Part-Time Jobs in the UK for Nigerian Students (2025 Guide)

Studying in the UK as a Nigerian student is a big dream, and it comes with big responsibilities too. From tuition fees to housing and groceries, the cost of living in the UK can stretch your budget more than you expected.

That’s why many Nigerian students look for part-time jobs to support themselves while studying.

There are plenty of legal part-time job opportunities available for international students in the UK—if you know where and how to look.

 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, like the types of jobs you can do, how much you’ll earn, where to apply, and how to balance work with your studies without breaking any immigration rules or lagging behind in classroom activities.

 

 

Can Nigerian Students Legally Work in the UK?

The straight answer is “Yes”. However there are some rules you need to pay attention to.

As a Nigerian student studying in the UK on a Student Visa (previously Tier 4), you are legally allowed to work part-time during your studies, and there are restrictions because of the status of your visa— the student visa.

• Maximum of 20 hours per week during school session.
• Full-time work allowed when school isn’t in session.
• You cannot be self-employed or work as a freelancer unless you switch your visa type
• You must have a valid National Insurance Number (NIN) and adhere to UK employment laws

To know your exact permission, check your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card—it clearly states how many hours you’re allowed to work.

 

 

Best Part-Time Jobs for Nigerian Students in the UK

Since you’re a still a student, flexible jobs will come on handy as these types of job gives you enough time so you can concentrate on your studies while making some little cash to support yourself while studying at any UK universities.

We can categorize it into two major types namely: I. On-campus jobs and II. Off-Campus Jobs.

1. On-Campus Jobs

These are often easier to manage because they’re close to your classes or hostel. Some examples include:

• Library Assistant: Helping students locate books, manage inventory or provide assistance.
• Student Ambassador: Representing your university at open days, events, or tours. Again, some companies or tech startups are on the look out for students who would act as an ambassador for their products or services.
• IT Support: If you’re tech-savvy, assisting students and staff with technical issues.
• Barista or Cafe Staff: Serving food and drinks at campus cafeterias.
• Research Assistant: More common for postgraduate students helping professors with studies.

2. Off-Campus Jobs

These roles are more varied and can be found all over the city or town where you’re based:

• Retail Assistant (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Primark, etc.): Assisting customers, stocking shelves, or manning tills.
• Waiter/Waitress: Working in restaurants or cafés; flexible hours and decent tips.
• Warehouse Operative (Amazon, Argos): Involves packaging, sorting or managing deliveries—night shifts pay more.
• Cleaner or Janitor: Flexible hours, often early morning or evening.
• Care Support Worker: Assisting elderly or disabled individuals (you may need basic training).
• Delivery Rider/Driver (Uber Eats, Deliveroo): If you own a bicycle or e-scooter and have the right insurance.

 

 

How Much Do Part-Time Jobs Pay?

On average, part-time jobs for students in the UK pay £10.50 to £14 per hour, depending on the role and location. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Job Type	Average Pay per Hour
Retail Assistant	£10.50 – £12
Warehouse Operative	£12 – £14 (night shifts)
Waiter/Waitress	£10 – £12 (plus tips)
Care Assistant	£11 – £13
Delivery Rider	£10 – £16 (depending on hours worked)

Example: If you work 20 hours per week at £11/hour, you earn £880/month before tax.

Make sure you check whether your job pays the UK National Minimum Wage and that your employer deducts tax correctly.

 

 

Where Can You Find Part-Time Jobs in the UK?

There are several platforms and strategies you can use to get them. These includes:

1. Online Job Boards

• Indeed.co.uk
• StudentJob.UK
• Reed.co.uk
• TotalJobs.com
• Gumtree (Local listings for quick hire jobs)

2. Campus Job Portals

Most UK universities have internal student job portals. Log into your university’s career services or student intranet to see available roles.

3. Walk-In Applications

Print copies of your CV and walk into restaurants, cafe’s, or stores—especially in high-footfall areas like malls and high streets. Speak politely, introduce yourself, and ask if they’re hiring.

4. Networking & Community Groups

Join Nigerian student associations, WhatsApp groups, or Facebook pages related to your university. Many part-time roles get shared within these communities.

 

 

How to Get Hired Without UK Experience

Don’t worry if this is your first time looking for part-time jobs in the UK for Nigerian students.

In the UK. Many employers are open to hiring students who are reliable, polite, and willing to learn. Here’s how to boost your chances:

1. Write a UK-Style CV

You can do this by:

• Keep it 1-page
• Include your education, soft skills, any volunteer work
• Add your availability and right to work

      2. Cover Letter

• Always attach a short cover letter showing enthusiasm and explaining why you’re applying
• Customize it for each job

 

        3. Prepare for Interviews

• Expect basic questions: “Why do you want to work here?” “How do you handle pressure?”
• Dress neatly, show confidence, and smile.

 

 

Balancing Work and Studies Like It’s Nothing 

Here’s where many students struggle. Your studies should always come first, because failing your course could affect your visa. So here’s how to manage both without burning out:

• Create a Weekly Schedule: Block time for lectures, assignments, work shifts, and rest.
• Use Holidays Wisely: You can work full-time when school isn’t in session. This is an avenue to earn more money.
• Avoid Overbooking: Never take more than 20 hours of work during term time. It’s not worth the risk.
• Stay Organised: Use apps like Google Calendar or Notion to track your tasks.

 

 

Avoid These Common Mistakes If You’re Looking For Part-Time Jobs In The UK For Nigerian Students

To stay on the safe side, make sure you avoid these errors:

• Working Over the Legal Limit

It’s tempting, especially when money is tight. But working over 20 hours/week during term time can get your visa revoked—and you could even be deported.

• Accepting Cash-In-Hand Jobs

If an employer wants to pay you without registering you officially, it’s illegal. You won’t have protection, and you could get into trouble with immigration.

• Not Registering for National Insurance (NI)

You need this to be taxed correctly and legally employed. Apply for it as soon as you get your first job offer.

• Ignoring Academic Performance

Your visa depends on your course progress. If you fail, you may be asked to leave the country.

 

 

Conclusion

The UK can be very expensive to live in as an international student who is working hards towards self development and a better future.

However, there are some smart moves you could take that will ease the financial burden of living and studying here, and that move is to get a part-time job.

Part time jobs in the UK may not make you rich or financially stable, but can erase some financial difficulties from you while still allowing you some time to concentrate on your studies especially if you don’t really have a sponsor that is capable of footing all your living cost in the UK.

With that being said, this blog post covered everything you need to know about part-time jobs in the UK for Nigerian students.