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Advice for International Students

As an International student at this University you have access to the full range of services and facilities that Purple Door Careers and Recruitment offers. A friendly experienced team are on hand to help you with your careers related enquiries, which could include finding out about jobs, work experience and further study.

Where to start

Planning your career is not just about looking for a job; it involves thinking about the knowledge, skills and experience that you want to develop and what you can offer an employer. This section provides information, resources and advice specifically for international students. Use these pages alongside the rest of the Purple Door Careers and Recruitment website to find the information and advice you need, from choosing a career or finding work experience to looking for jobs and making applications.

Working in the UK

If you are looking to work in the UK during your studies or after graduation it is important that you check the visa and work permit situation. We cannot provide you with immigration advice personalised to your own circumstances but we have provided links to websites with up to date information and advice to help you.

• UK Border Agency – Official visa and immigration information for working in the UK.
• UK Border Agency -  This page explains the codes of practice for sponsors under Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system. The current register can be downloaded from the right side of this page. 
• Register of sponsors, UK Border Agency - Register has the name and location of each organisation. The current register can be downloaded from the right side of this page.
• UK Council for International Student Affairs ­– Advice for international students studying or planning to study in the UK.
• Farley and Associates – Accredited immigration adviser who regularly presents at the University of Portsmouth regarding current visa information.
• NASES – Information to help explain rights regarding part-time work in the UK.
• International and EU students: Looking for work? How UoP can help you and using Purple Door Careers and Recruitment – This guide will help you identify how you can find and market yourself effectively for jobs while you are a student and after you graduate. It also identifies how Purple Door Careers and Recruitment can help you.
• International Students: Looking for work, marketing yourself effectively – This leaflet will help you identify how you can find jobs and market yourself effectively while you are a student and after you graduate.
• new Graduate Entrepreneur visa scheme for international students - this is an information sheet provided by Westkin Associates, immigration law specialists, with details about a new visa category
• UK-China Commercial Relations Business Partners for Growth - UKTI document with a list of chinese companies with bases in the UK
• UKBA - Tier 5 (Temporary worker - government authorised exchange) information about the points-based system to work in the UK. Section also includes a ‘List of approved Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange Schemes’ that students need to apply through.
• Intern in Britain – opportunities for students and recent graduates of any nationality outside the EEA to work as an intern in the UK for up to 6 months.

The Purple Door Careers and Recruitment website provides details of current job vacancies on their Jobs Board, with further information and advice on looking for part-time work, placements and graduate jobs in the Jobs and work experience section. You can also visit the Purple Door Careers and Recruitment Centre where you can use a wide range of additional resources with staff on hand to help you.

Finding a job in your home country or outside the UK

You may decide to look for work in your home country or outside of the UK once you graduate. Information is available to help you with your job search; you will find details of some of the main resources below.

Making applications

Information and advice on writing a CV, completing applications forms and going for interviews is available in the making applications section. If you would like further support you can drop-in to CV Wednesday or make an appointment with a careers adviser for one-to-one advice.

Share your experiences

Take the opportunity to discuss the issues that are important to you with fellow international students. Read case studies of international students experiences and find out more about your options by visiting the dedicated pages on the Prospects website.