UK Minimum Wage Per Hour 2025 for International Students

The average wage per hour in the UK ranges from GBP 7.55 to GBP 12.21 (INR 905 to 1463). It depends on your age group and whether you are on an apprenticeship. The UK has two main minimum pay rules: the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage.

• The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is for most workers under 21 and apprentices.
• The National Living Wage (NLW) is for workers aged 21 and older.
• The National Living Wage (NLW) applies to workers aged 21 and over. It’s slightly different from NMW because it’s designed to cover the basic cost of living in the UK.

Minimum Hourly Rates (from 1 April 2025):

Here is the breakdown for the minimum wages in the UK based on your age and job type as of April 2025 (INR 130 = 1 GBP):

• 21 and over: £12.21 (INR 1,463)
• 18–20: £10.00 (INR 1,198)
• Under 18: £7.55 (INR 905)
• Apprentices: £7.55 (INR 905)

From April 2025, the minimum wage in the UK ranges from GBP 7.55 (INR 905) for apprentices and younger workers to GBP 12.21 (INR 1463) for those aged 21 and over. These rates vary depending on age and apprenticeship status.

Check the table below for a clearer breakdown of age-wise minimum wage rates in both GBP and INR:

Special Note for Apprentices

Apprentices under 19 years, or those 19+ in their first year, get the apprentice rate (GBP 7.55 / INR 905). Once they complete the first year and are 19 or older, they are entitled to the minimum wage for their age group.

Example:

• A 21-year-old in the first year of apprenticeship earns GBP 7.55 (INR 905) per hour.
• A 21-year-old who has completed the first year earns GBP 12.21 (INR 1463) per hour.

While the legal minimum wage in the UK is the same across all industries, actual pay per hour differs depending on the sector. Some sectors, like finance and law, pay much higher hourly rates due to demand and skill requirements.

Here’s an overview of average hourly earnings in different sectors for you to understand what to expect:

The UK minimum wage has steadily increased every year; for example, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21+ rose from GBP 11.44 (INR 1372) in 2024 to GBP 12.21 (INR 1463) in 2025. Similarly, rates for younger workers and apprentices have also seen consistent yearly hikes.

Check the table below for a detailed year-by-year comparison of minimum wage rates across different age groups and apprenticeships:

The UK has strict rules to ensure workers are paid fairly, like employers must pay at least the legal minimum wage based on your age and employment type, and international students have UK visa based limits on the number of hours they can work per week.

Minimum Wage Rights for Students

All workers, including international students, are entitled to receive at least the national minimum wage for their age group. Employers cannot pay less than the legal rate, and students must be aware of their rights to avoid exploitation.

Maximum Work Hours (Visa Limits)

Students on a Tier 4/Student visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during vacations or breaks. Working more than the allowed hours can lead to visa violations and legal penalties.

Apprenticeship Rules

Apprentices have their own specific minimum wage rates, which are usually lower than the standard rates for their age group. These rates apply during the first year of apprenticeship or if under 19, after which normal age-based rates apply.

Employer Obligations & Enforcement

Employers are legally required to pay the correct minimum wage and keep proper records. The HMRC (UK tax authority) monitors compliance and can issue penalties to non-compliant employers.

International students in the UK can earn different salaries, with part-time roles offering around GBP 976 (INR 1.17L) per month and full-time roles providing up to GBP 2,480 (INR 2.97L) per month.

Popular job roles include retail, hospitality, tutoring, IT support, and healthcare assistance, providing a mix of experience and the chance to finance your studies in the UK.

Part-Time Jobs

Below is a table showing the top part-time jobs for international students, their hourly wages, and monthly salaries based on a 20-hour workweek:

Full-Time Jobs

The following table provides an overview of the top full-time jobs that are career opportunities after an MS in the UK, their hourly wages, and estimated monthly salaries based on a 40-hour workweek:

If you have a job while studying in the UK, you may need to pay Income Tax and National Insurance depending on your earnings. Most student jobs deduct these automatically through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), but it’s important to understand the rules:

• Income Tax: You pay Income Tax if you earn more than GBP 1,048 per month (Personal Allowance).
• National Insurance: Payable if you earn more than GBP 242 per week; usually deducted automatically by employers.
• Overpaid Tax: If you stop working partway through the tax year, you may claim a refund via HMRC.
• Holiday Jobs Abroad: UK tax applies on earnings above Personal Allowance; National Insurance applies if working for a UK employer.
• Self-Employment: Students must submit a Self-Assessment tax return to report income and expenses.
• Foreign Students: Some countries have double-taxation agreements; otherwise, pay UK tax like any other worker.

A few things that are not included in your minimum wage are bonuses, tips, or certain benefits provided by the employer. Below are the main exclusions from your minimum wage in the UK:

• Tips and Gratuities: Tips you receive directly from customers or through tip-sharing schemes do not count towards your minimum wage.
• Performance or Productivity Bonuses: Any bonus linked to your work performance, targets, or commission is additional pay, not part of the statutory minimum wage.
• Reimbursements: Payments for expenses like travel, uniforms, or equipment do not count as wages.
• Benefits in Kind: Free meals, accommodation, or company-provided perks cannot be included when calculating minimum wage.
• Overtime Pay: Extra pay for working beyond contracted hours is paid separately and does not affect the minimum wage calculation.

The changes in minimum wages impact monthly earnings and job affordability for international students in the UK. Below are the major effects:

• Higher Monthly Income: Increases in hourly rates mean students can earn more even with the same number of hours worked.
• Better Financial Stability: Improved wages help cover living expenses, tuition, and other costs while studying abroad.
• Job Availability & Competition: Higher minimum wages may influence employer hiring practices, sometimes creating more competition for popular student jobs.
• Savings and Leisure: Increased earnings allow students to save more or spend on leisure activities without exceeding work-hour limits.
• Part-Time vs Full-Time Considerations: Students may re-evaluate working part-time or full-time during vacations to maximize income within legal limits.

A few tips for students seeking either part-time or full-time jobs are researching visa work limits and choosing high-demand sectors. The following are the major strategies you can follow to maximize earnings and work experience while studying in the UK:

Know Your Visa Work Restrictions

Check your student visa regulations carefully before applying for jobs. For most international students, working more than 20 hours per week during term time is not allowed, and violating this can impact your visa status.

Focus on High-Demand Sectors

Job opportunities in the UK in IT support, healthcare, tutoring, and retail management are often in high demand and may pay slightly above minimum wage. Prioritize these sectors to gain both experience and better pay.

Personalise Your CV for Student-Friendly Jobs

A CV highlighting part-time availability, relevant coursework, and any prior internships in the UK increases your chances of being shortlisted. Keep it concise and clearly show that you can balance work with studies.

Use University Job Portals and Networks

Most universities in the UK have career centers and online job portals specifically for students. Leverage these, along with social media networks and LinkedIn, to find part-time and seasonal opportunities.

Prepare for Flexible Hours

Student-friendly jobs often require flexibility for shifts during evenings or weekends. Showing willingness to work different shifts can make you a more attractive candidate.

Keep Track of Minimum Wage and Payments

Always check that you are being paid the correct hourly wage according to your age group and role. Don’t hesitate to contact HMRC if you suspect underpayment.

Balance Work and Study

Avoid overworking, as academic performance is your top priority. Even if full-time vacation jobs offer more income, ensure you’re not compromising your course requirements.

The UK minimum wage is influenced by economic, government, labour market, and social factors that determine how much workers, including students, can earn per hour. Below are the main considerations:

Inflation and Cost of Living

The minimum wage is regularly adjusted to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs, ensuring workers maintain purchasing power. A higher living cost, especially in cities like London, requires higher wages to prevent financial strain.

Labour Productivity

Government and policymakers consider how much value an average worker produces when setting wages. Higher productivity allows for higher minimum wages without harming work opportunities in the UK.

Government Policy Decisions

The UK government, advised by the Low Pay Commission, sets the minimum wage rates each year. Policy decisions reflect both economic conditions and social objectives, balancing worker welfare and business sustainability.

Labour Market Demand and Supply

The availability of skilled workers versus the demand for labour influences wage levels. Shortages in key sectors, like IT or healthcare, can indirectly push up minimum wage expectations.

Age, Skills, and Experience

Younger or less experienced workers typically earn less, as reflected in age-based minimum wage rates. Skills, prior experience, and apprenticeships all factor into wage differentiation.

Employer Ability to Pay

Policymakers consider business sustainability when setting the minimum wage. Industries with thin profit margins must be able to afford higher wages without risking layoffs or closures.

Social Objectives: Poverty Reduction

A key purpose of minimum wage policies is to reduce poverty and economic inequality, helping low-income households meet basic living standards.

The National Living Wage in the UK is set to rise even higher in the coming years, potentially reaching GBP 12.71 (INR 1,523) per hour in April 2026. This projected increase highlights the UK’s commitment to improving earnings for workers, including international students, and keeping pace with living costs.

Projected Increase

The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is expected to rise from GBP 12.21 (INR 1,463) to GBP 12.71 (INR 1,523) per hour, a 4% increase from the current rate.

Possible Further Rise

Depending on economic conditions, the Low Pay Commission suggests the rate may need to reach GBP 12.86 (INR 1,540) per hour to meet government targets.

Policy Goal

The UK government aims to set minimum pay at two-thirds of median earnings, ensuring fair income relative to average UK wages.

European Context

Even with these increases, the UK already has the second-highest minimum wage in Europe when measured against average earnings.

Age Band Reform Under Review

The government is reviewing lower rates for 18 to 20-year-olds, currently GBP 10.00 (INR 1,198) per hour. Ministers have called the gap ‘discriminatory’, and the Low Pay Commission may recommend narrowing or removing it, possibly moving towards a single adult rate.

Studying in the UK can be financially challenging for international students, especially when balancing tuition fees, living costs, and part-time work. One common pain point is finding jobs that pay fairly while also fitting within visa work-hour restrictions. Students should prioritise high-demand sectors, track their hours carefully, and always check that they are being paid at least the legal minimum wage.

Yocket Premium can make this process much smoother by providing curated guidance on part-time and full-time job opportunities in the UK. It offers insights on sector-wise pay, tips for CV building, and alerts on minimum wage updates, helping students make informed decisions.