Visa Options For International Phd Students In The Uk

International PhD students in the UK have several options to consider when it comes to working during and after their studies. While pursuing their doctorate, international PhD students in the UK may work up to 20 hours per week alongside their programme, provided they do not engage in business or self-employment. After completing their PhD, international students can remain in the UK for up to four months to seek skilled work and apply for another visa. The Graduate Route scheme allows international PhD graduates to stay in the UK for up to three years, while the Skilled Worker visa has recently increased its minimum salary threshold. Understanding the various visa options and their requirements is crucial for international PhD students aiming to work in the UK.

Work hour limitations

International PhD students in the UK are allowed to work during their studies, but there are limitations on the number of hours they can work. These students are part of the UK's points-based Student Route visa system, previously known as the Tier 4 student visa.

The maximum number of hours an international PhD student can work per week in the UK is 20 hours during term-time. This includes both paid and unpaid work. However, during vacation periods, there is no limit on the number of hours they can work. It is important to note that this rule does not apply to all cases, and students should refer to the official guidelines or consult their university's international office for specific information.

Additionally, there are certain restrictions on the type of work that international PhD students can undertake. They are not allowed to engage in business, self-employment, or provide services as professional sportspeople or entertainers. They are also not permitted to pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

International PhD students can consider part-time work or internships to gain work experience during their studies. Internships are allowed under specific conditions, such as being no longer than three months and being an established part of the employer's recruitment procedure.

Furthermore, it is essential to have applied for a National Insurance Number to be eligible to work in the UK, but receipt of the number is not required to begin working. International PhD students can refer to resources like the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) and university job boards for more information on working in the UK during their PhD studies.

Visa requirements

International PhD students require a student visa to study in the UK. This is a points-based system, available for full-time and part-time courses. The visa will be valid for the duration of your PhD, provided you continue to study at your sponsoring university. Once granted, your visa will typically allow for multiple entries into the UK and will last for the stated duration of your degree. You should normally apply within your home country before travelling to the UK and beginning your studies. However, you can also apply to extend your visa if you are already in the UK. If you are in doubt about your visa status, contact your prospective university or see the comprehensive advice provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

Since October 2020, the UK Government has replaced the previous Tier 4 (General) student visa with a new points-based student visa route. If you are applying from outside the UK, you can now begin your visa application six months before your PhD starts (previously three months). There is no limit to the time you can spend studying postgraduate qualifications in the UK on the new student visa.

Once you have completed your doctorate, you can remain in the UK for up to four additional months under the terms of your student visa. During this period, you may seek skilled work and potentially apply for another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa. Alternatively, you may apply for the UK's Graduate Route scheme, which will allow you to remain in the UK for up to three years after your PhD. This scheme is for international students who have completed a doctorate after 1 July 2021. To be eligible, you must apply before your student visa expires.

It is important to note that most international students are allowed to work a limited number of hours while pursuing a doctorate in the UK. However, this income cannot be relied upon as part of your main PhD funding. Generally, you must be able to pay your course fees and living expenses without working in the UK. This will be assessed when you apply for your visa.

Income expectations

International PhD students in the UK can expect to earn a tax-free stipend of between £25,000 and £30,200 per year. This stipend is a non-repayable grant that covers living costs such as rent, food, bills, and basic travel. It's important to note that this income cannot be relied upon as the main source of funding for a PhD, and students are expected to be able to cover their course fees and living expenses without working. However, a Tier 4 visa allows international students to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time to earn additional income, with no restrictions during vacations or agreed work placements or internships.

There are three main ways for international PhD students to earn an income during their studies: teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and studentships. Teaching assistantships involve assisting in the delivery of courses and typically provide a higher income than research assistantships, which involve assisting a professor with their research. Studentships are non-repayable grants that cover tuition fees and living expenses, with no duties attached. It is possible to combine these earning opportunities, such as by being a research assistant while also teaching undergraduate students.

The availability of funding for international PhD students in the UK can vary, with fewer opportunities and greater competition compared to UK 'home' students. However, financial support is available from government organizations, independent grant providers, university scholarships, and industry funding. Scholarships are often awarded by universities themselves or through partner organizations. Additionally, prestigious institutions may offer industry experience alongside academic research training, which can be profitable for international students seeking careers in various fields.

For those seeking employment after graduation, part-time work or volunteering during studies can be beneficial, as experience is highly valued by recruiters. The UK offers a range of career opportunities for PhD graduates across different sectors, including education, technology, medicine, and science. Additionally, pursuing a PhD in the UK can lead to permanent residency through the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa after five years of working in a graduate job.

Internship opportunities

International PhD students in the UK on a Student Visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This limit applies to all types of work, including part-time jobs, internships, and assistant roles. During university vacations, students can work full-time. However, it's important to note that different types of work are restricted for international PhD students. They cannot engage in self-employment, freelancing, or business ownership. Additionally, they cannot pursue a permanent full-time position or work as a professional athlete or entertainer.

Now, let's focus on internship opportunities for international PhD students in the UK:

Firstly, internships that are an integral part of the PhD program and are approved by the university are permitted. In this case, the internship is considered part of the student's course, and they can undertake it on their student visa. Before applying for such internships, students should discuss the opportunity with their supervisor to confirm its integral nature to their PhD research. University approval, such as through a "Leave to Work Away" procedure, is crucial and must be obtained before the internship commences.

Secondly, some internships may not be a formal part of the PhD program but can still be undertaken by international students if they stay within the weekly work limit of 20 hours during term time. These internships can provide valuable experience and financial support, but students must carefully manage their time to ensure their academic progress isn't affected.

Thirdly, some employers offering internships in the UK may provide visa support. If an international student obtains a new visa with the support of an employer, they must inform the International Student Office at their university to update their records. However, switching to a work-related visa during a PhD can impact the student's eligibility for a Graduate visa upon completion of their degree.

When considering internship opportunities, international PhD students in the UK should be mindful of their visa conditions, university policies, and the nature of the internship to ensure compliance with regulations. They can seek guidance from their university's international office or the International Student Office for visa-related queries. Additionally, students can explore internship opportunities through their university's career services and job boards, as well as through external job sites.

Work eligibility

International PhD students require a student visa to study in the UK. This is a points-based system, available for both full-time and part-time courses. Most international students need a visa to study in the UK, but there are some exceptions. For example, if you have been granted asylum, recognised as a refugee, or have lived in the country for an extended period, you may be able to study without a visa.

Students should apply for a visa in their home country before travelling to the UK. However, you can apply to extend your visa if you are already in the UK, and you can remain covered by its terms for up to four months after completing your doctorate. This period can be used to seek skilled work and apply for another visa, such as the Graduate Route visa. This allows international students who have completed a doctorate after 1 July 2021 to remain in the UK for up to three years.

International PhD students are allowed to work a limited number of hours per week while studying in the UK. They cannot work more than 20 hours per week or engage in business, self-employment, or entertainment professions. They also cannot fill a permanent full-time vacancy. Students must also apply for a National Insurance number to be eligible to work in the UK.

Frequently asked questions