Oxford Students: Working Alongside Studying

Oxford University students are allowed to work part-time, but the university discourages it, especially for undergraduate students. The university has paid work guidelines that aim to ensure that students' academic success is not adversely affected by their jobs. Graduate students may have prescribed limits on their working hours, and international students should also check their UK visas for any limitations on working. For undergraduate students, the university advises against relying on income from employment to fund their studies, as it may negatively impact their ability to complete their courses. However, some students may still choose to work part-time, and there are opportunities for paid work within colleges.

Paid work guidelines for graduate students

Oxford University recognises that some graduate students may want to undertake paid work during their studies. This could be to support their academic development or to help fund their living costs. The University has Paid Work guidelines that aim to ensure that any paid work undertaken does not adversely affect students' academic performance or their ability to complete their course on time.

Prescribed Limits

Some graduate students will have prescribed limits on the number of hours of paid work they can do. This includes graduates funded by research councils and some other scholarships, as well as those with student visas. It is important to be aware of and adhere to these limits.

Demand for Part-Time Work

Students should also be aware that the demand for part-time paid work in Oxford often exceeds the number of available opportunities, whether in academic or other forms of paid work. Therefore, graduate students should not rely solely on the availability of paid work to fund their university and college fees and living costs.

Work During Term Time

The University discourages students from undertaking part-time work during term time, except under exceptional circumstances. This is because the University terms are intense and compacted into eight-week periods, leaving little time for additional commitments outside of studies.

Work During Vacation Periods

The University's shorter terms provide graduate students with greater opportunities to work during the holidays and vacation periods. During these times, students are free to work full-time to earn money and gain valuable work experience.

Visa Considerations

For international students, it is crucial to understand the limitations on working imposed by their visa. Working more than the allowed number of hours would be a breach of immigration conditions and a criminal offence.

Individual College Guidelines

In addition to the University's guidelines, individual colleges may have their own guidelines and recommendations regarding part-time work for graduate students. It is important to be aware of and follow these guidelines as well.

Balancing Work and Studies

While part-time work can provide financial support, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between work and academic commitments. Prioritising studies and ensuring time for rest and social activities is crucial for overall well-being.

University Support

Graduate students who encounter financial difficulties are encouraged to seek help from their college. The University also provides hardship funding options, although these may require a certain level of personal disclosure that some students may not be comfortable with.

In conclusion, while undertaking paid work during graduate studies at Oxford University is possible, it should be approached with careful consideration. Adhering to the Paid Work guidelines, being aware of demand and limitations, and maintaining a healthy balance between work and studies are key aspects to ensure a positive and successful experience.

Part-time work for undergraduate students

Oxford University advises against relying on part-time work to fund your studies. Study at Oxford is demanding, and working on the side may adversely affect your ability to complete your course to your full potential. If you do decide to work, it is recommended that you consult your college tutor beforehand.

Visa requirements

If you are an international student, you should check your UK visa to understand the limitations on working. Working more hours than permitted or undertaking work not permitted under your visa conditions is a criminal offence with serious penalties.

University guidelines

According to the University website, you must dedicate a minimum of 40 hours of your week to academic study. On top of this, you are encouraged to take on extracurricular activities, internships, and leadership roles within your colleges, as well as attending formal events and teaching hours.

Working hours

The University website states that no student may exceed 20 hours of paid work per week. Working a maximum of 20 hours per week means that, during term time, you must not exceed 20 hours in any week (Monday to Sunday) even if you work fewer hours in other weeks. If you are working in more than one job, the total hours across your different jobs must not exceed 20 hours.

National minimum wage

The national minimum wage for 18-20-year-olds is £6.56 per hour. So, working at maximum capacity during term time, according to University rules, you could earn £131.20 per week. According to the University website, living costs at Oxford vary between £14,100 and £20,520 for 12 months, so between £271.15 and £394.62 weekly on average. Thus, the maximum amount of working hours permitted would not be financially viable for a student who has to support themselves on a minimum wage job.

Student visa and work

Students on a full-time degree course holding a Student Visa are permitted to work in the UK. However, there are specific rules and requirements that must be followed.

Working During Term Time

Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This includes paid or unpaid work and work for one or more organisations. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period, and a 'week' is defined by the Home Office as a period of 7 days beginning with a Monday.

Working During Vacation Periods

During official vacation periods, student visa holders can work full-time, which includes full-time internships or placements. However, it is important to note that term and vacation dates differ depending on the level of study. For example, the academic year for postgraduate research students is continuous throughout the year, from 1 October to 30 September, so they cannot undertake full-time work during the summer period.

Work Restrictions

There are certain types of work that student visa holders cannot do:

• Engage in business activity
• Work in a position that would fill a full-time permanent vacancy
• Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, paid or unpaid
• Work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless on the foundation programme
• Be self-employed, including activities such as freelance work, private tutoring, or selling goods or services directly to an end customer

Work Placement as Part of Your Course

If you are on a work placement that is an integral and assessed part of your course, you can work full-time during term time. However, the work placement must not be longer than 50% of the total course length, unless there is a UK statutory requirement for the course to contain a specific period of work placement that exceeds this limit.

Volunteering

Student visa holders can volunteer, but it is important to distinguish between volunteering and voluntary work. Voluntary work is considered unpaid employment and is restricted to 20 hours a week during term time. Even if an opportunity is advertised as 'volunteering', it could still be considered voluntary work, so it is advisable to check with the organisation offering the opportunity.

Working After Submission of Thesis for Examination

For PhD students, the period between submitting your thesis for examination and officially receiving the outcome is considered 'vacation', so you can work full-time. However, once you receive the outcome and are working on corrections, this is considered a return to full-time study, and you can only work for up to 20 hours a week.

Working After Your Course Has Ended

After your course has ended and while your visa remains valid, you can work full-time on a student visa, but the restrictions on the type of work outlined above still apply.

Switching to a Graduate Visa

If you wish to take a permanent full-time job in the UK after your course, you will need to change your visa status. You may be able to apply for permission as a Skilled Worker, or you may be eligible for the Graduate Route, which allows successful applicants to work or look for work in any sector at any level for two years.

Work-study balance

Balancing work and study is a challenge for many students, and Oxford is no exception. While some students may choose to work part-time to support themselves financially or gain work experience, it is important to carefully consider the demands of an Oxford education before taking on additional commitments.

For undergraduate students at Oxford, the University advises against relying on income from employment to fund studies, as it may adversely affect their ability to complete their course to their full potential. The University recommends consulting a college tutor before undertaking regular part-time employment and being mindful of any limitations on working imposed by one's visa status. International students, in particular, should be aware of the regulations surrounding work permissions on their visas.

Graduate students may also wish to undertake paid work, and the University has guidelines in place to ensure that any paid work does not adversely affect their academic success or timely course completion. Some graduate students, particularly those with specific scholarships or visas, may have prescribed limits on the number of hours they can work.

The University's recommendation for graduate and undergraduate students reflects the demanding nature of Oxford's academic programmes. The intense eight-week terms require a significant time commitment, and students are also encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, internships, and leadership roles within their colleges. Additionally, the University recommends dedicating a minimum of 40 hours per week to academic study.

For students who choose to work or need to work due to financial constraints, finding a balance can be challenging. Working during the university holidays may be an option, but it can also lead to burnout and less time for internships, socialising, and revision. Working during term time may be feasible for some, but the University's maximum limit of 20 working hours per week may not be financially viable for students supporting themselves on minimum wage jobs.

To maintain a healthy work-study balance, students may need to carefully manage their time and seek support from their colleges or the University's welfare services. While part-time work can provide financial stability and work experience, it is essential to prioritise academic commitments and well-being to ensure a positive university experience.

In summary, while some Oxford University students may choose to work part-time, it is crucial to carefully consider the demands of their academic programme and personal circumstances before taking on additional commitments. Finding a balance between work and study is essential to ensure that students can succeed in their academic pursuits and maintain their well-being.

Financial independence

Oxford University students may wish to work part-time to support themselves financially, but the university advises against it, as it may adversely affect their academic performance. However, the university does recognise that some graduate students may want to undertake a limited amount of paid work during their studies. For undergraduate students, the university's position is that the course is very demanding, and relying on income from employment to fund their studies is strongly discouraged.

Graduate Students

Graduate students are advised to read the university's Paid Work guidelines, which aim to ensure that any paid work does not adversely affect their studies or their ability to complete their course on time. Some graduates will also have prescribed limits on how many hours of paid work they can do per week, which must be observed. For example, graduates funded by research councils, some scholarship recipients, and those on student visas. Individual colleges may also enforce guidelines.

Undergraduate Students

Oxford University discourages undergraduate students from working during term time. An undergraduate degree at Oxford is a full-time course, and during term time, there is very little time to take on a part-time job alongside studies and other activities. The university recommends that students consult their college tutor before deciding to undertake regular part-time employment. International students should also check their UK visa to understand the limitations on working.

Holiday Work

The university's eight-week terms provide a greater opportunity for students to work during the holidays. During University vacation periods, students are free to work full time.

Other Options

Students who need financial support are encouraged to seek help from their college. There are also a few options for hardship funding available, although these may come in the form of loans which must be paid back the following term.

Frequently asked questions