Planning to work part-time whereas learning in the UK? Whether you’re heading to the University of Leeds or some other UK college, there are essential guidelines that you must comply with — and breaking them can value you your diploma and even your visa.
Let’s stroll you thru the whole lot that you must know so you’ll be able to work legally, safely, and neatly whereas learning.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes, however solely in case your visa permits it, and solely inside sure limits. According to steering issued to college students, working with out correct permission — or exceeding the allowed hours — is a prison offence. Even unpaid roles can fall beneath this class.
That’s proper: unpaid internships, volunteering, and aspect gigs depend as work beneath UK immigration guidelines.
How Many Hours Can You Work in UK With Your Studies?
Your weekly work restrict relies upon on your course degree and time period time. Here’s a fast breakdown:
| Course Type | Max Weekly Work (During Term) |
|---|---|
| Full-time Undergrad/Postgrad | 20 hours |
| Pre-sessional or Below Degree | 10 hours |
| PhD/Research Students | 20 hours (check with supervisor) |
A “week” is counted from Monday to Sunday, and also you’re anticipated to maintain a document of your hours.
When You Can Work Full-Time?
- Undergraduates: Full-time work is allowed throughout Christmas, Easter, and Summer breaks.
- Master’s Students: You can work full-time at Christmas and Easter. Summer is taken into account part of your course (dissertation time), so 20 hours/week applies.
- PhD Students: You can work full-time throughout official holidays (26 days/12 months + closures), however it’s sensible to speak to your supervisor first.
Jobs You’re Not Allowed to Do on UK Study Visa in 2025
Even with work rights, some roles are off-limits:
- Self-employment or freelance gigs
- Running a enterprise
- Professional sportsperson or coach
- Entertainment business jobs
- Permanent full-time jobs
These restrictions apply throughout the board and usually are not college-particular — they’re part of the UK immigration system.
Volunteering vs. Voluntary Work Permission on UK Study Visa
Confused? You’re not alone and the excellence issues:
If you’re serving to out at a charity for a number of hours with out formal obligations — that’s volunteering. But something structured with expectations? That’s work.
Internships & Work Placements Permission on British Student Visa
If your course features a work placement, excellent news: you are able to do it full-time — so long as it’s assessed and formally acknowledged as part of your diploma.
You also can maintain a second part-time job (as much as 20 hours/week) throughout this time. Just remember: if the location isn’t part of your course construction, the 20-hour restrict applies.
Need extra time for a placement 12 months? You could have to lengthen your visa.
Working in UK After You Finish Your Course
You’re allowed to work full-time in UK after finishing your course, however timing issues:
- Taught college students can work full-time after submitting all coursework and your official finish date has handed.
- Research college students can accomplish that after your viva, corrections, and submission of your last thesis.
⚠️ Still have examination-resits or pending assessments? You’re nonetheless sure by the 20-hour/week rule.
Proving You Can Work
Before you get employed, your employer should confirm your proper to work. Here’s what you’ll want:
You also can request a pupil registration standing certificates to point out your course and time period dates, which helps employers affirm your work eligibility throughout and out of doors of time period time.
What If You’re on a Different Visa? – Can You Still Work in UK?
Not each UK visa permits work and right here’s what applies:
| VISA TYPE | WORK RIGHTS |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor / ETA | ❌ No work allowed. Volunteering with registered charities solely. |
| Short-Term Study Visa | ❌ No work or voluntary work permitted. |
| EU Settlement Scheme | ✅ Work allowed if you happen to maintain settled or pre-settled standing. |
| Graduate Visa | ✅ Full-time work is permitted in any sector for as much as 2 years (3 for PhDs). |
The Graduate Visa is a superb post-study choice that lets you keep in the UK and work — and even look for work — while not having employer sponsorship. You should apply after efficiently finishing your course and earlier than your Student visa expires.
References
Work in UK on Student Visa: Terms Published by University of Leeds for June 2025 Onwards FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
