Student Visa Hours: What UK International Students Can and Can't Work

When you're on a student visa hours, the legal limit on how many hours international students can work per week while studying in the UK. Also known as student work allowance, it's not just a rule—it's a lifeline for managing rent, groceries, and emergencies without going into debt. Most students on a standard Student visa (formerly Tier 4) are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. That’s roughly half a full-time job. But here’s the catch: it’s not about how much you want to work—it’s about what the Home Office allows, and breaking it can mean losing your visa.

These limits apply to paid jobs, internships, and even freelance gigs. Whether you’re tutoring, barista-ing at a campus café, or delivering food, every hour counts. The rule doesn’t care if you’re busy one week and quiet the next—your average over the term must stay under 20. During holidays, like summer break or Christmas, you can work full-time—no cap. But don’t assume your university’s break schedule matches the Home Office’s. Always check the official term dates on your visa letter.

There are exceptions. If you’re on a course below degree level (like a foundation or pre-sessional English program), you’re limited to 10 hours per week during term. And if you’re doing a placement as part of your degree—like a sandwich course—you’re usually exempt from the 20-hour rule, as long as it’s approved by your university. But here’s what trips people up: volunteering doesn’t count as work, but if you’re getting any kind of payment—even just free meals or transport—you’re now in the work category. And don’t try to get around it by doing two part-time jobs. The hours add up, and the Home Office can see your payslips.

It’s not just about numbers. Your visa also says you can’t be self-employed, run a business, or work as a professional athlete or entertainer. That means no selling handmade crafts on Etsy as a side hustle, no gigging as a DJ on weekends, and no starting a TikTok agency. These aren’t gray areas—they’re clear red lines. And if you’re caught, you could be barred from re-entering the UK for years.

What about NHS jobs or university roles? Yes, you can work for your university as a lab assistant, library helper, or student ambassador—and you can also work for the NHS as a healthcare assistant, as long as it’s not more than 20 hours during term. These roles often offer flexible shifts that fit around lectures. But again, track your hours. One week you work 18 hours at the library, then 8 hours at a pub on the weekend? That’s 26. That’s a violation.

And here’s something most guides don’t tell you: if you’re working illegally, your landlord, bank, or even your flatmates could report you. You don’t need to be caught by immigration officers to lose your visa. A single anonymous tip can trigger an investigation. And once it starts, you’re on your own—no free legal aid, no second chances.

So what should you do? Keep a simple spreadsheet. Log every shift, every hour, every payment. Save your payslips. Know your term dates. And if you’re unsure, ask your university’s international student office—they’ve seen this a hundred times. They won’t judge you. They’ll help you stay legal.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve been there: how to find legal jobs, how to budget around your hours, what to do if your hours get cut, and how to avoid the traps that cost people their visas. No fluff. Just what works.