Part-Time Courses: Can International Students Apply In The Uk?

The UK is a popular destination for international students, offering a range of courses and qualifications. For those considering studying in the UK, there are a few key things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to part-time courses and the associated visa requirements. International students can study part-time in the UK under certain conditions, such as having a disability or studying a course without a full-time equivalent. Additionally, visa requirements and work restrictions vary based on the type of course and the student's circumstances. Understanding these factors is crucial for international students planning to pursue part-time studies in the UK.

Can international students apply for part-time courses in the UK?

Student visa requirements for part-time courses

International students can study part-time in the UK under very specialised cases. For instance, a new pilot scheme is offered to some international students who want to take a postgraduate course on a part-time basis. This scheme has a simplified application process and is also advantageous because it entitles students to a longer stay in the UK.

Now, let's delve into the student visa requirements for part-time courses in the UK:

International students intending to study part-time in the UK must meet specific requirements to obtain a student visa. Here are the key points to consider:

• Course Requirements: To be eligible for a student visa, you must be accepted onto a course with a licensed student sponsor. This could include a part-time course leading to a qualification above the degree level (RQF level 7 or above).
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Before applying for a visa, you must obtain an unconditional offer of a place on your chosen course. Your education provider will send you a reference number, known as a CAS, once they have offered you a place. This is a crucial requirement for your visa application.
• Identity and Passport: You will need to prove your identity as part of your application. Ensure that you have a current passport.
• Visa Application Fee: The standard student visa application fee is £490. Additionally, you may need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application, known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The amount you pay depends on the length of your visa and your stay in the UK.
• Financial Requirements: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course. The amount required varies depending on your circumstances.
• English Language Proficiency: As part of your application, you may need to prove your proficiency in the English language. The specific requirements may vary depending on your chosen university.
• Timing of Application: You can apply for your student visa up to six months before your course starts. However, the earliest you can apply is three months before the course commences.
• Previous Visa Considerations: If you are already in the UK on a different visa, you may need to apply for an extension or switch to a student visa. Ensure that your new course begins within 28 days of your current visa expiring.
• Work Restrictions: Part-time student visas for specific courses, such as part-time MPhils or MRes, do not usually permit any work, including part-time employment. However, standard student visas for other courses may allow you to undertake most paid work, which can help cover your expenses.
• Dependants: In some cases, you may be able to bring your partner and children (dependants) with you on your student visa. This depends on factors such as the length of your course and the compliance record of your education provider.

It is important to note that the requirements and restrictions of part-time student visas can vary depending on the course and your specific circumstances. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult official government sources and seek specialist advice to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.

English language proficiency tests

International students hoping to enrol in an undergraduate or equivalent course in the UK cannot study part-time. However, there are exceptions for students with disabilities or those enrolled in a postgraduate course, who can apply for a pilot scheme with a simplified application process.

Other popular English language proficiency tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which is used to measure the ability of non-native speakers, and the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). The Cambridge English Qualifications are also widely accepted and include the Key English Test (KET), Preliminary English Test (PET), First Certificate in English (FCE), Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). The CPE is the highest-level qualification for English fluency and is often required for doctoral or post-doctoral programs. It indicates a near-native command of the English language.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for language proficiency and can be used to understand how different tests and scores translate to fluency. The framework uses a six-point scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. A B1-B2 level of proficiency is typically required for academic purposes, while employees and hiring managers may ask for a B2 or higher for professional contexts.

Postgraduate course options

The UK is a popular destination for international students seeking a world-class postgraduate education. The country is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse course offerings, and pioneering research and academic studies.

If you are an international student looking to pursue 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 the application process.

There are several types of postgraduate courses available in the UK for international students, including taught master's programs, research-focused degrees, master's degrees, PhDs, and postgraduate diplomas. These courses are designed to provide advanced academic and professional training to students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. They are typically more specialized and in-depth than undergraduate programs, allowing students to focus on their specific areas of interest.

International students can benefit from shorter course durations, global networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge research facilities. The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities, offering a wide range of postgraduate programs in areas such as business, engineering, law, medicine, arts, and social sciences.

When considering a postgraduate course in the UK, it is important to keep in mind the various costs involved, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and course-related costs such as textbooks and equipment. Additionally, international students may need to meet English language requirements and apply for a student visa, depending on their specific circumstances.

Overall, pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK can be a great option for international students seeking to enhance their career prospects, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and contribute significantly to their respective fields.

Part-time work opportunities

If you are an international student, you can work up to full-time hours (usually around 40 hours per week) outside of term time. You can live and work in the UK without restriction and do not need a student visa. However, if you do not have 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status, non-European student rules will apply, and you will need a student visa. It is important to note that if you are a part-time student, you cannot work.

To find part-time work, you can start by checking in with your university's employability or careers team, who can connect you with relevant opportunities and help you appeal to employers in the UK. You will need a CV/resume to give to employers when you apply for a job, and some applications may also ask for a cover letter. It is recommended that you talk to your university employment team, international student officer, or academic tutor about working to ensure you are maintaining a healthy balance between work and study.

University rankings and course content

The United Kingdom is a favourable country for international students due to its high-quality education, rich cultural experience, part-time work opportunities, availability of scholarships, and top-ranked universities. The country is home to some of the world's best universities, including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and the University of Edinburgh.

University rankings are determined by trusted organisations like Times Higher Education (THE), which has been providing performance data on universities since 2004. THE's rankings cover three main areas: research, impact, and teaching. Their methodology includes 18 performance indicators across five metrics: research environment, teaching (learning environment), research quality, industry, and international outlook. In 2025, the University of Oxford ranked first in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Course content can vary widely depending on the university and the specific programme. Popular courses in the UK include BBA, MIM, BE/BTech, MSc, and MBA/PGDM. When choosing a course, international students should consider their own educational needs and whether they plan to work part-time alongside their studies.

Part-time work opportunities are available to international students in the UK, allowing them to earn while studying. However, it's important to maintain a balance, as taking on too much work can impact study time and attendance. International students on a Tier 4 Study Visa are allowed to undertake most paid work, which can help cover expenses. Additionally, a new pilot scheme offers simplified visa applications and an extended stay for international students on postgraduate courses, providing an opportunity to look for work in the UK and potentially apply for a Tier 2 work visa after their studies.

For those seeking part-time study, it's important to note that international students are generally expected to study full-time, especially for undergraduate courses. However, there are exceptions, such as the University of Cambridge, which sponsors student visas for part-time MPhils or MRes if studying part-time is due to a disability or if there is no full-time equivalent. Similarly, the university sponsors visas for part-time PhDs due to disability, provided the student is based in Cambridge for most of the course.

When considering part-time courses, international students should carefully review the requirements and restrictions of their visa, as some visas do not permit work or allow dependants to live in the UK. Additionally, students must ensure they have valid immigration permission that covers the length of their course.

Frequently asked questions