Working while you study
If you come into the UK as a student you must spend at least 15 hours a week in study, and you must be able to meet the cost of the course, maintenance and accommodation without working. However, if you have a student visa you can work 20 hours a week during term time and 40 hours a week during holidays. Normally there are no restrictions on your spouse and children working in the UK, if you will be studying longer than one year.
For more detailed information visit the following websites:
http://www.workpermit.com – Work Permit UK
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/ - Border and Immigration Agency (Home Office)
AGCAS (Association of Careers Advisory Services) Scotland
The AGCAS Scotland website has a number of useful resources for graduates, including online seminars and information on working and living in Scotland and links to university Careers Services. For more information visit their website at: http://www.agcasscotland.org.uk/fti/links.php.
Finding part time work
Some main sources of vacancies are:
· JobCentre Plus offices or the JobCentre Plus web site at: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/ (the official government service)
· Newspapers - local and national (although most jobs advertised tend to be full-time)
· Online recruitment sites, for example:
http://www.worktrain.gov.uk – Jobseekers Direct (government funded site)
http://www.e4s.co.uk/
http://www.justjobs4students.co.uk
http://www.gumtree.com
http://www.activate.co.uk/
Your university or college Careers Service is often the best place to start.
Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
One of the main aims of the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme is to encourage international students to work in Scotland after study and to consider pursuing their long term career there. Eligible students can apply to stay on working in Scotland for two years after completing their studies without having to get a work permit.
Those who have studied in Scotland and graduated with a Higher National Diploma from a Scottish Further Education College or a first degree, Master's degree or Ph.D. from a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to apply.
By April 2008, 8181 individuals had gained FTWiSS status and taken the opportunity to stay in Scotland at the end of their studies.
See the website www.scotlandistheplace.com for more information (Polish version also online).
If you are applying to come to work in the UK then the success of your application depends on a number of factors including your age and your skills. Stating that you wish to live in Scotland can earn you extra points as Scotland is classed as a region of low population.
Access to Health ServicesThe National Health Service provides free medical and hospital services for people employed or "ordinarily resident" in the United Kingdom, regardless of their level of national insurance contributions. Private medical and dental care is also available, as is private health insurance.
Sources of Support and Advice
Universities and colleges employ Student Advisers to provide advice on accommodation, financial matters, learning support needs, help with English and help for students with disabilities.