For most global students, learning in the UK is not just about becoming qualified — it is about building a successful career. One of the best ways to get hands-on experience, build confidence, and earn some money while studying is by working part-time in healthcare.
The UK’s healthcare industry has numerous flexible part-time job opportunities which you can work around your coursework, as well as acquire wonderful skills for the future.
Here are some of the best part-time healthcare professions for international students in 2025.
1. Healthcare Assistant (HCA)
What You’ll Do:
Healthcare Assistants support nurses and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, and care homes. Duties include helping patients with personal care, feeding, mobility, and companionship.
Why It’s Great:
• Flexible shifts (evenings, weekends, or bank holidays)
• Precious hands-on experience in patient care
• A perfect stepping stone to full-time nursing or clinical careers
Average Pay: £10–£14 per hour
2. Support Worker
What You’ll Do:
Support Workers assist people with disabilities, learning difficulties, or mental health conditions. The role focuses on helping individuals live independently and confidently.
Why It’s Great:
• Builds empathy, communication, and teamwork skills
• Opportunities in both community and residential care
• Ideal for students studying social care or psychology
Average Pay: £11–£15 per hour
3. Care Assistant in a Care Home
What You’ll Do:
Care Assistants provide day-to-day help for elderly residents — from personal hygiene to emotional support. Many care homes offer part-time positions that fit easily around your course schedule.
Why It’s Great:
• High demand across the UK
• Minimal experience required (training often provided)
• Excellent introduction to the UK care system
Average Pay: £10–£13 per hour
4. Medical Receptionist or Administrator
What You’ll Do:
If you like the quieter alternative, becoming a medical receptionist or admin assistant in a clinic or GP surgery can be excellent. Tasks are booking appointments, taking data, and assisting patients.
Why It’s Great:
• Office work with regular hours
• Apprenticeship-style skills in becoming proficient at NHS systems and comms
• Builds strong organisational skills as well as IT skills
Average Pay: £11–£13 an hour
5. Phlebotomy Assistant (Blood Collection)
What You’ll Do:
Phlebotomy Assistants collect blood samples, label them correctly, and ensure patients are comfortable during the process. Training or certification may be required, but many hospitals offer paid training opportunities.
Why It’s Great:
• Great introduction to clinical procedures
• Builds confidence in handling medical tasks
• Often leads to permanent NHS roles
Average Pay: £12–£16 per hour
6. Mental Health Support Worker
What You’ll Do:
As a mental health support worker, you will provide care to individuals with mental health issues through emotional care, welfare checking, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Why It’s Great:
• High demand throughout the UK
• Extremely rewarding and people-oriented
• Easy for psychology or social work students
Average Pay: £11–£15 per hour
Work Hours and Visa Rules for International Students
If you are a UK Student Visa holder, you can typically work:
•Under 20 hours a week in term time
•Full-time holiday cover to secure your right to work on your visa and ensure your job meets the UK Home Office standards.
Final Thoughts
Working part-time in the NHS is not only a means to make money — it’s the key to your future career in the UK. Everything that happens, like the experience, self-esteem, and professional contacts you make, can set you apart when you graduate.