Working In The Uk: International Student Opportunities

International students in the UK can take on part-time work, internships, or casual jobs to earn extra money, gain professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK. However, their university course should always be their priority. International students on a Student Visa for a full-time course are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. After graduation, international students can apply for a long-term work visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, or the Graduate Route, which provides two to three years of work rights in any job.

Can an international student work in the UK?

Part-time students cannot work

If you are an international student in the UK on a part-time course, you will not be permitted to undertake any work, paid or unpaid. This is because your student visa is for studying only and does not allow you to work. The main purpose of your student visa is to allow you to study in the UK, not work. This means that part-time students cannot work in any capacity, including self-employment or setting up a business.

For those on a full-time degree course with a Student visa, the rules are different. Students on full-time courses holding a Student visa are permitted to work in the UK, with some restrictions. During term time, students can work up to 20 hours per week, and full-time during vacation periods. Students can also work full-time during term time if on a work placement that is an integral and assessed part of the course, but this cannot be longer than 50% of the course length.

International students in the UK on a Student visa are also not permitted to be employed as a professional sportsperson, sports coach, or entertainer, nor can they be self-employed or set up a business. Volunteering is allowed, but only for a registered charity or voluntary organisation, and it must not be considered unpaid employment or an internship.

After completing your studies, you can work full-time for up to 4 months or until your Student visa expires, whichever is sooner. To continue working in the UK after this period, you will need to change your visa status. Many students are eligible to apply for a Graduate Route working visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to three years after graduation.

Full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week

International students on full-time degree-level courses holding a Student visa are permitted to work in the UK for up to 20 hours per week during term time. The Home Office defines a "week" as "a seven-day period starting on a Monday and ending on a Sunday". This presents a great opportunity for international students to earn some extra money, gain professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK.

However, it is important to remember that your university course should always be your priority. Taking on too much work could make it harder to find time to study, cause you unnecessary stress, or even impact your attendance. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your university's employment team, international student officer, or academic tutor to help you determine the right balance between work and studies.

There are also certain restrictions on the type of work that international students can undertake. Students on a Student visa can only work on a temporary basis and cannot be employed full-time on a permanent contract. They cannot be self-employed, set up a business, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. Students on a Standard Visitor visa are not permitted to undertake any work, including voluntary work, internships, or work placements.

It is important to carefully review the working restrictions attached to your specific visa type, as outlined in your decision letter. By adhering to these conditions, you can ensure that you maintain your eligibility to work in the UK while studying and take advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable work experience during your time as a full-time student.

Students cannot be self-employed or set up a business

International students in the UK on a Student visa have several restrictions on the type of work they can do. The primary purpose of a Student visa is to allow individuals to study in the UK, not work. Students on a Student visa are not permitted to be self-employed or set up a business. This means that they cannot be sole traders or set up a business under a partnership arrangement, even if it is not trading or only establishing a trading presence.

Students are also not allowed to be employed by a company in which they hold shares of 10% or more, including where the shares are held in a trust for them. This is because the UK government considers this type of work to be "engaging in business". Students who wish to be self-employed or start their own business should not do so on a Student visa.

It is important to note that the restrictions on working in the UK for international students depend on the type of visa they hold. For example, students on a full-time degree-level course holding a Student visa are permitted to work in the UK, but only for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. They can also work full-time during term time if their work placement is an integral and assessed part of their course, but this should not be longer than 50% of the total course length.

If an international student wishes to take on self-employment or start a business, they may need to apply for a different visa status, such as the Graduate Route visa, which allows students to stay in the UK and work for up to two years (or three years for PhDs or other Doctorates) after graduating. This visa allows successful applicants to work or look for work in any sector and at any level, providing more flexibility for those who wish to be self-employed or start their own business.

It is always recommended to check with the relevant authorities, such as the Student Immigration Service or the university's international student advice team, to ensure compliance with visa regulations and avoid any negative consequences, such as impacting one's ability to remain in the UK.

Students can work full-time during vacation periods

International students on a Student visa in the UK are allowed to work during their studies, but their visa places strict restrictions on the amount and type of work they can do. The main purpose of a Student visa is to allow the holder to study in the UK, not work. Students on a full-time degree-level course holding a Student visa are permitted to work in the UK during term time and vacation periods, provided they do not take on full-time or permanent employment.

During term time, students on a Student visa are only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. However, during vacation periods, students are allowed to work full-time. This means that during the holidays, international students can work up to 40 hours per week. This is a great opportunity for students to earn some extra money, gain professional experience, and learn more about working life in the UK.

It is important to note that international students on a Student visa cannot be self-employed or set up their own business. They are also not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. These restrictions are outlined by the Home Office and must be adhered to, as working in breach of the visa conditions can have serious implications on the student's ability to remain in the UK.

After completing their studies, international students can work full-time for up to 4 months or until their Student visa expires, whichever is sooner. To continue working in the UK after this period, students will need to apply to change their visa status or apply for a Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to two or three years.

Students can apply for a Graduate Route working visa

International students in the UK on a Student visa are allowed to work, but only on a temporary basis. They cannot be employed full-time on a permanent contract, and they cannot be self-employed, set up a business, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

However, students can apply for a Graduate Route working visa, which allows them to stay in the UK and work or look for work after graduation. This visa is available to international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master's degree, and it lasts for two years. For PhD graduates, the visa is valid for three years. The Graduate Route is unsponsored, meaning graduates can work or look for work at any skill level without needing an employer to sponsor their visa. They can also gain work experience, undertake an internship, or work as a freelancer. There is no minimum salary requirement, and there is no limit on how many international students can obtain this visa.

To apply for a Graduate Route visa, students must meet certain requirements. They must have studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible course for a minimum period with their Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. Additionally, their education provider must confirm to the Home Office that they have successfully completed their course. The application process includes an £822 one-off fee and payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge, which costs £1035 annually as of February 6, 2024. Applicants must also prove their identity and provide the necessary documents.

It is important to note that the Graduate visa cannot be extended. However, graduates may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the requirements. Their partner and children can also apply to stay in the UK if they are eligible.

Frequently asked questions