Finding part-time jobs in Aberdeen for students is a piece of cake. In 2026, Aberdeen, as the UK’s leading energy transition centre and Scotland’s third largest city, shows unprecedented vitality in its student part-time job market. For the tens of thousands of students at the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, part-time work is not only a way to ease financial pressures but also a key route to join local life and build career skills. This guide provides a detailed analysis of the full picture of student part-time work in Aberdeen in 2026, covering market trends, salary standards, laws and regulations, industry opportunities, and application strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Aberdeen provides 71 student-friendly job roles, with average part-time pay at £19.09 per hour.
- International students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Traditional service industries like retail, food service, and hospitality remain the main sectors for student jobs. However, as Aberdeen moves toward zero-emissions energy, opportunities in green energy, EV infrastructure, and sustainable technical and administrative roles are growing quickly.
- University internal systems like MyCareerHub and RGU eHub offer curated, high-quality roles, while external platforms like Indeed and Jobster provide a wider range of opportunities.
Why Aberdeen is Ideal for Student Jobs?
Aberdeen stands out as one of the most student-friendly cities to work in the UK. There are 71 part-time vacancies for students in Aberdeen, offering flexible hours to fit around classes. It combines a unique industry background with a “high pay, low cost” economic model. The city also has a long history, a rich culture, and many student-friendly policies.
Unique Industry Strengths
Aberdeen’s job market benefits from powerful industry support, particularly in energy. This creates standout career-boosting chances for students, setting it apart from bigger, broader cities such as London or Manchester.
- High-Paying Admin & Support Roles in Energy: As Europe’s energy capital, Aberdeen offers more than just engineering jobs. Companies like BP, Shell, and their supply-chain partners regularly hire students for temporary admin, logistics, and data analysis roles. These positions often offer higher pay than typical service jobs and provide valuable industry experience for a strong CV.
- Seasonal Boom in the Cruise Industry: In 2026, Aberdeen port expects its busiest cruise season ever, with 73 large cruise ships visiting. This creates many well-paid seasonal jobs in Aberdeen, such as port assistants, multilingual guides, and shore-side hosts — opportunities not available in inland cities.
- Dense Retail & Hospitality Scene: Aberdeen’s high streets, such as Union Square and Belmont Street, are very compact. Students can easily walk to jobs between classes. In 2026, new high-energy bars like Rock Bottom have opened, offering plenty of flexible, relaxed part-time vacancies for students in Aberdeen.
- Global Company Presence: Aberdeen is home to Shell, BP, PwC, Deloitte, and other international giants. These firms regularly offer part-time internships to students, giving valuable exposure to global business environments.
High Pay & Affordable Living
Students in Aberdeen can earn high part-time wages while enjoying a lower cost of living compared with other major UK cities. The average student hourly rate is around £19.09, much higher than in nearby cities like Dundee or Newcastle. This strong pay comes mainly from high demand for skilled student workers in energy and tech support. The biggest advantage for students is how wages cover rent. Starting monthly rent in Aberdeen is only £384 — the lowest in Scotland. By comparison, Edinburgh averages around £900, and London reaches £2,210. In cities like London or Edinburgh, students often need to work 80–110 hours per month just to cover rent. In Aberdeen, however, just 20 hours (the international student weekly limit) is usually enough. This leaves students with extra money for travel, social life, and other activities.
Livability & City Appeal
Aberdeen is an extremely walkable city. Most student accommodation, university buildings, and shops are within walking distance, so transport costs are almost zero. It is home to the historic University of Aberdeen (over 500 years old) and the career-focused Robert Gordon University, attracting many students to study here. Students also enjoy many discounts, free NHS healthcare, and free bus travel, making life in Aberdeen much more affordable.
Top Part-Time Jobs in Aberdeen for Students
After learning why Aberdeen is perfect for student jobs, it’s useful to explore which part-time roles are actually worth your time. Below is a list of the top part-time jobs in Aberdeen for students, chosen for their high pay, flexible hours, or strong long-term value for your career.
1. Tutor
Tutoring has always been a high-earning part-time vacancy in Aberdeen. With online teaching tools now very advanced, students can easily teach subjects they are strong in.
- Pay: £20 to £50 per hour
- Flexibility: Very high. You set your own hours around your classes and can work fully online.
- Skills Needed: Strong subject knowledge, patience, excellent communication
- Best Opportunities: Superprof platform, local tutoring agencies, or university academic peer-support schemes
2. Retail Assistant
Many retail shops in Aberdeen are student-friendly and are among the most popular part-time jobs in Aberdeen with no experience required. Retail skills can be learned on the job, so prior experience isn’t necessary. Union Square and Trinity Centre in the city centre offer plenty of retail jobs. These temporary jobs in Aberdeen are a great way for students to earn money, meet new people, and gain valuable social experience.
- Pay: Average £12.71 per hour
- Flexibility: Medium. Shifts are often at weekends or evenings, easy to fit around lectures.
- Skills Needed: Customer service, till operation, stock management
- Best Opportunities: Well-known chain stores (e.g. Boux Avenue, Deichmann) or local supermarkets
3. Hospitality / Bar Staff
Aberdeen’s lively nightlife and restaurants create many bartender and waiter opportunities for students, often providing on-the-job training. These roles are typical no-experience jobs in Aberdeen, requiring no prior professional experience, just a positive attitude and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Pay: £12.20 to £13.50 per hour, typically adding £1–£4 per hour, depending on the venue and shift.
- Flexibility: High. Most busy shifts happen after classes finish. Students often work during evenings and weekends, when demand for staff is highest. These shifts provide plenty of opportunities for weekend and evening jobs in Aberdeen.
- Skills Needed: Teamwork, ability to work under pressure, positive attitude
- Best Opportunities: Popular bars in Torry or the city centre
4. Energy Sector Admin Assistant
Energy Sector Admin Assistant is popular part-time work in Aberdeen. As Europe’s energy capital, many energy companies in Aberdeen hire students for part-time office support.
- Pay: £11 to £16 per hour
- Flexibility: Medium. Shifts are often fixed half-days (e.g. 1 pm to 5 pm).
- Skills Needed: Good with Microsoft Office, organisation, document handling
- Best Opportunities: EV charging startups, Offshore Energies UK, and similar organisations
5. Delivery Driver / Rider
The gig economy is still very active in Aberdeen. Many students choose delivery driver or rider positions as their temporary jobs in Aberdeen. This suits students who have a bike or a driving licence.
- Pay: Around £19.09 per hour on average (varies with orders)
- Flexibility: Very high. You choose when to accept jobs.
- Skills Needed: Good time management, knowledge of local routes, valid driving permission
- Best Opportunities: Major food delivery apps and local courier services
6. Home Care Worker
With an ageing population, demand for part-time care workers in Aberdeen has grown fast. Students studying medicine or social sciences often choose roles as home care workers for part-time work in Aberdeen.
- Pay: £12.71 to £15 per hour
- Flexibility: Medium. Shifts are fairly fixed but available at different times of day.
- Skills Needed: Empathy, basic care knowledge, physical fitness
- Best Opportunities: Private care agencies and Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership providers
7. Cleaning / Housekeeping
Cleaning and housekeeping roles are among the most popular part-time vacancies for students in Aberdeen. Cleaning jobs require physical effort, but shifts are usually early mornings or late nights, so they do not clash with classes.
- Pay: £13 to £15 per hour (higher for night shifts)
- Flexibility: High. Most shifts last 2–4 hours.
- Skills Needed: Attention to detail, reliability, punctuality
- Best Opportunities: Hotels (e.g. Moxy Aberdeen Airport) or student accommodation management companies
8. Research Participant / Brand Tester
Research participant or brand tester roles are a growing remote option for part-time jobs in Aberdeen, Scotland, where students can earn money by giving feedback on products and surveys.
- Pay: Up to £30–£35 per hour for certain projects
- Flexibility: Very high. Most work is project-based and done from home.
- Skills Needed: Good communication, observation skills, basic IT use
- Best Opportunities: Platforms such as YouGov, TestingTime, or Apex Focus Group
Beyond the common student part-time jobs, Aberdeen also offers more specialised local opportunities linked to its unique industries. Students can get involved in building the electric vehicle (EV) charging network, for example, by working as administrative assistants to help manage processes. The Port of Aberdeen and nearby subcontractor companies regularly hire interns and part-time support staff, often coordinating materials for offshore energy projects. For engineering students, major energy companies such as Baker Hughes offer paid internships in areas like quality control and digital technology. These positions pay well and often lead directly to full-time jobs.
Finding Student Part-Time Vacancies in Aberdeen
Efficient job hunting in Aberdeen requires using the right resources. By 2026, the local job market is highly digital, but traditional networks and personal connections remain valuable. Students who combine online tools with campus and local connections often find opportunities faster and more suited to their goals.
University Resources
Your university provides a range of tools to help you secure internships or part-time work in Aberdeen. Using these internal resources effectively can save time and increase your chances of landing quality roles.
- MyCareerHub – University of Aberdeen: MyCareerHub is a dedicated platform for University of Aberdeen students to find temporary jobs in Aberdeen. It posts part-time job listings and hosts the exclusive “ABDN Internship” programme. Internships typically last 7–12 weeks, with around 10 hours per week, making them ideal for current students.
- eHub – Robert Gordon University: eHub helps RGU students find part-time jobs in Aberdeen. RGU students can access career assessments and the eHub Jobs database. Tools like CV 360 automatically check your CV against local employer preferences, helping international students adapt to UK work standards.
Both universities offer one-to-one CV reviews and mock interviews, which are especially valuable for international students with no prior UK work experience. By combining these internal platforms with external resources, students can target roles that match both their schedule and career interests.
Top Job Websites
Online platforms remain essential for finding up-to-date part-time vacancies in Aberdeen. Using a mix of general job boards and specialised student platforms helps students identify positions in different sectors.
- Indeed Aberdeen: Covers the widest range of local roles, from retail and reception to entry-level service jobs.
- StudentJob UK: Curates part-time, internship, and summer job opportunities in Aberdeen specifically for students.
- LinkedIn: Ideal for internships in energy, IT, or administrative roles. Joining local industry groups often reveals hidden job openings.
- Jobster: Rapidly growing in Aberdeen, focusing on short-term roles in green energy and tech start-ups.
Local Connections
Personal networks and in-person events are also powerful ways to discover student jobs in Aberdeen. Attending fairs allows you to meet employers directly and often secure roles before they are widely advertised.
- Aberdeen Careers Fair: 2 major events in 2026 are scheduled for 25 March and 16 September at Pittodrie Stadium. Hundreds of local and national employers participate, offering everything from part-time roles to graduate schemes.
- Campus Part-Time Job Fairs: The University of Aberdeen usually hosts a Part-Time Jobs Fair in early October, helping new students secure work at the start of term.
Legal Rules for Part Time Student Jobs in Aberdeen
All students must follow UK law when working part-time in Aberdeen. For international students in particular, breaking these rules can cause serious visa issues.
- Work Rights and Hours Limits: UK rules for student visas remain strict in 2026, and it’s important for all students to follow them. International students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, while during official holidays, such as Christmas or summer breaks, they are allowed to work full-time. Students on courses below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week. The law defines a “week” as the 7-day period from Monday to Sunday. Hours cannot be carried over or averaged out; each week must stay within the allowed limit. There are also restrictions on the type of work students can do. International students are not permitted to be self-employed, work as professional athletes or coaches, or take permanent full-time jobs. Following these rules is essential to avoid any problems with your visa.
- Pay, Tax & National Insurance: From 1 April 2026, the UK National Minimum Wage increases, with students aged 21 and over earning £12.71 per hour, those aged 18 to 20 earning £10.85 per hour, and apprentices or students under 18 earning £8.00 per hour. For tax purposes, the Personal Allowance for the 2025/26 tax year remains frozen at £12,570, meaning students pay no income tax if their total annual earnings stay below this threshold. However, if your weekly pay exceeds £242 (the Primary Threshold), you must pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs) at a rate of 8% in 2026. Because the minimum wage has risen while the tax-free allowance has not, some students doing only part-time work in Aberdeen may now earn just enough to enter the tax-paying zone, a situation known as fiscal drag. Students need to be aware of these rules when budgeting their earnings from part-time jobs in Aberdeen, so they can plan for any potential deductions.
- Visa & Financial Requirements: From 2026, international students must show higher proof of funds when applying for a visa. Outside London (including Aberdeen), you need to prove you have at least £1,171 in available money each month for living costs.
Tips for Successful Student Jobs in Aberdeen
In the competitive student job market of 2026, success requires more than just sending applications. Use practical strategies to apply effectively and avoid common pitfalls to make the most of part-time opportunities.
Application Tips
Applying strategically is key. Tailoring your CV and approach to each role shows employers that you are organised, motivated, and a good fit.
- Tailor Your CV to the Role: Never send the same CV to every employer. Highlight your IT skills and organisational abilities for Aberdeen’s energy companies, while emphasising a high-energy attitude and strong communication skills for boutique retail or hospitality roles.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Even volunteer work can be strengthened with numbers. For example, Coordinated an event with 50 participants over 3 weeks is far more convincing than simply stating organised events.
- Apply Early: Many student positions fill within 48 hours of posting. Use MyCareerHub alerts to ensure you are among the first applicants.
- Research the Company: Mentioning a company’s sustainability initiatives or community projects in Aberdeen shows genuine interest. Employers, such as those on Jobster, value candidates who understand and engage with their goals.
- Include All Part-Time Experience: Even seemingly unrelated roles, like hospitality or retail, demonstrate work ethic and soft skills. Including these positions on your CV highlights professionalism and reliability.
Using these strategies not only increases your chances of landing interviews but also positions you as a proactive and career-focused student in Aberdeen.
Avoid Pitfalls
While applying for student jobs in Aberdeen, it’s equally important to avoid mistakes that could cost you time, money, or even your visa.
- Beware of Recruitment Scams: In 2026, AI-generated scam emails are increasingly convincing. If a role offers pay far above market rates without an interview, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers will never ask you to pay for training or purchase vouchers.
- Don’t Exceed Work-Hour Limits: International students working more than 20 hours per week during term time—even by a few minutes—are breaking the law. The UK government can check hours via tax records, which could jeopardise your visa.
- Follow Holiday Work Rules: Not every free day counts as a legal holiday. Only dates outside official term periods (as shown on your university’s Academic Calendar) allow full-time work for international students.
- Limit Personal Information on Your CV: For privacy, UK CVs should not include your date of birth, photo, nationality, or National Insurance number. Including these can increase the risk of identity theft.
Being aware of these pitfalls ensures that your applications are safe, professional, and fully compliant with UK regulations, giving you a stronger chance of success in Aberdeen’s student job market.
Balancing Work & Studies
In Aberdeen, the purpose of part-time work is to support your studies, not replace them. Academic pressure remains high in 2026, so effective time management is essential for success. The University of Aberdeen strongly recommend that full-time students work no more than 15 hours per week. Although the legal maximum is 20 hours, the extra 5 hours can often make the difference between achieving a First-Class Honours degree and a lower classification. To maintain a healthy balance, students can follow these strategies:
- Choose Convenient Accommodation: Booking through platforms like uhomes.com can help you find student accommodation in Aberdeen close to both your university and part-time job. Living nearby reduces commuting time, making it easier to balance work, study, and leisure.
- Prioritise Flexible Roles: Jobs such as tutoring or brand ambassador positions allow you to reduce hours during exam weeks.
- Track Your Weekly Hours: Use apps to record every minute of work, including training and administrative tasks, ensuring you never exceed the weekly limit.
- Communicate Openly with Employers: Inform your employer of your exam weeks at the start of your role. Most student employers in Aberdeen, such as hotels and supermarkets, are accustomed to absences in December and May.
- Focus on Mental and Physical Well-Being: Continuous high-intensity work and study can lead to burnout. Both universities provide support services, such as BeWell, so students should seek guidance or reduce work hours if feeling overwhelmed.
By following these tips, students in Aberdeen can manage part-time work effectively while maintaining academic performance and personal well-being.
Conclusion
Finding part-time jobs in Aberdeen for students in 2026 is easier than ever, thanks to the city’s thriving job market and student-friendly environment. With opportunities ranging from retail and hospitality to roles in the growing energy sector, students can earn well and gain valuable work experience. By leveraging university resources like MyCareerHub and eHub, as well as online platforms, students can access a wide range of part-time vacancies. To make the most of these opportunities without affecting their studies, students should plan ahead, manage their weekly hours carefully, and consider living close to both their university and workplace. By taking these steps, you can enjoy a balanced work-life experience in Aberdeen while building skills and preparing for their future careers.
FAQ
What financial planning should student workers in Aberdeen consider?
Student workers in Aberdeen should plan their money carefully to cover rent, bills, and daily costs. Using platforms like uhomes.com, which offers bills-included student accommodation with a lowest price guarantee, can help students manage their housing costs effectively. In 2026, part-time pay in Aberdeen is higher than in many UK cities, but budgeting remains important. Students should keep track of their earnings, be mindful of tax and National Insurance rules, and set clear spending limits. Proper financial planning ensures students can afford essentials, save a little, and still enjoy their social life without financial stress.
How can part-time work in Aberdeen support student career development?
Part-time jobs in Aberdeen help students gain skills and work experience while studying. Roles in retail, hospitality or energy admin build communication, teamwork and organisation skills. Paid internships and temporary positions in local companies provide hands-on experience and can lead to full-time graduate jobs. Using university platforms like MyCareerHub and eHub also helps students find roles that strengthen their CVs.
What future trends and opportunities are emerging for student jobs in Aberdeen?
The student job market in Aberdeen is changing fast. Growth in renewable energy, electric vehicle projects and technical support creates new part-time roles. Remote and online opportunities, such as research participation or brand testing, are also increasing. In 2026, students can find a wide range of flexible jobs that pay well and help build career experience in Aberdeen.
