International students
Source: https://careers.ed.ac.uk/international-students Parent: https://careers.ed.ac.uk/
This page is a hub for you as an international student. Explore the information here alongside the resources across our whole website that all students, including you, can use.
Careers Service support for international students
We recognise that as an international student, you are likely to face additional challenges securing a job following graduation. You also have additional opportunities to consider, like returning to your home country or staying in the UK. You are not alone and the Careers Service is here to support you. This hub has been designed to help you understand your career options as an international student and take your next steps.
What are your options?
Your broad options following graduation are:
- returning to your home country to work or pursue further study
- working or pursuing further study in the UK
- working or pursuing further study in another country.
Being well-informed about your options, engaging with our online resources and planning ahead will improve your chances of succeeding in a challenging recruitment market.
Student Immigration Service
The Careers Service cannot provide individual visa advice. For visas and immigration information and support, check the University's Student Immigration Service website.
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Building experience during your studies
As well as making the most of your university experience, building experience through part-time work, an internship or other work experience all help to develop a stronger understanding of your skillset and provide evidence to strengthen your applications. Speak to the Student Immigration Service if you are unsure of whether you can work during your studies.
Finding part-time & vacation jobs
Find part-time or vacation jobs as a student, and information on National Insurance and your work rights.
Finding internships & work experience
Find out about internships and work experience, including Employ.ed on Campus, and internship agreements.
Working on a student visa (Student Immigration Service)
It's really important to understand and comply with your Student visa work rights, restrictions and University recommendations. The Student Immigration Service has clearly outlined these conditions on their website.
Making plans for after your studies
It is important to consider all of your options for working after graduation and allow yourself plenty of time to plan ahead. This is particularly true if you are a taught postgraduate student as you are only with us for a short time and will need to start planning very early on in your studies.
It is often the case that despite your best efforts your original plan does not work out. In these cases, it will require you to be adaptable, flexible and resilient as you navigate your next steps.
Watch the following webinar to understand what Scotland has to offer, including sector information, opportunities, employer insights and where you can get support:
Destination Scotland: Your future career path as an international graduate
Visas & immigration after studies
Advice if you plan to work in the UK after graduation, including where to find out about visas.
Finding work outside the UK
Learn how to find work in other countries, including USA and China, and the practicalities to consider.
Finding graduate jobs in the UK
Find out about graduate jobs and schemes, recruitment agencies and working overseas.
Understanding the UK job market
Learn about sectors, jobs and employers in the UK.
Making and changing plans
Get advice on how to start planning, make decisions and change your plans, including leaving university early.
Making the most of your Masters year
Specific advice for postgraduate taught students on how to plan ahead and details of our Masters Careers programme.
Applying for jobs in the UK
Every country has its own application processes and a different labour market. In this section you'll find information and advice that will support you in understanding the UK recruitment process and labour market, and will help you make effective applications.
Writing your CV & application for a UK job
Learn how to apply to opportunities and how to create a LinkedIn profile.
Understanding the UK recruitment process
Learn about the different stages of the UK recruitment process for both graduate jobs and graduate schemes.
Explaining your qualifications
Learn how to present your qualifications in applications.
Student Circus
Student Circus is for international students who want to work in the UK after graduation. It hosts UK graduate opportunities for international students. It also contains a wealth of information about working in the UK and your home country.
Connecting with international alumni
Looking for some inspiration? Hear from international alumni and learn from their journey:
Alumni profiles (Alumni Services)
Global community (Alumni Services)
Making connections and networking
Further Study
You may be considering further study after you finish your current course; explore our advice on finding courses, how to apply and moving on to a PhD.
This article was published on 2025-07-30