Table Of Contents:
- What is a UK student visa
- UK student visa regulations
- What Type of Work Are You Allowed
- What type of work are you not allowed to do
- Working Hour Limits
- Internships and Work Placements
- UK Student Visa Regulations – Things to Remember
- Working While Studying in the UK: Opportunities
- Career Opportunities While Working on a Student Visa
- Final Thoughts
UK student visa regulations are important to understand for international students. This is because if you don’t know the regulations, you will lose out on opportunities available to you in the UK. If you adhere to the UK student visa regulations, you can brighten your career opportunities in a big way.
The UK is a dream education destination for many international students. Alongside receiving a world-class education, many students also look forward to gaining work experience and earning some extra income while studying.
There are world-renowned institutions in the UK that offer the best learning opportunities to students. You can apply for a UK student visa to study in the UK if you are aged 16 or over. A UK student visa allows students to work part-time to earn extra money to cover their expenses and learn new skills.
What is a UK student visa?
The UK student visa allows international students aged 16 or over to come and study in the UK in courses that last for more than 6 months. These courses can be below degree level, degree level, and above. UK student visa regulations allow students to work part-time while studying.
However, you need to understand the regulations and opportunities a UK student visa offers. Please note that the UK student visa replaced the old Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.
In this article, we will discuss the regulations and opportunities for working while studying in the UK.
UK student visa regulations
If you are in the UK on a UK student visa, you may be eligible to work during your studies. Your eligibility and work limitations are printed on your visa vignette or your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
You should check your visa or BRP before accepting any job.
What Type of Work Are You Allowed?
You can take up jobs such as the following on a UK student visa:
- Part-time roles in shops, restaurants, and offices
- On-campus roles (library assistant, IT support, etc.)
- Internships and placements as part of your official academic program
- Volunteering for registered charities
What type of work are you not allowed to do?
There are certain restrictions on the type of work you can do:
- You cannot be self-employed or freelance.
- You cannot run or manage a business.
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
- You cannot work as a doctor or dentist in training. However, you can work as a doctor or dentist in training if it is part of an approved program.
- You cannot take a full-time permanent job.
Working outside the permitted activities means you have not followed UK student visa regulations. It can put your visa and future immigration status at risk.
Working Hour Limits
The number of hours you can work depends on the type and level of your course.
| Course Level | Term-Time Work Limit | Holiday Period Work Limit |
| Degree-level and above | Up to 20 hours/week | Full-time allowed |
| Below degree-level | Up to 10 hours/week | Full-time allowed |
| Short courses less than 6 months | Usually not allowed | May vary—check your visa |
A ‘week’ starts on a Monday.
Term time includes all teaching, revision, and exam periods. ‘Outside term time’ means any time other than ‘term time.’ For example, time before the start of your course and after the end of it and vacations.
Holidays refer to official vacation periods in your academic calendar.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not exceed your weekly working hours. For this, you should keep detailed records of your working hours. This becomes more important if you work irregular hours or you are working for more than one employer inside or outside the UK because employers you are working for may not know about the work you do elsewhere.
It is important for you to check any limits on work that your university, college, or school imposes or recommends and that you do not exceed them.
Internships and Work Placements
If your course includes a work placement or internship, it must:
- Be an assessed part of your course.
- Not exceed 50% of the total length of the course unless required by law
UK Student Visa Regulations – Things to Remember
- Always follow the working hour limit stated on your visa.
- Keep records of your working hours and employment contracts.
- Prioritize your studies—academic performance should not suffer due to work.
- You are entitled to the UK National Minimum Wage.
- If you earn above the personal allowance, you must pay income tax and national insurance.
Working While Studying in the UK: Opportunities
You get the following opportunities when you are working while studying in the UK.
1. Financial Help –
Working part-time or full-time while studying allows you to cover your living costs, transportation costs, and other expenses.
2. Job Experience –
If you get the opportunity to work while you are studying in the UK it allows you to get real world job experience. You learn practical skills and real-world experience. You can add this to your CV.
3. Networking Opportunity –
While working you can build professional relationships that may help in future job searches.
4. Integrating with UK’s Work Culture –
UK’s work culture may be different from your home country’s culture. While working here you are exposed to the UK’s work culture which gives a better understanding of it. Doing a job also gives you an opportunity to improve your communication skills.
5. Career Opportunities –
It offers insight into potential career paths and industries.
You can take huge advantage of working while studying in the UK. It will enhance your chances of getting good job opportunities after you complete your course. It also helps you immensely if you are planning to apply for a UK work visa after the study.
Career Opportunities While Working on a Student Visa
Working part-time or full-time (during holidays) when you are studying in the UK can open doors to many long-term opportunities for you. Here are some areas where students can find promising roles:
Retail and Customer Service –
You get the opportunity to develop people skills and gain UK work experience.
Hospitality and Food Services –
There are flexible shifts and high demand in this sector which makes this sector student-friendly.
On-Campus Jobs –
You get convenience and it often aligns with your class schedule.
Internships and Placements –
Some internships may lead to job offers after you complete you graduation, especially if related to your field of study.
Tutoring or Teaching Assistant Roles –
This is excellent opportunity for students in education or STEM courses.
As you gain work experience, you may become eligible for the UK Graduate Route visa. The UK Graduate Visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for two years after your course (three years for PhD graduates). This can be the first step toward long-term employment and settlement in the UK.
Final Thoughts
Working in the UK while studying is a great way to gain experience, build your network, and support your finances. However, it’s important that you understand UK Student Visa Regulations and follow the UKVI rules.
You should use your university’s career services to find student-friendly jobs. You should also stay informed about your work rights.
If you stay compliant, you can enjoy the best of both academic and work life in the UK.
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