Employing International students

More and more employers are realising the value of recruiting international students and graduates. Southampton Solent University has a growing number of international students, from Europe and worldwide who are interested in gaining work experience in the UK during and after their studies.

The following information is intended as a guide only, and should not be viewed as official guidelines.  Regulations are subject to change so please check with the Home Office UK Border Agency| for up to date information and specific advice. 

EEA Students

Students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals have the same rights to work as UK students with no restriction on working hours, they are subject to the same tax and NI contributions as UK students.  However nationals from countries that joined the European Union (EU) in 2004 may need to register with the Home Office when they start work.

The EEA includes Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.  (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens).

Workers Registration Scheme

Students from eight of the ten countries who entered the EU on 1 May 2004 have to register in the Workers Registration Scheme| operated by the Home Office within one month of starting employment.

The eight countries are Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia. Those subject to the scheme will need to register if they plan to work for more than one month for an employer in the UK. Nationals of Cyprus and Malta are not required to register for this scheme.  

Romanian and Bulgarian Students

Romanian or Bulgarian nationals currently in the UK with immigration permission as a student can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full time hours during holidays and on work placements.  However, unless students are exempt ,certain restrictions can apply, they may need to apply for an accession worker card, and their employer may have to apply for a work permit.  For information on accession worker cards and how to apply for a work permit visit the Home Office website|.

Non-EEA Students

Passports/visas will have work restrictions listed.  If students from non-EEA countries are permitted to work, most are limited to 20 hours work per week during term time, with no restrictions during vacation times.  

Non-EEA Graduates

Graduates from outside of the EEA can continue to work in the UK after their studies if they meet the requirements for any of the schemes that the UK Government operates. The UK Council for International Student Affairs UKCISA  |outlines the current schemes that are most significant for students who have finished their studies.

  • Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) for those who have obtained a UK degree, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (or an HND from a Scottish institution). This replaced the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme from 30 June 2008.
  • Tier 2 for jobs where no one in the resident labour market can be recruited, and occupations where there is a shortage of qualified workers. This replaced work permits and some other work routes from 27 November 2008.
  • Tier 1 (General) for those with degrees and work experience and prior earnings at a certain level. This replaced the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme.