Studying in the UK can be a significant financial commitment, given the combination of tuition fees and the cost of living. However, students have access to various funding options, including student loans and a wide range of scholarship programmes, which can make pursuing a degree more affordable compared to other popular study destinations.
In addition to financial aid, international students are permitted to work part-time while studying. This allows you to earn extra income to support your living costs, but you must follow the relevant regulations and restrictions. In the UK, international students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holiday periods.
Eligibility
Whether you can work during your studies depends on two main factors: the conditions set by your university and those imposed by UK immigration authorities. Before you start looking for a job, you need to confirm that your course provider does not have specific rules limiting your working hours.
Your student visa is the most important document to check. If you hold a Tier 4 visa, your permission to work, including how many hours you can work per week, will be printed on your visa vignette or residence permit paperwork.
You must also meet age requirements. If you are under 16 or do not have a Tier 4 (General) visa, you are not eligible to work in the UK.
Note that these restrictions mainly apply to students from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland. Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland are generally free to work without special permission.
If your paperwork contains phrases such as:
- “Work must be authorised”
- “Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State”
- “Restricted work – Part-time during term time, full-time during vacations”
you are permitted to work within the specified limits.
If you see statements such as “No work” or “Work prohibited,” you are not allowed to take any employment.
If anything is unclear or missing, it is advisable to speak with your university or UK Visas and Immigration before accepting a job.
How Many Hours Can You Work Per Week?
Your weekly working hours depend on the level and type of your course. Here is a breakdown:
You can work up to 20 hours per week if you are:
- Enrolled in a full-time degree-level or higher programme at a recognised higher education institution
- A short-term student registered on a programme offered by an overseas higher education institution based in the UK
You can work up to 10 hours per week if you are:
- Studying a full-time course below degree level sponsored by a recognised or publicly funded institution
- A Tier 4 (Child) visa holder aged 16 or over
You are not permitted to work if you are enrolled in:
- A part-time postgraduate course or above, even at a recognised institution
- Any course at a further education college
- Any course provided by a private higher education institution
- Any course if you are under 16 with a Tier 4 (Child) visa
Keep in mind that the limit applies to each week, defined legally as Monday through Sunday. You cannot average your working hours across multiple weeks.
Types of Jobs You Cannot Do
Even if you are allowed to work, there are some roles you are not permitted to undertake. These include:
- Being self-employed or working freelance
- Starting or running a business
- Holding a full-time permanent position
- Working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Working as an entertainer
- Practising as a doctor or dentist in training, unless enrolled in a recognised foundation programme
Types of Jobs Available to Students
Most students find part-time work to gain experience and supplement their income. Many of these roles require no prior experience or special qualifications. You will usually be supported by trained staff who can help you adjust to the position.
Below is a list of common jobs international students often take in the UK:
- Student support officer
- Sales assistant
- Pharmacy delivery driver
- Pizza delivery driver
- Veterinary care assistant
- Personal assistant
- Physiotherapy assistant
- Admissions officer
- Sports facilities worker
- Gardener
- Customer assistant
- Freelance translator
- Waiter or waitress
- Receptionist
- Facilities assistant
- Residence guide
- Promotional worker
- Enrolment advisor
- Finance assistant
- Social media assistant
- Newspaper distributor
- Photographer
- Personal tutor
- Ice cream server
- Restaurant host
- Smoothie maker
- Bartender
- Cashier
- Blogger
- Graphic designer
- Software development intern
- Bookseller
- Tour guide
- Research assistant
- University cafeteria staff
- Pet caretaker
- House cleaner
- Babysitter
- Brand ambassador
- IT assistant
- Security guard
- Fitness instructor