King's is located at the heart of London - one of the world's global cities and within easy reach of major airports and international rail services - we encourage you to visit us if you are flying through or on business.
However, we know it's not always possible to be physically present so offer a range of opportunities to engage with us wherever you are located:
Our team are constantly exploring options to engage in key markets including through international careers fairs and visits, so get in touch if you have any ideas which may work within your region.
Our team are keen to engage with employers in the UK around the world who are keen to discuss opportunities for hiring our international students.
Organisations have a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees have the right to work in the UK, and it's common for employers to state that they will only accept applications from individuals with the right to work, however doing so risks unlawful racial discrimination. Instead, a candidate's eligibility to work should only be sought and verified in the latter stages of the recruitment process (Section 16.67, Statutory Code of Practice).
Employing non-UK or non-Irish nationals* during their studies:
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All full-time international students studying on a Student (previously Tier 4) visa are permitted to work in the UK alongside their studies.
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During term time, students can work up to 20 hours per week (this includes voluntary work).
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During vacation time, students can work full-time.
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International students are able to complete an industrial placement or our Accredited Internship Programme full-time under the terms of their Student visa.
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A number of exemptions apply including being self-employed, freelance or working as a professional sportsperson/coach, professional entertainer or doctor/dentist in training.
*or EU/EEA citizens with right to remain in the UK
Employing non-UK or non-Irish nationals* following completion of programmes:
The sponsorship process can be relatively straight-forward and often much easier than imagined, however it's important to be aware of the latest legislation which may affect your organisation's ability to recruit.
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Students on a Tier 4/Student visa can switch to a Skilled Worker visa having completed their studies based on the course end date on their CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Study), and in such circumstances they can be issued with an unrestricted certificate of sponsorship (CoS).
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Students are usually granted a four month period which they are permitted to stay in the UK following completion of the programme. N.B. changes in July 2023 confirm that students cannot begin working full-time for an employer under the Skilled Worker Route until after the official end date of their programme. Updated guidance from UKCISA is available. We ask employers to consider flexibility around programme start dates in line with course end dates at universities to ensure you are accessing the breadth and depth of talent available to your organisation.
If you recruit an international student at the end of their course, while they are still in the UK with a valid Student/Tier 4 visa:
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you can issue an unrestricted Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
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the candidate automatically meets the English language requirement
*or EU/EEA citizens with right to remain in the UK
Further information
The International Student Employment Group (ISEG), a collaboration between various professional and membership bodies has also put together a useful guide to recruiting international students (pdf) in the UK market which may be of use to your organisation.
The below video may also help dispell some myths around the complexities of recruiting international students:
Please also review the information from the UK Home Office for information on the latest legislation and advice on sponsorship licences and visa restrictions.
The following links are provided in good faith to external websites - King's College London cannot be held responsible for any actions resulting from the information and advice provided by these organisations: