individuals between 18 to 20 years is £10.00 and for individuals 21 years and above is £12.21.

Q. Is it easy to get a part-time job in London?

Yes, securing a part-time job in London is manageable with proper research and effort.

Q. Can I work 50 hours a week in London?

No, international students are limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time.

Q. How much is a per-hour job in London?

Most part-time jobs pay between £10 to £15 per hour in London.

Q. How much is rent in London?

The average monthly rent in London is £2,121. Bexley offers the most affordable average rent at £1,520, while Kensington and Chelsea have the highest at £3,459. However, the rate of rental increases has begun to slow in the city’s most expensive areas.

Other related blogs:

Australia: Part-time jobs for students in Australia

USA: Part-time jobs for students in USA

UK: Part-time jobs for students in UK

Singapore: Part-time jobs for students in Singapore

Germany: Part-time jobs for students in Germany

Ireland: Part-time jobs for students in Ireland

France: Part-time jobs for students in France

Switzerland: Part-time jobs for students in Switzerland

New Zealand: Part-time jobs for students in New Zealand

Japan: Part-time jobs for students in Japan

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

*Quick meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

@ When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

Note: Salary and cost of living are taken from different websites on 10th December 2024 and are subject to change.