Can I work as a student?

If you are in the UK on a 'Student' or 'Tier 4 General' visa, your visa will probably say:

 "Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or

"Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State"

 This means that you can work part-time in the UK while you are studying.

If you are here on a 'student visitor' visa it is likely that your visa will say:

 "No work"

 This means that you will not be able to work at all whilst in the UK.

If you think there is a mistake with your visa, please book an appointment to see an International Student Adviser.

What kind of work can I do?

to:

• engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
• pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

You can do any other kinds of work - please see 'Finding Part-Time Work' for more ideas.

How many hours can I work as a student?

If your visa allows you to work, your immigration permission will allow you to work for:

• Up to 20 hours a week during term-time if you are studying at Degree level or above, or studying a foundation course
• Up to 10 hours a week if you are an English Language (ELTU) student
• Full-time in University holidays (undergraduate students only)
  

Postgraduate students are expected to work in University holidays, so you will need a supervisor's permission to work at this time.

For undergraduate and taught postgraduate (Masters) students, please note that although your immigration permission may allow you to work for 20 hours a week, University regulations only allow a maximum of 15 hours a week, as too much part-time work will have a negative effect on your studies.

In addition to this, if you are sponsored by a University Department, Government or Company you should check to see if they have any restrictions on you doing part-time work.

My employer says that I need a letter from the University/Home Office to say I can work - what should I do?

If you have a student visa with the words on it mentioned above, you will not need an additional letter to prove that you can work.

Tell your employer to look at the booklet produced by Education UK with the Home Office:

http://publications.education.gov.uk/eOrderingDownload/DIUS-00338-2008.pdf

This booklet explains to employers that it is legal to employ international students and gives them a website address for further information.

You can also refer them to the Home Office's employer's telephone helpline:

0300 123 4699