Wages, tax and National Insurance numbers
If you do paid work as a student, employers must pay you a legal wage and you will need to pay income tax and National Insurance
The National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage
The Government sets the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage which employers must pay you.
Some organisations may opt to pay you the higher Real Living Wage.
Income tax and National Insurance
If you do paid work you will have to pay tax and national insurance contributions.
Most students are likely to earn less than their personal tax allowance, so you may need to claim a tax refund if you have overpaid.
Try this useful UK tax and salary calculator to work out your net salary and how much tax and NI you should pay based on your income.
Applying for a National Insurance number
You can now apply online if you require a National Insurance (NI) number. If you are an international student, you will need one in order to work in the UK.
You may need to send documents or attend an appointment to prove your identity.
- It can take up to 16 weeks to receive your NI number
- You can start work before it arrives, as long as you can prove your right to work in the UK
- International Student Support has a useful guide to working in the UK during your studies.
International students
If you believe you have overpaid tax, you can make a claim by completing a P85 before you leave the UK.
University of Sussex student staff
If you are employed by the University of Sussex, you can make enquiries about your wages via Payroll Office in Sussex House.
If you are working for the Students’ Union, the USSU finance office is on the top floor of Falmer House.