Working in the UK on a Student Visa: What You Need to Know
If you are an international student already in the UK, or counting down the days until you land, you may be wondering how much you can actually work during your studies. Understanding the rules around working on a UK Student visa is genuinely important. Getting it wrong can have serious consequences for your visa status and your future in the country.
This guide sets out what you can and cannot do, how the hours are counted, and where to go if you need further guidance.
What are the work hour limits?
If you are studying in the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), your permitted working hours depend on the type and level of your course.
During term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week if you are studying at degree level or above, or up to 10 hours per week if you are enrolled in a course below degree level, such as a foundation programme or pre-sessional English course.
Outside of term time, you can work full-time during official university holidays and after your course has officially ended, provided your visa remains valid.
Two important points to be aware of. First, the 20-hour weekly limit is measured Monday to Sunday and cannot be averaged across a fortnight or a month. Second, the limit covers both paid and unpaid work, including internships and voluntary roles. To confirm your specific working conditions, check your eVisa, as physical Biometric Residence Permits have now been fully replaced by the eVisa system in the UK.
What is classed as term time?
Term time is defined by your university or college and may differ between institutions and courses. For undergraduates, it is usually split into three terms across the academic year. For postgraduates, particularly those on one-year taught master’s programmes, term time may include dissertation writing periods.
Always check your academic calendar and speak to your international student adviser to confirm exactly when you are officially on holiday, as the distinction has a direct impact on how many hours you are permitted to work.
What jobs can you do on a Student visa?
Students on a valid Student visa are generally permitted to take on part-time roles in retail, hospitality, and customer service; on-campus positions such as library assistant or student ambassador; internships and work placements that form part of your course; and temporary event staff roles through legitimate agencies.
On-campus jobs are often a good starting point as they tend to be flexible and more understanding of academic schedules. Whatever role you take on, make sure your employer is aware of your visa conditions and conducts a Right to Work check before you start.
What jobs are restricted?
Several categories of work are not permitted under a Student visa, regardless of how many hours are involved or whether the work is remote. You cannot be self-employed or take on freelance work. This includes graphic design, online tutoring, and running any kind of online shop or business. You cannot set up a company or act as a company director, take on a full-time permanent position, work as a professional sportsperson or coach, or work as a paid or unpaid entertainer unless this forms part of your formal course.
It is worth being clear on self-employment in particular. Even small-scale or remote freelance work counts as self-employment and is not permitted under any circumstances on a Student visa. If you are unsure whether a role falls within your visa conditions, contact your university’s international student support team before accepting any offer.
When can you work full-time?
Once your course has officially ended according to your university’s records, you are permitted to work full-time until your visa expires. This window provides a useful opportunity to build experience, explore new roles, or save ahead of your next steps.
Many international students choose to apply for the Graduate visa at this point. The Graduate visa allows you to remain and work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship. However, the rules around its duration have recently changed, and it is important to understand where you stand.
From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa will be reduced from two years to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates. PhD graduates will retain three years. Students who complete their studies and apply before 1 January 2027 remain eligible for the current two-year permission under the existing rules.
You must apply for the Graduate visa before your current Student visa expires. Given the significance of this deadline, planning is essential. Check the official GOV.UK Graduate visa page for current guidance, and speak to your university’s international student team well in advance of your course end date.
Things to keep in mind
A few practical points worth keeping on top of throughout your studies. Tracking your hours carefully each week is important, and using a planner or time-tracking app makes this straightforward. You will need a National Insurance number to work legally in the UK, so apply for one as soon as possible if you have not already done so. Understanding your payslip, including your tax code and pay entitlements, will help you stay on top of your finances from the start. Keeping your academic progress on track matters beyond grades alone, since visa renewals and post-study options can depend on your record at your institution.
Your university’s international student support team and careers service are the best places to go for tailored advice. Most run workshops or drop-in sessions specifically for international students.
Balancing work and study
Managing a part-time job alongside a full-time degree in a new country is genuinely demanding. A few approaches that tend to help: prioritise your academic commitments above everything else, choose roles with flexible or shift-based hours, and avoid overcommitting early on. Starting with eight to ten hours per week and adjusting from there is a sensible approach for most students.
If you are finding the balance difficult, do not wait until it becomes a crisis. Your university’s international support office exists to help, and speaking to someone early is always better than struggling in silence.
