Skip to content

Employ our international talent

Find guidance on the immigration rules that allow international students to work during and after their studies are completed.

Introduction

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is proud to have a thriving International Student community. This page provides guidance to employers on the UK Immigration Rules that allow International Students to work during and after their studies.

With students from over 150 countries studying across our campuses, NTU offers access to a large pool of International Talent who can make a meaningful and measurable impact on your business.

Our International Students bring language proficiency, cross-cultural understanding, and global business awareness. These strengths empower them to identify new opportunities, build valuable international connections, and help employers achieve growth, innovation, and commercial success.

There are various ways your business can engage with and recruit NTU's International Talent:

During their studies: Offer part-time roles (under a Student visa) or placements/year-long industry opportunities.

After their studies: Recruit graduates through the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker Route.

Recruiting our international students during their studies

Part-time work on a student visa:

NTU students enrolled on courses at degree level or above are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time. This limit applies to all paid and unpaid work, across one or multiple organisations.

During NTU vacation period, international students can work full-time. offering flexibility to employers during key business periods.

However, under the Student Visa conditions, international students are only eligible to accept a full-time permanent position once they have completed their degree.

International Students may also volunteer for registered charities without affecting their 20-hour limit, provided that:

  • There is no contract of employment
  • The role does not replace a paid employee
  • There is no payment (including payment in kind)

Recruiting international students on courses with an embedded placement:

Students enrolled on a course with a placement embedded are sponsored by NTU and are therefore eligible to work in the UK. However, these placements must not exceed 12 months in total.

In the case of a Master’s course, an international student can work for you as part of their work placement. The duration of this placement should be 9-12 months, depending on the total length of the course. Throughout the placement, the student will continue to be sponsored on a Student Visa by NTU and may work full-time with your organisation.

Learn more about postgraduate placement opportunities.

Recruiting our international graduates after their studies

Graduate Immigration Route

The Graduate Immigration Route enables businesses to recruit NTU International Graduates without the need for sponsorship during the visa's duration.

This route offers several compelling benefits for employers, especially those looking to tap into international graduate talent without the complexities or costs of sponsorship. Below are the key advantages:

1. No sponsorship required

  • Employers do not need a Sponsor Licence to hire graduates under this route.
  • No need to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship or navigate sponsorship compliance.
  • No fee for the employer when recruiting a graduate on this visa.
  • Takes around 8 weeks to process applications (faster options available).

2. Zero cost to employers

  • The visa application and Healthcare Surcharge are paid by the graduate.
  • No Immigration Skills Charge or legal fees for visa processing.

3. Flexible hiring

  • Graduates can work at any skill level, in any role, and on any type of contract (full-time, part-time, fixed-term, or freelance).
  • Ideal for short-term projects, trial periods, or consultancy work.

4. Access to global talent

  • Employers can recruit from a diverse pool of international graduates, often with specialist skills in STEM, Business, and Languages.
  • Enhances innovation, creativity, and cultural competence in teams.
  • Employers can attract global talent to their organisation.
  • International graduates can help fill skills gaps in key sectors.
  • Grow exports by leveraging graduates' knowledge of their home markets.

5. Streamlined HR process

  • No additional HR checks beyond standard right-to-work verification.
  • Graduates can start work immediately after completing their course, even before the visa is granted (with university confirmation).

6. Temporary assessment period

  • The 2-year (or 3-year for PhD holders) visa acts as a trial period to assess a graduates' suitability before transitioning to a longer-term visa like the Skilled Worker Visa.

7. Supports SMEs and Non-Profit organisations

  • Particularly beneficial for start-ups and smaller employers without HR or legal support structures.
  • Makes international talent accessible to SMEs and non-profit organisations that may not have the capacity to sponsor visas.

7. Boosts economic growth 

  • Hiring international graduates contributes to productivity, innovation, and global brand awareness.
  • Drives economic growth by connecting UK businesses with international markets and talent.

8. Increases workforce diversity

  • Enables employers to increase diversity within their teams.

Find out more

For further information, read the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) Guide for Employers.