According to Gov.UK, there is a national minimum wage limit for every international student based on their age but almost 70% of students don’t know that. By law, your employer must pay a minimum rate on average for the work hours. This is called :
- The National Living Wage, if you’re aged 23 or over
- The National Minimum Wage (NMW) if you’re aged under 23 or an apprentice
Anyone who is employed as an employee or worker (full-time, part-time, doing training essential for the job, working in a small or ‘start-up’ business) must get the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
Current rates of National minimum wage
| Wage band | Current rate |
| Age 23 or over (National Living Wage) | £10.42 |
| Age 21 to 22 | £10.18 |
| Age 18 to 20 | £7.49 |
| Under 18 | £5.28 |
| Apprentice | £5.28 |
The government reviews minimum wage every year and they’re usually updated on 1 April.
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National minimum wage from April 1, 2024
From 1 April 2024, if you’re aged 21 or over you will be entitled to the National Living Wage. The national minimum wage from 1 April 2024 will be:
| Wage band | Wages from April 1, 2024 |
| Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) | £11.44 |
| Age 18 to 20 | £8.60 |
| Under 18 | £6.40 |
| Apprentice | £6.40 |
The apprentice rate for international students
If your age is 19 or over and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you’re entitled to be paid at least the minimum wage for your age. The apprentice rate is £6.40 for international students.
The increased payment of the national minimum wage
There are some times when employees or workers are entitled to a higher minimum national wage rate, for example:
- if the government increases the rates
- if an employee or worker turns at the age of 18, 21 or 23
- if an apprentice turns 19 or finishes the first year of their apprenticeship
The higher wage rate starts to apply from the next pay reference period after the increase. This means someone’s pay might not go straight away.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in UK in 2024 for international students?
Ans: As of 1 April 2024, the UK minimum wage has increased. As of this moment, the National Living Wage will consist of an hourly rate of £11.44.
What is the wage rate for international students in the UK?
Ans: The national minimum wage as of April 1st, 2024 is: £11.44 per hour for workers 21 and over (known as the National Living Wage) £6.60 per hour for workers 18 – 20. £6.40 per hour for those under 18.
How much a student can earn in UK per hour?
Ans: The national minimum wage as of April 1st, 2024 is: £11.44 per hour for workers 21 and over (known as the National Living Wage) £6.60 per hour for workers 18 – 20. £6.40 per hour for those under 18.
Can an international student work 40 hours a week in UK?
Ans: When you have your vacation period, for example, your summer holidays the Christmas vacation, or the Easter vacation, you could potentially work up to 40 hours per week.
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