Can I Work Part-Time on a UK Student Visa?
Everything You Need to Know (Hours, Rules, Jobs & More)
If you're planning to study in the UK, you're probably wondering:
"Can international students work part-time on a UK student visa?"
Yes, you can — but there are strict rules.
In this blog, you’ll get a clear, honest breakdown of:
- How many hours can you work on a UK student visa
- What kind of jobs are allowed (and not allowed)
- What happens if you break the rules
- Extra tips to stay legal and make the most of your time in the UK
Let’s get started.
Quick Answer: Yes, You Can Work Part-Time on a UK Student Visa
If you're studying in the UK on a Student Visa (formerly Tier 4), you're usually allowed to work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time (if you’re studying a full-time degree course)
- Full-time during holidays and breaks
Important: The exact number of hours will be printed on your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or your visa decision letter. Always double-check your visa conditions.
How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the UK?
Here’s a simple table to break it down:
| Your Course Type | During Term Time | During Holidays |
| Bachelor’s / Master’s (full-time) | Up to 20 hours/week | Full-time |
| Foundation / Diploma (below degree level) | Up to 10 hours/week | Full-time |
| Short courses (6 months or less) | ❌ No work allowed | ❌ No work allowed |
| Part-time postgraduate / distance learning | ❌ No work allowed | ❌ No work allowed |
What Kind of Jobs Can You Do on a UK Student Visa?
You can work in most part-time jobs, like:
- Retail (cashier, sales assistant)
- Hospitality (waiter, barista, hotel staff)
- Delivery (food or parcels)
- On-campus jobs (library, research assistant, IT helpdesk)
You cannot:
- Be self-employed or freelance (e.g., Uber, Fiverr, YouTube monetization)
- Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
- Take a full-time permanent job
- Be a doctor or dentist in training (unless your course allows it)
What Happens If You Work More Than Allowed?
Working more hours than permitted is a serious visa violation.
You could face:
- Visa cancellation or curtailment
- Being banned from returning to the UK
- Trouble getting future visas (in the UK or other countries)
Tip: Keep records of your hours worked. Employers in the UK are legally required to follow visa rules — but you are also responsible.
Can I Work Full-Time During Holidays?
Yes! During official university breaks (Christmas, Easter, Summer), you can work full-time (up to 40 hours/week or more depending on the job).
But it must be a university-declared break, not just days when you don’t have classes.
Common Questions About Part-Time Work on a UK Student Visa
Q1. Do I need a National Insurance Number (NI number)?
Ans. Yes, you’ll need one to work legally. It’s free and easy to apply on the UK government website.
Q2. Can I do a paid internship or placement?
Ans. Yes — but only if it’s part of your course and approved by your university.
Q3. Can I work as a freelancer or YouTuber?
Ans. No. Self-employment, freelancing, and monetizing platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Fiverr, etc., are not allowed on a student visa.
Q4. Can my spouse work if they’re on a dependent visa?
Ans. Yes — if you’re studying a postgraduate degree (RQF Level 7 or above) at a government-approved institution, your spouse (dependent) can usually work full-time.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can work part-time on a UK student visa, and it’s a great way to support yourself, gain work experience, and grow your network.
But remember: always follow the rules. Even an extra hour of work can risk your visa status.
Need Help With a UK Student Visa or Admission?
If you’re unsure about UK visa rules or need expert help applying to a UK university, our experienced student visa consultants are here to guide you — from admission to visa filing and beyond.
Contact us now to book a free consultation!
Bonus Tip:
Want to boost your chances of landing a part-time job in the UK? Prepare a UK-style CV, learn basic customer service skills, and apply early in the term.