Working in the UK as an international student can help you manage your day-to-day living costs while immersing yourself in British culture. It can also boost your CV, expand your professional network, and give you valuable insight into the UK job market. You may want to spend your weekends bartending at a quintessential British pub, get a high-power internship in London, or swing a role at the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Whatever your goal, it’s important to understand what you can and can't do before you start your job hunt.
Whether you’re looking for part-time work during term time or full-time opportunities over the holidays, there are specific rules and visa restrictions you’ll need to follow. Below, we'll explain the requirements for finding a UK-based job as an overseas student and outline how to find work that fits around your studies in the UK.
Can international students work in the UK?
Being able to work while studying makes a huge difference financially for many students.
Yes, you can – as long as you’re a full-time student.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most full-time undergraduate degrees take three years to complete, while in Scotland, they typically last four. Master’s degrees, on the other hand, usually last one year regardless of where you study in the UK.
To work legally during your studies, you’ll need a valid student visa, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, whether paid or unpaid. A “week” is defined as Monday through Sunday, and it’s important to note that you can’t average your hours across multiple weeks (e.g., by working 40 hours one week and 0 hours the next week).
During university holidays, you’re allowed to work full-time, as long as the role is temporary. If you’re unsure whether your course qualifies as full-time, your university’s student support team can help clarify.
The UK doesn't allow international students to do certain types of paid and unpaid work. UK law prevents people on student visas from:
- Freelancing
- Working as an entertainer
- Working in a part-time job that replaces a full-time vacancy
- Working as a doctor, dentist, sportsperson, or sports coach, unless required as an integral part of your degree course
Additionally, you can't engage in business on a student visa. Engaging in business includes setting up your own business or being hired by a company where you own 10% or more of the shares. You can't seek employment with a company if you are its director or have a similar role.
Bear in mind that your university may impose other restrictions on whether and how much you can work. Limitations vary between institutions, so it's worth checking with your university before applying for jobs too.
3 requirements for working in the UK as an international student
Ensuring that you meet all requirements before applying for a job can help you stay compliant with UK visa regulations. Overseas students wanting to work in the UK should have:
- A valid student visa
- A place on a full-time educational course and a valid sponsor with a compliance track record (you can check your sponsor's status via the register of student sponsors)
- No institutional restrictions on part-time work
How to work in the UK as an international student
Follow these steps to figure out if you can work in the UK as an international student.
Now that you know international students can work in the UK, how do you get started? Let's explore how to determine your eligibility and what rules you need to follow while working and studying.
1. Check if your visa allows you to work in the UK
Whether you can work– and how much– depends on the type of visa you hold. As mentioned before, if you hold a student visa and are enrolled in a full-time course at a university or college with a licensed sponsor, you’re generally eligible to work part-time during term and full-time during breaks. This also applies to study abroad students and those enrolled in non-degree level courses, as long as they meet the same sponsorship and visa requirements.
If you’re under 18 and studying at an independent school, you can work up to 10 hours per week during term and full-time during vacations – but only after your 16th birthday. Students younger than 16 are not permitted to work.
You can work full-time for up to four months after your course ends or until your visa expiry date—whichever is sooner. Apply for a work visa or a graduate visa if you want to work in the UK after that period.
READ: International Visas: What You Need to Know
2. Confirm whether your university restricts student work
If you’re part of an intensive program, it’s possible that you won’t be able to seek employment due to time constraints.
Your university may have its own specific rules or guidelines for student work to prevent students from neglecting their studies.
For example, Cambridge University recommends working no more than 10 hours per week on undergraduate courses and asks postgraduate and research students not to work at all during term. As a rule, your university will expect you to prioritize your academic work and apply for roles that fit around your lectures and other educational commitments. Your university's Student Affairs Council or International Cooperation Office can tell you whether your course has work restrictions.
You can usually work full-time during a work placement if it's part of your course. During a work placement, you can also work for an extra 20 hours per week if your university allows it.
3. Create a balanced plan for work and study
While working can help grow your student budget and provide valuable cultural experiences, it can negatively impact your studies if you don’t manage your time carefully. Depending on the demands of your course, you may want to consider working fewer hours than the legal maximum to provide enough time for completing coursework, reading, and revising for exams.
Getting a degree abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, so make the most of your education. Many UK universities recommend working no more than six to ten hours per week.
The following tips can help you achieve the right balance between work, study, and leisure time:
- Tackle tasks one at a time to ensure that each job gets your full attention
- Create to-do lists in order of urgency to avoid forgetting important tasks
- Practice self-care by prioritizing healthy eating and sleeping habits
- Manage stress by scheduling enjoyable activities and downtime
- Experiment with different study techniques to find the most efficient and effective methods
MORE: 5 Tips to Help You Balance Work and Travel Better
4. Begin your job search
Join student job boards and network with other international students to find leads.
Knowing where to find suitable jobs for international students is essential to securing work that fits around your study schedule. The following websites have active job boards and are great for finding temporary and part-time roles:
Your university career service is also a great resource for finding jobs during your studies. Don’t hesitate to reach out early and take advantage of workshops or career fairs to boost your job search.
5. Prepare your CV and cover letter
A well-written CV can significantly increase your chances of an interview and job offer. However, resume writing standards in the UK may differ from those in your home country.
Generally, you shouldn't include a headshot unless the hiring manager needs to see what you look like (e.g., you're applying for a modeling job). A single A4 page is acceptable for an entry-level position, and you shouldn't exceed two A4 sides. Avoid providing information that could make you vulnerable to employment discrimination, such as your nationality.
To nail your application and make it stand out against other candidates, present your skills and experience on a professionally formatted CV template that uses creative yet work-appropriate design elements to impress employers.
Significantly increase your chances of getting the job by including a cover letter with your application—cover letter statistics show that 94% of hiring managers think that providing one is influential in their hiring decisions. Even if the job advert didn't ask for one, writing a cover letter will show the employer that you're motivated and serious about the job.
READ: How to Include International Experience on Your Resume
6. Interview for the position
You got this.
Although the last thing you want as a university student is more homework, researching the company you're applying to can help you ace your interview questions. Prepare for job interviews by:
- Checking a potential employer's website and social media accounts to learn about its services, values, and aspirations
- Identifying likely questions based on your CV
- Showing enthusiasm by preparing your own questions to ask at the interview
- Identifying crucial skills from the job advert and preparing examples of these attributes from your previous jobs or education
- Using your university career service to practice mock interviews and receive feedback
Preparing thoroughly can boost your confidence and help you make a strong impression. Taking the time to research and practice will ensure you’re ready to showcase your skills and enthusiasm effectively
7. Comply with rules and regulations while you work
As an international student working in the UK, it’s important to always follow the rules and regulations. While it might be tempting to bend the rules to earn extra money, the consequences could be serious. Working without eligibility, exceeding your allowed weekly working hours, or working in a prohibited role violates your student visa conditions and could result in visa cancellation or even legal action.
Keep living costs low by working as an international student in the UK!
Working in the UK as an international student is an excellent way to supplement your income without depending on financial support from home. Beyond earning money, it offers valuable opportunities to build professional networks and gain firsthand experience of British industry and culture. By adhering to the rules for student visa holders, you can enjoy a positive and rewarding balance between your studies and work.
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