Recruit an international student

In September 2025, we co-organised the webinar: "Local Talent, Global Impact: Hiring International Students Made Easy" with other Yorkshire universities, including Leeds Beckett University, Leeds Trinity University, University of Bradford, University of Huddersfield, University of Hull, University of Leeds, and the University of York.

Delivered in conjunction with Ward Hadaway legal experts, this event aimed to raise awareness of our talented Yorkshire based international student and graduate population, and demystify the hiring process for visa holders. Please find the recording of the webinar here. Content is accurate by the date of the webinar - 11th September 2025.

Recruiting international students and graduates can bring a wealth of benefits to your organisation.

• Their cultural awareness, global mindset and proficiency in additional languages can help you explore new markets, understand the needs of global clients and develop worldwide connections.
• They often bring a diverse set of skills and experiences. By considering international students, you expand your potential talent pool, accessing individuals with unique perspectives and qualifications, fostering innovation and creativity.
• Hiring international students contributes to a more diverse workplace, which has been shown to enhance productivity and creativity.
• Having a workforce that includes international talents can enhance your organisation's reputation on a global scale.
• International students are often seeking part-time work opportunities, internships and placements during their studies, providing your organisation with a flexible workforce.

International students studying at degree level usually have the right to work for up to 20 hours a week in term-time, and full-time during vacation periods or whilst on an in-programme placement. After graduating, international students have the right to stay and work for 4 months after the official course end date.

Thereafter, the UK's Graduate Route Visa allows international students to work in the country for up to two years  (18 months if the application is made on/after 1st January 2027) and three years for PhD international students after completing their course. This offers a flexible option for employers without the need for company sponsorship. 

If you're looking for longer-term commitments, holding a Skilled Worker visa sponsor licence allows your organisation to recruit international graduates through a more straightforward application process.

Whether you are looking to recruit students for overseas or UK-based operations, we can help you attract and recruit the right talent.

We can provide support with:

• Providing data on student numbers from particular regions or subject disciplines
• Advice on how best to target students from specific regions
• Developing a tailored recruitment strategy
• Creating an effective vacancy advert to attract talents
• Arranging physical and virtual events and activities to help you engage with students as part of our global careers programme
• Connecting you with international student societies

The Careers & Employability Service is unable to provide advice on individual student visa cases. More information and advice about recruiting international students and graduates is available via the Home Office.

To find out more:

Email: careers@sheffield.ac.uk
Tel: 0114 2220900