During Your Studies

If you hold a Student visa and are enrolled in a full-time degree-level course in the UK, you are allowed to work, but there are specific rules:

1. Term Time Work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during university term time. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) defines a "week" as a seven-day period starting on Monday and ending on Sunday.
2. Vacation Periods: You can work full-time during university vacations.
3. Work Placements: If your course includes a work placement that is integral and assessed, you can work full-time during term time. However, the placement should not exceed 50% of the total course length unless required by UK law.
4. Student Union Sabbatical Officer: You can work full-time in this role for up to two years.

However, if you have a Student visa for a part-time course, you are not allowed to work in the UK, whether paid or unpaid. Additionally, Student visa holders are restricted to temporary work; they cannot be employed on a permanent contract, be self-employed, set up a business, or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

If you hold a different type of visa, check with the International Student Advice team to see if you are permitted to work during your studies. The Home Office provides guidelines on activities considered as "engaging in business," which are prohibited under a Student visa. These include:

• Setting up a business as a sole trader or in a partnership that is actively trading.
• Holding 10% or more shares in a company (even if held in trust for you).
• Working in a company where you hold a statutory role, like a director.

Working for a company or client outside the UK counts toward your 20-hour limit if you are physically in the UK while doing the work. Freelance work for clients outside the UK, such as editing journal articles, is considered self-employment and is not allowed.

For more details, consult UKCISA’s resources, including their blog on common issues related to working during your studies.

After Your Course

Once your course has officially ended, you are considered on 'vacation' and can work full-time for up to four months or until your Student visa expires, whichever comes first. To take a permanent full-time job in the UK after your course, you need to change your visa status.

You may apply for a Skilled Worker visa up to three months before your course completion date. Additionally, students completing their degree in summer 2021 or later may be eligible for the two-year Graduate route.

Graduate Route

Starting from 1st July 2021, the Graduate route allows students who successfully complete their degree and hold a valid Tier 4/Student visa to work or look for work in any sector for up to two years. This period is non-extendable.

Key points about the Graduate route:

• No sponsorship is required from the University.
• You need to pay an immigration application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
• If your studies were affected by COVID-19, you might still be eligible for the Graduate route if you enter the UK by specific dates and complete your final semester in the UK.

Students must have valid Tier 4/Student leave when the Graduate route launches and meet other eligibility criteria.