LAWFUL RIGHTS OF
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
IN THE UK
LAWFUL RIGHTS OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE UK
Studying abroad is one of the verified ways to grow, enhance one’s learning, and gain
some wonderful real-life experiences. Moreover, when it comes to selecting a destination
for higher studies the United Kingdom is the top choice for international students. As the
UK’s education and teaching system is globally recognized, every year a large number of
foreign students fly to the UK to pursue their higher education. In addition, the UK is not
only famous for its reputed educational institution but also for its old heritage and tradition,
environment, multicultural atmosphere, standard of living etc.
The international students must know some of their legal rights during their stay in the UK.
Students who arrive in the UK for study purposes might think about gaining some work
experience or supporting themselves financially by working while studying. However, they
need to know that non-European students cannot work more than 20 hours in a week
during their studies. The legal rights of international students in the United Kingdom are:
2
1. Work while studying
In the UK, the international students can work for a
limited time while studying. The Non-European
students can work up to 20 hours a week whereas
the European students do not have any restriction of
working hours. However, Non-European students
can work 40 hours a week during their vacation
period. The students can search for part time jobs in
various restaurants, bars, and shopping malls to take
care of their living expenses. Moreover, students can
even search for on-campus jobs. In addition,
students must be aware of their necessary rights in
the workplace
3
2. National Insurance Number
International students need to call Jobcentre
Plus (08456000643) to get a National
Insurance Number. The Jobcentre Plus might
invite you for a face to face interview or they
can send you an application via mail or
courier and might ask you to fill that up and
send that again. You need to prepare
yourself as you have to face an interview
session for getting the National Insurance
Number.
4
The information you need to provide are:
❖
Your residence in the UK (with postcode)
❖
Your contact number (landline/ cell phone)
❖
Your visa expire date
❖
Place where visa was issued (country or city name)
❖
Reasons of applying for the National Insurance Number
❖
List of your disabilities (if any)
❖
Your relationship status (single/ married/ not prefer to say)
5
5
3. Health Insurance Facilities
The United Kingdom offers health
insurance for its international students
just like the other European countries.
This insurance takes care of students'
hospital care and provides secondary
primary care. The international can apply
for overseas Students Health Care. It will
cover their medical and hospital care
during their stay in the UK. You can
gather more information from your home
countries’ British embassies. “Apply Now”
6
4. Minimum Wage and Taxation
According to the National Minimum Wage Act in the
UK, if your age is 16 or above the employers have
to pay the employees according to the law. The UK
government declared in 2015 that for workers aged
21 or above will get £6.50 per hour and employees
aged 18- 20 the minimum wage will be £5.13 per
hour. Additionally, international students need to
have a National Insurance Number to work in the
UK. They also have to pay income tax once they
start earning a wage. The basic rate of Income Tax
currently stands at 20%, meaning if your annual
income exceeds the personal allowance, then the
excess would be taxed at 20%.
7
5. Customs of British
Society
It is highly important for international students to
research their target countries’ costumes, values
and beliefs and students need to gather ideas
regarding these before stepping into a new
country. Moreover, you might fall into a language
barrier. As a result, students need to make sure to
know the local etiquette before landing their target
nation. Also, no matter what they need to stick to
the local law. Moreover, if you drink you need to
learn the rules of alcohol consumption. Because a
minor mistake can put you in major trouble on a
foreign soil.
8
6. Ways to Contact the Embassy
If you are facing any trouble or issue you directly
contact your embassy in the UK. On a foreign
soil you must keep your cell phone number and
address saved with you. The embassy also opts
consular services. You can always make use of
them for your benefit. International students
have to keep in mind that the embassies of their
home country will be there for you at all times.
Even God forbid if you commit any crime, you
have the full rights to contact your embassies.
9
7. Stay after Studies
According to the new UK law the
students holding a TIER 4 visa can
stay in the UK even after completing
their studies. Students can apply to
change their visa type if they wish to
stay in the UK for a longer period.
International students can easily
switch from their TIER 4 visa to TIER 2
(General) if you have an eligible
qualification. Moreover, if you do have
a valid tier 4 visa, you will not need to
leave the country in order to apply for
a tier 2 (general) visa.
10
8. Accommodation Rights
In the UK, there are laws to protect
both the landlords and tenants. The
law covers the obligations of both
landlords and tenants. International
students can get to know about these
laws related to leasing agreements,
maintenance, and repair. The students
can stay on-campus accommodation
or they can rent an apartment with
friends or classmates. The rule will be
the same in both places.
11
“
In the end, it is an obvious duty of
international students to gather
information about their target countries,
as the rules and regulations may vary for
the local and international citizens.
However, you need to believe that
studying at a UK university can be an
enriching experience. You should enjoy
your days in the UK but, at the same time
you need to strictly follow the British rules
and culture. You can even get a job and
begin your career in the UK. So, if you
ever get the opportunity just grab the
opportunity and fly to the UK.
12
Thanks!
https://ahzassociates.co.uk/
13