Three out of every four students working to help fund university, according to new figures

The proportion working has surged from 59 per cent to 77 per cent in a single year

Three out of every four students are working either part or full-time to help fund their way through university, according to new figures (Getty Images)

Three out of every four students are working either part or full-time to help fund their way through university, according to new figures published on 10 August.

The findings, from Endsleigh – the insurance company recommended by the National Union of Students – show the proportion working has surged since last year, from 59 per cent to 77 per cent. According to the survey, 63 per cent have held a part-time job – 33 per cent of them working during term time – while 14 per cent have taken on full-time employment. Those working in term time have earned an average of £412 a month – with boys (on £522) earning far more than girls (£334).

Students told researchers they were not just in it for the money: 87 per cent said they believed developing additional skills and bulking up their CVs were just as important a reason for getting a job while studying.

“This year we have seen a huge leap in the number of students finding employment whilst at university,” said Sara Newell, at Endsleigh.

“Whilst many still rely on their parents and student loans as main sources of finance, unexpected costs at university mean that many are looking for jobs to make ends meet.”