💼 Student Jobs

Part-Time Jobs in Cardiff
for International Students

Updated April 2026 · UK Student Visa limit: 20 hrs/week during term time

Working part-time in Cardiff is one of the best ways to reduce your financial dependency on family support. At Cardiff's average student wage of £11.5/hr, working 20 hours/week earns approximately £996/month gross (£876/month after tax).

Your Part-Time Earning Potential in Cardiff

Weekly (20hrs)

£230

before tax

Monthly gross

£996

legal maximum

Monthly net

~£876

after basic tax

🟡 Medium — Cardiff has reasonable job availability — allow 3–6 weeks to find your first role.

Top Student Jobs in Cardiff

Job TypeAvg PayDifficulty
Hospitality / bars£11.44–12.50/hr
Easy
Retail assistant£11.44–12/hr
Easy
BBC / media£14–20/hr
Hard
Financial services£12–16/hr
Medium
NHS Wales roles£12–15/hr
Medium

Difficulty reflects how competitive it is to get hired, not the job itself. "Easy" = most students hired within 1–3 weeks.

⚠️ Legal Working Rules — Student Visa

  • Term time limit:20 hours per week maximum (all jobs combined)
  • Holiday limit:Unlimited (full time) during official university vacations
  • Minimum wage:£11.44/hr (age 21+) · £8.60/hr (18–20) · £6.40/hr (16–17)
  • Right to work check:Your employer must verify your BRP/eVisa before you start
  • NI number:Apply immediately on arrival — required for tax purposes
Full working rights guide →

How to Find a Job in Cardiff Fast

  1. 1

    Register with a recruitment agency

    Adecco, Manpower, and Blue Arrow all operate in Cardiff. They place students in temp roles quickly — often within a week.

  2. 2

    Visit university careers service

    Your university careers service posts verified part-time vacancies. Many are specifically aimed at international students and flexible around studies.

  3. 3

    Walk into hospitality venues

    Bars, restaurants, and cafes in Cardiff often prefer walk-in applicants with a printed CV. Visit during quiet morning hours (10am–12pm).

  4. 4

    Apply to major supermarkets

    Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Aldi all hire students regularly and offer flexible zero-hours contracts. Apply via their websites directly.

  5. 5

    Use student job apps

    Stint and Caterer.com specialise in flexible hospitality shifts. You can pick and choose shifts around your timetable.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours can I work in Cardiff on a student visa?+
During term time, you are legally allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. During official university vacation periods (Christmas, Easter, summer), you can usually work full time. Always check your specific visa conditions.
How quickly can I find a job in Cardiff?+
Cardiff has reasonable job availability — allow 3–6 weeks to find your first role. Register with local agencies, apply to supermarkets and hospitality venues, and visit the university careers service in your first week.
What is the minimum wage in the UK for students?+
The National Living Wage is £11.44/hour for workers aged 21+. Students aged 18–20 are entitled to £8.60/hour, and 16–17 year olds £6.40/hour. Most student roles pay £11.44–£13/hour in practice.
Do I need a National Insurance number before I can work?+
You can start work before receiving your NI number — employers can hire you while you wait. However, you should apply for your NI number immediately on arrival as it is required for paying tax correctly.
How do I find student jobs in Cardiff?+
Best methods: 1) University careers service job board, 2) Indeed and Reed for local listings, 3) Walk into hospitality venues and supermarkets with your CV, 4) Register with agencies like Office Angels, Adecco, or Manpower, 5) Student Facebook groups often share local job opportunities.

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