If you're an international student on a UK student visa, you probably want to earn some extra cash-maybe to cover rent, groceries, or a weekend trip. But you can’t just take any job you find. The UK has strict rules about how much you can work, and breaking them can cost you your visa, your future studies, or even your right to return. Knowing exactly what’s allowed isn’t just helpful-it’s essential.
How Many Hours Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?
If you’re enrolled in a full-time degree course at a UK university or college that’s on the official sponsor list, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This rule applies to most undergraduate and postgraduate students on Student visas (formerly Tier 4). The 20-hour limit is strict-it includes all paid work, whether it’s on campus, at a café, or remotely for a company abroad.
Term time means the official academic term, not when you’re actually in class. For example, if your university defines term time as September to December, then you can’t work more than 20 hours total during those weeks-even if you’re only in class three days a week. The Home Office doesn’t care how busy your schedule is; they care about the dates on your academic calendar.
Outside of term time, you can work full-time. That means no hourly limits during holidays like Christmas break, Easter, or summer vacation. But here’s the catch: your vacation periods must match your institution’s official schedule. If your school says summer break starts June 1 and ends August 31, then you can work 40, 50, or even 60 hours a week during that window. If you start working full-time before the official break, you’re breaking the rules.
What Jobs Are Allowed?
You can work in almost any job-retail, hospitality, tutoring, warehouse work, even freelance gigs-as long as it’s not self-employed or a permanent position. You can’t set up your own business, act as a professional athlete or entertainer, or work as a doctor or dentist in training unless you’re on a specific route like the Graduate Route.
On-campus jobs are often the easiest to find. Universities hire students for roles like library assistant, student ambassador, or lab technician. These jobs are usually flexible, understand your exam schedule, and don’t require you to track your hours manually-the employer handles compliance.
Off-campus jobs are fine too, but you’re responsible for making sure your employer knows your visa status. Many employers won’t hire you unless you show them your visa and a letter from your university confirming your course and term dates. Some students get turned down because they don’t have the right documents ready.
What Happens If You Work More Than 20 Hours?
Working over the limit is a serious violation. The UK Home Office checks visa compliance regularly. They can access your bank statements, tax records, and even your employer’s payroll data. If you’re caught working 25 or 30 hours a week during term time, you could face:
- Immediate cancellation of your visa
- Being barred from re-entering the UK for up to 10 years
- Loss of your right to apply for a Graduate visa after graduation
- Your university being reported and possibly losing its sponsor license
It’s not just about getting caught by immigration. Your university is legally required to report you if they find out. Many schools monitor attendance and grades-if you suddenly start missing classes or your grades drop, they may ask why. If you admit to working too many hours, they have to report it.
Even one week over the limit can trigger consequences. There’s no “first offense” grace period. The rule is absolute: 20 hours or less during term time.
Can You Do Internships or Placements?
Yes-but only if they’re part of your official course. If your degree requires a work placement, internship, or sandwich year, that’s not counted toward your 20-hour limit. These are called “mandatory placements” and are approved by your university as part of your program.
For example, if you’re studying engineering and your course includes a 6-month internship with a UK company, that’s legal and doesn’t count as “work” under your visa rules. But if you arrange your own unpaid internship outside your curriculum, it’s considered employment and must follow the 20-hour rule.
Always check with your international student office before starting any placement. They’ll give you a letter confirming it’s part of your course. Keep that letter with your visa documents.
What About Online Work or Freelancing?
Working remotely for a company outside the UK is still subject to the same 20-hour limit. If you’re a graphic designer freelancing for clients in Canada or India, and you’re physically in the UK while doing the work, it counts as employment under UK law. You can’t work more than 20 hours a week-even if your clients are overseas.
The same rule applies to content creation. If you run a YouTube channel, sell digital products, or earn from Patreon, and you’re based in the UK, that income is considered self-employment. Self-employment is not allowed on a Student visa. Even if you’re not making much money, the Home Office doesn’t care about the amount-they care about the activity.
One exception: if you’re doing unpaid voluntary work (like helping at a charity or community center), that’s allowed and doesn’t count toward your 20-hour limit. But you can’t be paid in any form-not even gift cards or meal vouchers.
How Do You Prove You’re Following the Rules?
You don’t need to submit anything to the Home Office, but you must be able to prove compliance if asked. Keep:
- A copy of your visa and Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- Your university’s official term dates (download from their website)
- Your work schedule and pay stubs (if you’re asked to show them)
- A letter from your employer confirming your hours and role
Some students use apps like Timesheet or Google Sheets to track their hours weekly. It’s not required, but it’s smart. If you’re ever questioned, you’ll have proof you stayed under 20 hours.
Also, make sure your employer checks your visa status using the UK government’s right-to-work tool. They’ll need your visa number and date of birth. If they don’t do this, they could be fined-and you could be linked to their violation.
What About the Graduate Visa After Graduation?
If you plan to stay in the UK after your degree, your work history matters. The Graduate visa lets you work for up to two years (three for PhD graduates) without needing a sponsor. But if you’ve broken your student visa rules-like working too many hours-you’ll be refused. The Home Office checks your entire immigration history.
Even if you didn’t get caught, they can request your bank records from your UK bank. If you had regular deposits from a job during term time that exceeded 20 hours per week, you’ll be denied. It’s not worth the risk.
Real-Life Examples
Emma, a student from Nigeria studying marketing in Manchester, worked 22 hours a week at a coffee shop during term time. She thought it was fine because she was only working 4 hours a day. She was reported by a former coworker, lost her visa, and had to leave the UK. She’s now applying to study in Canada.
James, from India, worked 18 hours a week at his university’s IT help desk. He tracked his hours, got a letter from his department, and stayed under the limit. He graduated, applied for the Graduate visa, and now works full-time at a tech startup in London.
The difference? Discipline and documentation.
What If Your Course Is Less Than 6 Months?
If you’re on a short-term study visa (like a 3-month language course), you’re not allowed to work at all. The 20-hour rule only applies to Student visas for courses lasting longer than 6 months. Always check your visa conditions before accepting any job.
Where to Get Help
Your university’s international student office is your best resource. They know the latest rules and can help you understand your visa conditions. Most have drop-in sessions or online guides. Don’t wait until you’re in trouble-ask early.
The UK government’s official website (gov.uk) also has up-to-date information. Search for “student visa work rules” and always use .gov.uk links. Avoid blogs, Reddit threads, or TikTok advice-some of it is outdated or wrong.
Remember: your education comes first. Working too much can hurt your grades, your mental health, and your future. Stick to the rules. Plan your hours. And if you’re unsure-ask someone who knows.
Can I work 20 hours a week and still study full-time?
Yes, many international students successfully balance 20 hours of work with a full-time course. The key is time management. Use a planner, block out study time first, then schedule work around it. Avoid working during exam weeks. Most universities offer free time management workshops for students.
Does working on campus count toward the 20-hour limit?
Yes, all paid work counts, whether it’s on campus or off. A job at the university library, cafeteria, or research lab is still subject to the 20-hour weekly limit during term time. The location doesn’t matter-only the total hours.
Can I work during orientation week or before my course starts?
No. You can only start working once your course has officially begun. Orientation week is not considered the start of term unless your university lists it as such. Working before your course starts-even if you’re already in the UK-is a visa violation.
What if my employer doesn’t know about my visa rules?
It’s your responsibility to inform them. Employers are required to check your right to work, but they won’t know your visa limits unless you tell them. Give them a copy of your visa and your university’s term dates. If they offer you more hours, politely decline and explain your restrictions.
Can I do paid research or tutoring for my university?
Yes, if it’s officially arranged through your department. Many students work as teaching assistants or research helpers. These roles are counted as part of your 20-hour limit, but they’re often flexible and can be adjusted during exams. Always get written confirmation from your department that the role is approved.