Lori Meadows
International students in the UK can work, but there are several conditions and restrictions that they need to be aware of. These include the type of visa they hold, the number of hours they can work, and the type of work they can do. For example, student visa holders can only work on a temporary basis and cannot be employed full-time on a permanent contract. They also cannot be self-employed or set up a business. International students who want to work in the UK after graduation have options such as applying for a long-term work visa or the Graduate Route, which provides two to three years of work rights in any job.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | Students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations. |
| Work type | Students cannot work as entertainers, sports coaches, professional sports people, or doctors and dentists in training. |
| Work placement | Students can work full-time during a work placement if it's an integral and assessed part of their course. |
| Work visa | Students on a visitor or short-term visa are not allowed to work, including unpaid positions and volunteering. |
| Graduate visa | Students can work full-time for up to four months after their course ends or until their visa expiry date, whichever is sooner. |
| Skilled Worker visa | Students can start a job immediately after submitting their visa application if they've completed their course. |
| Start-Up visa | Students might be allowed to work as self-employed individuals if they apply for a Start-Up visa with university support before their student visa expires. |
| Student visa | Students with a student visa may take part in work placements if they are related to their studies and make up no more than 50% of their course duration. |
| Immigration permission | Students may apply for immigration permission to work in the UK after completing their studies. |
| Graduate route | The Graduate route allows students to stay and work or look for work in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD or doctoral graduates). |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements and restrictions
International students in the UK must comply with visa requirements and restrictions regarding work. The type of work and number of hours international students can work per week depends on their visa status.
Student visa
Students with a Student visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time if they are studying at degree level or above. Students studying below degree level are allowed to work a maximum of 10 hours per week during term-time. During vacation periods, students at all levels can work full-time.
Students with a Student visa can undertake internships and work placements, but only when they are an integral and assessed part of their main course. Work placements must not make up more than 50% of the student's study time in the UK. Students can also volunteer, which does not count towards their weekly working hours limit. However, voluntary work (unpaid employment) does count towards the weekly limit.
Student visa holders cannot work as entertainers, sports coaches, or professional sports people, or as doctors and dentists in training, unless required by their university course. They also cannot engage in business activity, which includes setting up a business, being employed by a company in which they hold a significant number of shares, or working for a company where they hold a statutory role.
Tier 4 visa
Students with a Tier 4 visa can work in the UK. They can also volunteer, but these hours will count towards their weekly work quota.
Skilled Worker visa
Students with a Skilled Worker visa can start a job immediately after submitting their visa application, provided they have completed their course. If they are within three months of the course date on their Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), they may be able to start working immediately, but they must confirm this with their employer.
Graduate visa
Students can work full-time for up to four months after their course ends or until their visa expiry date, whichever is sooner. They can apply for a work visa if they want to work in the UK after this period. Students can also apply for a Graduate visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for up to two years (or three years for PhD or doctoral graduates).
Start-Up visa
Students might be allowed to work as self-employed individuals if they apply for a Start-Up visa with support from their university before their student visa expires.
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Work placement opportunities
International students in the UK can undertake work placements, but these must be directly related to their studies. The placement must constitute no more than 50% of the student's total course duration, and the student must obtain a letter from their academic adviser confirming that the placement adheres to student immigration rules.
Work placements can be full-time and paid, even during term time, and students can undertake them alongside other work. However, students must ensure that they do not exceed their weekly working hours limit, which is typically 10 or 20 hours per week during term time, depending on their course level. Students on a full-time degree-level course can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, while those on a course below degree level can work up to 10 hours per week. During vacation periods, students can work full-time, including full-time internships or placements, as long as they provide evidence of their academic calendar as confirmation.
Students enrolled in an overseas university who are completing part of their course in the UK can undertake work placements as long as they do not exceed 50% of their study time in the UK. Their university will remain their Student Visa sponsor, so they must maintain regular contact with their department or faculty.
Students can find work placements through their college or university's careers service, which can offer guidance on suitable internships and job applications. Additionally, universities often offer on-campus job opportunities, typically part-time roles in shops, cafes, bars, events, or student support services. Off-campus job options are also available, with students often finding casual work in areas like hospitality, retail, or events.
It is important to note that work rights are a condition of immigration permission, so students must be clear about their visa status and any restrictions on their work placement opportunities.
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Part-time work
International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time, but there are several rules and visa restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, students pursuing part-time courses are not permitted to work any part-time or full-time job in the UK. International students on a Student Visa are only allowed to work on a temporary basis and cannot be employed full-time on a permanent contract. They also cannot be self-employed, freelance, or on contract work.
If you are a full-time international student, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, including paid or unpaid work, and for one or more organisations. This limit is for a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, defined by the Home Office as a period of seven days beginning on a Monday. During official vacation periods, students on a Student Visa can work full-time, and this includes full-time internships or placements.
There are many part-time job opportunities for international students in the UK, both on and off-campus. On-campus jobs include roles such as library assistant, teaching assistant, lab assistant, campus guides, and campus ambassadors. Off-campus work can be found in industries that commonly employ part-time workers, such as hospitality, retail, and events.
It is important to check your visa status and the relevant rules and restrictions before taking on any part-time work in the UK as an international student. For example, if your visa states "no work allowed" or "work prohibited", you are not permitted to work. Additionally, certain visas may only allow you to work a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time.
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Full-time work
International students in the UK on a student visa are allowed to work full-time during official vacation periods. However, they are restricted in terms of the type of work they can do. Students cannot engage in business activity, which includes setting up a business, being employed by a company where they hold a significant number of shares, or working in a statutory role. They are also not allowed to fill a permanent full-time vacancy.
Any full-time work undertaken must be in a temporary position, meaning the contract ends on a certain date. An exception to this is if the student makes an application for a Graduate visa following course completion, in which case they can start a full-time permanent role while this new visa application is pending.
Students with Tier 4 visas are allowed to volunteer, but the hours will count towards their weekly quota. Volunteering is usually for a charity or the public sector. If volunteering for a business, students should check whether they are considered an unpaid volunteer or a paid voluntary worker, as the latter may not be allowed under their visa.
English language course students are allowed to work full-time outside of term time, including before and after their course, as long as their student visa is still valid. During term time, these students can work up to 10 hours each week.
Students from EEA member states or Switzerland with Pre-Settled or Settled Status do not need permission to work in the UK and are not restricted in terms of working hours.
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Volunteering
As an international student in the UK, you may want to consider volunteering for a variety of reasons, such as gaining experience, meeting local people, practising your English, and enriching your university experience. It is important to note that while you can volunteer on a student visa, there are certain restrictions and guidelines that you must follow.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the distinction between 'voluntary work' and 'volunteering' in the context of UK visa regulations. Any time spent on 'voluntary work' will count towards your weekly permitted working hour allowance, whereas time spent 'volunteering' will not. Voluntary workers typically have contractual obligations, such as specific tasks and attendance requirements, and may receive remuneration in the form of payment or benefits like free accommodation. In contrast, volunteers do not have a contract, must not substitute employees, and are generally not paid, although they may receive reimbursement for reasonable expenses such as travel costs.
To ensure that you are complying with the UK government's definition of volunteering, it is recommended to refer to the guidelines provided by UK Visas and Immigration. Additionally, certain volunteering opportunities, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, may require a background check, known as a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This process may involve obtaining a Certificate of Good Conduct or an equivalent document from countries where you have resided for an extended period.
Universities often provide resources and support for international students interested in volunteering. For example, Warwick Volunteers offers a range of voluntary opportunities that meet the definition of 'volunteering' and do not constitute 'voluntary work'. Similarly, UCL's International Student Support can provide guidance on ensuring that your volunteering activities comply with visa regulations.
Overall, volunteering as an international student in the UK can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to contribute to the community, develop new skills, and make meaningful connections. By understanding the distinction between 'voluntary work' and 'volunteering' and staying informed about visa regulations, you can ensure that your volunteering activities are enjoyable and compliant.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in the UK if they have a valid visa. The type of work and number of hours will depend on the type of visa and course.
Most international students studying for more than six months are given a Student visa. This allows you to work part-time during your studies, with a limit on the number of hours. If you are on a full-time course, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. If your course is below degree level, you can work a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time.
International students on a Student visa can work in casual and part-time roles. These can be found at universities or in industries that employ part-time workers, such as hospitality and retail. Students cannot work as entertainers, sports coaches, professional sports people, or doctors and dentists in training.
Check your visa status and work rights, and understand your institution's rules and restrictions. Contact your university's careers service for help with finding suitable work. Prepare a CV/resume to send to employers.
