Janice Lozano
International students in the UK are often keen to take on part-time work to help manage living costs and experience British culture. While working during studies is possible, there are several factors to consider, including visa status, course structure, and university guidelines. Students must ensure they do not breach any visa restrictions, and some visas, such as Visitor or Short-term Study visas, do not allow any work during studies. Additionally, universities may impose specific rules to prevent students from neglecting their academic priorities, with recommendations to work no more than 6 to 10 hours per week. Understanding these conditions is crucial before embarking on a job search, as it can significantly impact a student's experience and financial situation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours during term time | 10-20 hours per week |
| Work hours outside of term time | Full-time |
| Work hours after course completion | Full-time until visa expiry date |
| Work visa requirements | Tier 4/Student visa |
| Work placement | Allowed full-time |
| Self-employment or business activity | Not allowed |
| Part-time students | Not allowed to work |
| Student visa sponsors | Must have a "track record" |
| Work restrictions | Depends on visa status and university guidelines |
| Work balance | University course should be the priority |
| Work opportunities | Part-time jobs, internships, volunteering |
| UK bank account | Required for receiving payments |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time jobs for international students
International students can work in the UK, but how much they can work depends on their visa status and course requirements. It is important to understand what you can and can't do before starting your job hunt.
International students usually get casual (no fixed hours) and part-time work. These jobs can sometimes be found at the university itself, in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support. There are also off-campus job options to explore, such as hospitality, retail, or events, as well as seasonal work during holiday periods.
Your university may impose other restrictions on whether and how much you can work. For example, Cambridge University recommends working no more than 10 hours per week on undergraduate courses and asks postgraduate and research students not to work at all during term time. Many UK universities recommend working no more than 6 to 10 hours per week.
You can work full-time for up to four months after your course ends or until your visa expiry date, whichever is sooner. After that, you can apply for a work visa.
If you are an international student, you should check in with your university's employability or careers team, as they can connect you with relevant opportunities and help you appeal to employers in the UK. You will need a CV/resume and, sometimes, a cover letter to apply for jobs.
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Work visa requirements
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. Students on a Visitor or Short-term study visa cannot do any kind of work, work placement, or work experience during their studies.
- Students on a Tier 4/Student visa are not permitted to set up their own business in the UK, including where they are not the controlling shareholder.
- Students on a Tier 4/Student visa can undertake a work placement or internship remotely from outside the UK without being limited to the weekly 10 or 20 hours work maximum.
- Students on a Student visa can work for up to four months full-time after their course ends or until their visa expiry date, whichever is sooner.
- Students on a Student visa are not allowed to be self-employed or engage in business activity.
- Students on a Student visa must not work more than 20 hours per week during term time. They can work full-time during vacation periods (Christmas, Easter, and summer) and after their last term at the university ends until their visa expires.
- Students on a Student visa are not permitted to fill a permanent vacancy.
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Work hour restrictions
The number of hours international students can work in the UK depends on their visa status, type of student sponsor, and university guidelines.
Students on a Visitor or Short-term study visa cannot do any kind of work, work placement, or work experience during their studies in the UK. Tier 4/Student visa holders are restricted to working a maximum of 10 or 20 hours per week during term time and can work full-time during vacation periods and after their course ends until their visa expiry date. However, they cannot fill a permanent vacancy.
International students in the UK can only work if their Student sponsor has the words 'track record' in the status column of the register of Student sponsors.
University guidelines on work hours vary. For example, Cambridge University recommends that undergraduate students work no more than 10 hours per week, while postgraduate and research students are advised not to work during term time. Meanwhile, the University of Exeter recommends that undergraduate and taught postgraduate students work no more than 15 hours per week during term time to avoid adversely affecting their studies. Many UK universities recommend working no more than 6 to 10 hours per week to balance work, study, and leisure time effectively.
It is important for international students to check with their university and be aware of any work hour restrictions imposed by their visa status, student sponsor, and university guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid any negative consequences.
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Work placement opportunities
International students in the UK can take up work placement opportunities, but there are several factors to consider. Firstly, work rights are a condition of your immigration permission, so it's essential to understand your visa status and any restrictions that may apply. Your visa will outline the number of hours you are permitted to work, and it is your responsibility to ensure you do not exceed these hours.
If you are on a Student Visa, you can take up a work placement as part of your course, and this can be full-time, even during term time. However, the university is required to monitor your attendance during this period. It is important to note that students on a Visitor or Short-term Study Visa cannot undertake any work placements or work experience during their studies in the UK.
Some universities may impose their own restrictions on student work, so it is worth checking with your institution before applying for jobs. For example, Cambridge University recommends that undergraduate students work no more than 10 hours per week, and postgraduate and research students are advised not to work during term time.
While seeking work placement opportunities, you can start by checking with your university's employability or careers team, as they can connect you with relevant openings and help you navigate the job market in the UK. Additionally, you can join student job boards and network with other international students to find leads.
It is important to maintain a balance between work and your academic commitments. Taking on too much work may negatively impact your studies, so finding the right balance is crucial.
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University recommendations
If you are an international student at a UK university and you want to work, it is important to first check your visa status and any university guidelines. Your visa will outline the number of hours you are permitted to work and any restrictions on the type of work. Your university may have its own rules and guidelines for student work to prevent students from neglecting their studies.
Your university's Student Affairs Council or International Cooperation Office can tell you whether your course has work restrictions. The university's student support or careers team can advise whether your course structure counts as full or part-time and whether you are allowed to work.
Many UK universities recommend working no more than 6 to 10 hours per week. Cambridge University, for example, recommends working no more than 10 hours per week on undergraduate courses and asks postgraduates and research students not to work during term time. The University of Exeter advises that undergraduate and taught postgraduate students work no more than 15 hours per week during term time.
It is also important to note that you cannot work full-time during term time. You can work full-time during vacation periods and after your course ends until your visa expiry date, but you cannot fill a permanent vacancy.
If you are unsure about your visa status, you can contact the Student Immigration Compliance Team.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the UK, but the type of work and number of hours they can work will depend on their visa status and the requirements of their university.
During term time, students are limited to working 10 or 20 hours per week. During university vacations, students can work full-time.
International students in the UK are restricted from setting up their own business or being self-employed. They also cannot be a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
International students can find work opportunities by checking in with their university's employability or careers team. They can also join student job boards and network with other international students to find leads.
