International Students: Part-Time Degree Application Options

International students often need to work part-time to finance their education and living expenses. In the UK, international students cannot study part-time, but they can work part-time with a Tier 4 study visa. In the US, international students can work part-time on-campus with an F-1 visa, and off-campus after their first academic year.

Can international students apply for part-time degrees?

International students studying part-time in the UK

International students wanting to study part-time in the UK generally cannot do so and will need to apply for a full-time course. This is because the Student Visa requirements for part-time students are very restrictive; you cannot undertake any work in the UK (including paid or unpaid work, placements, internships, or any other work experience), bring family members as visa dependents, or work remotely for an overseas company while in the UK.

However, there are some exceptions. If you are an international student wanting to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, you may be eligible for a specialised visa. This is a pilot scheme with a simplified application process. For example, you will not be required to submit confirmation that you have successfully completed your previous UK course. Additionally, you are entitled to a longer stay in the UK, with the date on which your visa expires calculated by adding 6 months to the end of your course date. This allows applicants to look for work in the UK, and if successful, they can apply to change to a Tier 2 work visa. Another exception is that overseas students can study research courses part-time without requiring a Student Visa, but they will be expected to attend the University for the equivalent of one week in every academic year.

If you are an international student hoping to come to the UK to study an undergraduate or equivalent course, unfortunately, you cannot study part-time. However, a benefit of the Tier 4 Study Visa is that despite some minor restrictions, you are allowed to undertake most paid work in the UK. If you are an international student in the UK, you may also want to consider opening a UK bank account, which can sometimes be a lengthy and complicated process.

Student visa requirements for part-time study in the UK

Generally, international students cannot study part-time in the UK. However, there are some exceptions. For instance, overseas students can study research courses part-time without requiring a Student Visa, provided they attend the university for the equivalent of one week every academic year. In addition, there is a new pilot scheme for international students who want to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis. This scheme has a simplified application process and entitles students to a longer stay in the UK.

If you are an international student and want to study part-time in the UK, you should be aware of the following student visa requirements:

• You must be 16 or over and studying a further or higher education course.
• You will need to prove your identity as part of your application.
• You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language.
• You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
• The cost of your visa will depend on how long it lasts.
• You may be able to bring your partner and children as dependants.
• You may be able to work, but this depends on what you are studying and whether you are working in or out of term-time.

It is important to note that if you are on a part-time course with a Student Visa, you will not have the right to undertake any work, paid or unpaid, in the UK. Therefore, if you are planning to work during your studies, it is essential to check the requirements of your visa and the rules of your university.

Postgraduate courses for international students in the UK

Generally, international students cannot study part-time in the UK. However, there are some exceptions, such as a new pilot scheme for international students who want to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis. This scheme has a simplified application process and allows applicants more time in the UK to look for work.

If you are an international student looking for a postgraduate course in the UK, the UCAS website is a good place to start. It provides advice on choosing what and where to study, as well as help with applications and visas. The University of London is one of the world's leading universities, offering a range of postgraduate courses with online and in-person support. These include master's degrees in accounting and finance, cyber security, computer science, human rights, art history, and curatorial practice, and a PhD in international refugee law and policy.

The University of Manchester also offers master's courses for entry in 2025, and the University of Bristol is another option, with over 45% of international students in the UK choosing it to complete a postgraduate degree.

If you are unable to find a suitable full-time postgraduate course, there are still options available. Aberystwyth University, for example, offers part-time research courses that do not require a student visa. However, this option comes with the restriction that students cannot undertake any work in the UK, including paid or unpaid work, placements, internships, or work experience.

International students studying part-time in the US

International students in the US can work part-time while studying, but they must follow specific rules and regulations. The type of visa and programme of study determine the eligibility and requirements for part-time work.

F-1 Visa

The F-1 Visa is for international students enrolled full-time in an academic programme at an accredited US institution. After completing their first academic year, F-1 visa students can apply for off-campus employment, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is a form of off-campus employment that is an integral part of the student's curriculum or academic programme. OPT, on the other hand, is a programme that allows international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study. Both CPT and OPT require prior authorisation from the Designated School Official (DSO) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). F-1 visa students are generally allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week.

M-1 Visa

The M-1 Visa is for students enrolled in vocational or non-academic programmes. M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work during their studies but can work full-time in a practical training role related to their vocation after completing their vocational studies.

Work Opportunities

There are various part-time job opportunities available for international students in the US, especially within the university campus environment. These include working in university bookstores, cafeterias, or other on-campus facilities. International students can also find part-time jobs as language tutors, library assistants, or research assistants. Additionally, organisations like HTIR Work-Study help connect students with schools that offer work-study programmes.

Considerations

International students should be mindful of the rules and regulations regarding part-time work in the US. Working without proper authorisation is considered illegal and can lead to serious consequences, including jeopardising their student status and potential deportation. It is essential to seek guidance from the International Student Office or DSO and obtain the necessary approvals from USCIS. Additionally, a Social Security Number (SSN) may be required for off-campus employment, which can be obtained with a letter of approval from the DSO.

Student visa requirements for part-time study in the US

To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The most common types of student visas are the F-1 and M-1 visas.

The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, high school, elementary school, or another academic institution, including language training programs. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must also be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship off-campus employment. CPT is defined as "alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school." To qualify for CPT, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total, and part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half. F-1 students suffering from "severe economic hardship" as defined by USCIS are eligible to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks.

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Like F-1 students, M-1 students must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and their school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS prior to starting work.

To apply for a student visa, you must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and schedule an interview with a consular officer at a US Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will determine whether you meet the requirements for a student visa. As part of the application process, you will provide ink-free, digital fingerprint scans and may need to submit unmounted and unretouched photos. After the interview, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality, and make arrangements for the return of your passport and visa. New students can obtain a student visa up to 365 days before the start date of their course but no earlier than 30 days before the start date. Continuing students may obtain a student visa at any time, provided they are currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school.

Frequently asked questions