Postgrad Work Rights In The Uk For International Students

International students in the UK can work, but the type of work and number of hours they can work per week depends on their visa status, course type, and university recommendations. Students on a full-time degree course holding a student visa are typically permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations and work placements. Postgraduate students may be advised by their university not to work during term time. After completing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) to continue working in the UK for up to two years.

Are international postgraduate students allowed to work in the UK?

Postgraduate work visa requirements

International postgraduate students are allowed to work in the UK, provided they have a valid student visa. Students on a Tier 4/Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations and work placements. Postgraduate and research students are advised not to work during term time, and part-time students are not allowed to work at all.

The Graduate Visa is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a recognised UK higher education institution to stay and work in the UK for up to two years. Doctoral graduates are granted an extended stay of up to three years. This visa provides flexibility, allowing graduates to work in any sector, change employers, or even become self-employed. However, as the visa cannot be extended, applicants must plan their next steps carefully to ensure a smooth transition into long-term employment before their visa expires.

To qualify for the Graduate Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Current visa status: Applicants must hold a valid Tier 4/Student visa and have studied for at least 12 months in the UK or the full length of their course, whichever is shorter.
• Academic qualifications: Only students who have successfully completed an eligible degree from a recognised UK institution can apply. Foundation courses, diploma programs, and vocational training courses do not qualify.
• Compliance with UKVI sponsorship rules: Applicants must adhere to the UKVI sponsorship rules, which include restrictions on certain types of work, such as setting up a business or working as a doctor, dentist, or sportsperson.

The application process for the Graduate Visa is entirely digital and requires essential documents, including proof of graduation, identity verification, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. Applicants must also pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) before their application can be processed. The visa application fee is £822, increasing to £880 from April 9, 2025, and the health surcharge is £1035 per year the visa will be granted.

Work hour restrictions

International students in the UK are typically allowed to work part-time, provided they have a valid student visa and are enrolled in a full-time course. The number of hours they can work per week depends on their visa type, course load, and the term time.

For instance, those with a student visa can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, with the week defined as a seven-day period starting on a Monday. This limit applies to both paid and unpaid roles, and students cannot average their hours over a longer period. In other words, they cannot work 40 hours one week and then none the next.

During university vacations, students can work full-time, provided their employment is temporary. It is important to note that students with a part-time course visa are not permitted to undertake any work, either paid or unpaid, in the UK.

Additionally, there are restrictions on the type of work that can be undertaken. Students cannot be self-employed or set up their own business, nor can they work as professional sportspeople, entertainers, or doctors, dentists, or sports coaches (unless required by their degree course).

While working part-time can provide financial support and cultural immersion, it is essential for international postgraduate students to carefully manage their time to ensure their academic work remains the priority. Cambridge University, for instance, recommends that postgraduate students do not work during term time.

To summarise, international postgraduate students in the UK face work hour restrictions determined by their visa status and course type. They are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week during term time and can work full-time during vacations, but this may vary depending on their specific circumstances.

Working during term time

International students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work, but there are restrictions on the number of hours and the type of work. Postgraduate research students are considered to be in 'term-time' throughout the year, and so can only work full-time during official annual leave. PhD students are allowed up to 8 weeks of annual leave per year, while other postgraduate research students are allowed 30 days of annual leave per year. During term time, students on a Student Visa can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. This includes paid and unpaid work and work for one or more organisations. This limit also includes voluntary work but not volunteering, which is unpaid work without a contract, usually for a charity or public sector organisation.

The type of work allowed is also restricted. Students on a Student Visa cannot be self-employed or set up a business, be employed full-time on a permanent contract, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. Postgraduate research students cannot take a full-time internship or work placement during term time unless it is an assessed and integral part of their studies.

Students without a Student Visa can work without restriction and do not need to obtain a visa.

Working during university vacations

International students in the UK on a Student visa are allowed to work, but their work rights are limited and connected to their visa and student status. Postgraduate students, in particular, have different rules depending on whether they are taught or research students.

Postgraduate taught students can work full-time during the official university Christmas and Easter vacation periods. However, they cannot work more than 20 hours per week during the summer vacation as they are still considered full-time students while working on their dissertation. The summer period is counted up until the course end date, even if the dissertation is submitted earlier.

Postgraduate research students do not have set vacation periods, but they can request annual leave, which they can take at any time with the agreement of their school. PhD students, for example, are allowed 30 days of annual leave per year and can only work full-time during this official annual leave.

During official university vacation periods, international students can work full-time, provided their employment is temporary or a fixed-term contract. They can also complete a work placement as long as it is an integral and assessed part of their main course of study and does not make up more than 50% of their programme.

It is important to note that the term-time period and vacation periods can vary depending on the programme of study. Students should always check with their university to confirm the specific term dates and official vacation dates for their programme, as they may follow non-standard academic dates. Additionally, some universities may have their own specific rules or guidelines for student work to prevent students from neglecting their studies.

Visa application fees

International postgraduate students are typically allowed to work in the UK, but the number of hours they can work depends on their visa status and course type. Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK, which allows them to live and study in the country for the duration of their course. This visa generally permits students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, provided the employment is temporary. However, it's important to note that international students cannot work as doctors, dentists, sports professionals, or coaches, nor can they engage in business on a student visa.

Now, let's discuss the visa application fees in more detail:

The cost of applying for a student visa to the UK can vary depending on the type of service and the duration of your stay. Here are the key points to note about visa application fees:

• Standard Application Fee: The standard application fee for a student visa in the UK is £490 per applicant. This fee allows you to apply for the visa and obtain permission to live and study in the UK for the duration of your course.
• Priority and Super-Priority Services: If you require faster processing of your visa application, you can opt for priority or super-priority services, which will cost you more. The exact amount for these expedited services is not specified but is recommended for those who need a quicker turnaround.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): In addition to the application fee, international students must pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This surcharge is an annual fee and depends on the length of your stay. For instance, if you are in the UK for a full year, the IHS is £776 per year. If your stay includes part of a year (1-6 months), the fee is £388, and for 6-12 months, it's £776.
• Pathway Student Visa: The Pathway Student Visa is another option that allows you to study up to three consecutive programs under one visa. It also permits part-time work (up to 20 hours weekly) and full-time work during holidays. This visa is valid for up to five years, and the application fee for this specific visa type is not mentioned.
• Financial Requirements: To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay in the UK. This requirement applies if you have been in the UK for less than a year.
• Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your student visa, you can apply for an extension within six months of receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The fee for visa extensions is not explicitly stated, but it is something to consider when planning your finances.
• International Comparison: It's worth noting that the UK's student visa fees are comparable to other countries. For example, Canada charges an average application fee of CA$150, while Italy and the Czech Republic offer annual fees of US$7,680 and US$1,600, respectively.

In summary, the visa application fees for international postgraduate students wishing to work in the UK consist of the standard application fee, potential additional costs for faster processing, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. It's important to consider these fees when planning your financial budget for studying and working in the UK.

Frequently asked questions