Whether you are allowed to work or not depends on your immigration permission. Student route visa holders are permitted to work part-time (maximum of 20 hours) in term-time and full-time during the holidays, however you must check all of the conditions that apply to you before engaging in any employment.
Full-time students on a Student route visa cannot be:
- self-employed or engage in business activity
- employed as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach)
- employed as an entertainer
- hired to take up a permanent full-time vacancy.
Many students at the Conservatoire would like to be able to take paid employment as an entertainer. The current rules allows students on BA Modern Ballet or Musical Theatre programmes and on courses within the School of Music to take paid professional engagements as entertainers only, if the opportunity is an assessed and integral part of a student’s programme of study. Therefore all such opportunities must be organised by the Conservatoire’s External Engagements department in advance of any such opportunities taking place. Students on programmes of study other than those mentioned above, are not permitted to take paid employment as an entertainer. Any Student route students can take part in performances as an entertainer, if what they’re doing is purely for personal enjoyment and they’re not seeking to derive a living from the activity. Such an activity would mean not receiving payment of any kind, including expenses. For further information, please click this link.
Part-time students on a Student route visa cannot do work of any kind, including work placements nor can students on a Visitor visa.
The failure of a Student route student to comply with the terms of their visa breaches immigration legislation and could results in a large fine and a student losing the right to both remain in the UK and to return to this country at a later date. The Conservatoire could also, as a result, lose its right to recruit international students via the suspension of its sponsor licence. Compliance is therefore essential under the law. If you are in any doubt as to the appropriateness of any work-based activity please email Gillian Mackenzie, UKVI Compliance and International Student Experience Manager (International and Student Experience).
All students should consider whether they have sufficient time to take on part-time work given the demands of their programme of study.
External Engagements at RCS
The External Engagement Co-ordinator works with Heads of Department to find suitable opportunities for students. Opportunities for paid and unpaid work come in a wide array of opportunities, including corporate functions and events, private weddings, historic venues such as Edinburgh Castle, and organisations such as the Scottish Government. Students are encourage to develop an easy-to-read website, including links to quality recordings and other media, and they can also send a short bio and professional pictures. The above-mentioned paid opportunities are available to UK, Irish and Student route students within the School of Music, on a Musical Theatre programme or on BA Modern Ballet. All other Student route students are not permitted to participate due to the work-related immigration restrictions mentioned above.
National Insurance Number (NINO)
If you are planning to take up employment or have been offered employment, you will need to provide your National Insurance Number (NINO) or obtain one if you do not already have one. You can apply online with this link. Please contact the International and Student Experience Team for more details. If you are an international student there are restrictions on the type and amount of work which you can do.
Tax
Foreign students usually do not pay UK tax on foreign income or gains, as long as they’re used for course fees or living costs like:
- food
- rent
- bills
- study materials
If you intend work while you’re in the UK, Some double-taxation agreements mean you do not pay UK tax on your income if you work while you’re a student. For more information, visit this link to the UK government website.