UK Student Working Hours: For international students studying in the UK, understanding the rules around UK student working hours is essential to balancing work and academics. Part-time employment not only helps financially but also offers valuable work experience. However, to ensure you stay within the law, it’s crucial to know the specific regulations that govern student work hours.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about UK student working hours, from visa requirements to restrictions on job types, and offer practical tips for managing work alongside your studies.
Table of contents
- Understanding UK Student Working Hours
- How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the UK?
- How Many Hours Can a PhD Student Work in the UK?
- Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
- Consequences of Violating UK Student Working Hours
- Practical Tips for Managing Work and Study
- FAQs on UK Student Working Hours
Understanding UK Student Working Hours
Students with a full-time study visa who are 16 or older can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. They can work longer hours during holidays. This applies to both paid and unpaid jobs for one or more employers.
However, UK Student Working Hours may vary for international students, including those pursuing a PhD in the UK. Each student category has specific guidelines, so understanding the rules is important for a smooth and successful study experience in the UK.
How Many Hours Can International Students Work in the UK?
Here are the UK Student Working Hours guidelines for international students to help them understand the work restrictions while studying in the UK. These rules define how many hours students can work during term time and holidays, depending on their course type. Following these guidelines is essential to ensure compliance with visa regulations and maintain a balanced study-work life.
- Students in full-time degree programs can work up to 20 hours per week, which is about 4 hours per day with weekends off.
- Students in language courses (like German, English, French, or Spanish) can work up to 10 hours per week, but not more.
- Freelance or contract-based work is not allowed.
- To get a full-time job in a company, you need a UK post-study work visa.
- Part-time course students are not allowed to work in the UK.
- During holidays, students can work up to 40 hours per week, but not more than 8 hours per day with weekends off.
How Many Hours Can a PhD Student Work in the UK?
International students doing a PhD in the UK have to follow UK Student Working Hours rules, which change depending on their study stage. These rules help students manage both work and studies while following visa and university guidelines. Here’s how work hours vary at different stages of a PhD:
- After submitting the thesis but before the viva result, students can work full-time, as this period is considered a break.
- After receiving the viva result, students return to full-time study and can work up to 20 hours per week while completing any required corrections.
- If the viva result requires a ‘revise and resubmit’, students can work only up to 10 hours per week, as per university rules.
Also Read:
- International Students Working Hours: What You Need to Know
- Best Cities to Live in Ontario for International Students [2025]
Part-Time Jobs in the UK for International Students
Working a part-time job in the UK is a great way to gain valuable experience and skills while studying. It not only helps students earn extra income and manage expenses but also adds relevant work experience to their resumes.
There are many well-paying part-time job opportunities for international students in the UK, making it a rewarding part of student life. Let’s explore some of the best high-paying part-time jobs for students.
| Job Profile | Salary (GBP) (Approx. per hour) | Job Description |
| Retail | GBP 8 – GBP 9 | Assisting customers, stocking shelves, and handling transactions. |
| Delivery Boy | GBP 4 – GBP 6 per delivery | Delivering food or parcels to customers. |
| Cashier | GBP 8 – GBP 10 | Handling cash and card transactions, and assisting customers. |
| Library Assistant | GBP 10 – GBP 19 | Helping students, managing books, and organizing shelves. |
| Clerk | GBP 11 – GBP 14 | Handling office paperwork, data entry, and administration. |
| Marketing | GBP 10.91 | Promoting products or services, social media marketing. |
| Waiters or Waitresses | GBP 10 – GBP 17 | Serving food and drinks in restaurants and cafes. |
| Education (Tutor/Teaching Assistant) | GBP 10.45 | Teaching or assisting students in schools or universities. |
| Customer Service | GBP 9.48 | Answering queries, handling complaints, and assisting customers. |
| Administration | GBP 8.53 | Managing office tasks, scheduling, and emails. |
| HGV Class 1 Driver | GBP 10 – GBP 23 | Driving heavy goods vehicles for transport companies. |
| Female Care Assistant | GBP 14.76 | Assisting elderly or disabled individuals with daily tasks. |
| Registered Nurse | GBP 24 – GBP 29 | Providing healthcare services in hospitals or clinics. |
| Health Services | GBP 10.24 | Assisting medical staff, and managing patient records. |
| Housekeeper | GBP 8 – GBP 15 | Cleaning and maintaining rooms in hotels or homes. |
| Children Contact Supervisor | GBP 8.27 | Supervising child visits in a safe environment. |
Consequences of Violating UK Student Working Hours
If you don’t follow the UK’s rules on how many hours a student can work, there can be serious consequences. Students are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and going over this limit can cause problems with staying in the country. It’s important to stick to the rules to avoid any issues. The consequences of not following the UK’s student working hours regulations can include:
- Fines: You may be fined for working more hours than permitted.
- Loss of Student Visa: Violating the working hour limits can lead to the cancellation of your student visa.
- Ban from Working: You could be banned from working in the UK in the future.
- Deportation: In some cases, you may be asked to leave the UK and face deportation.
- Future Visa Issues: Your chances of getting visas for future studies or work may be affected.
- Legal Trouble: Breaking these rules can lead to legal penalties, impacting your stay in the country.
- Academic Impact: Working too many hours can negatively affect your academic performance. Balancing work and study is essential to succeed in your course.
Also Read:
Practical Tips for Managing Work and Study
Balancing studies and work can be tough, especially when both demand a lot of your time and focus. Many students and professionals struggle with managing coursework, exam prep, job duties, and personal life. However, with smart planning and time management, you can find a balance that allows you to succeed in both. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Plan Your Schedule: Prioritize your studies, especially during term time. Use planners or apps to keep track of your academic deadlines and work shifts.
- Find Flexible Jobs: Look for part-time work with flexible hours, such as retail, hospitality, or administrative roles at the university, which may offer more student-friendly schedules.
- Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with employment laws in the UK, including minimum wage standards and worker protections to ensure fair treatment at your workplace.
- Avoid Overworking in Term Time: Stick to the 20-hour limit during term time to avoid fatigue and ensure that your studies remain the focus.
Understanding UK student working hours and following the regulations is essential for international students to ensure they can work legally without compromising their studies. By balancing part-time work with academic responsibilities, students can gain valuable work experience and support their financial needs without overburdening themselves.
Hope you liked reading our blog about the UK student working hours. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs on UK Student Working Hours
International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. This includes both paid and unpaid work. Exceeding these hours is a violation of visa regulations and could lead to penalties, including visa cancellation.
Yes, international students are allowed to work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during official university holidays. However, they must ensure that their working hours align with their visa conditions and university guidelines.
No, students enrolled in part-time courses in the UK are not allowed to work, as per UK Student Visa regulations. Only full-time students can take up part-time jobs within the allowed working hours.
PhD students can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time. However, depending on the university’s regulations, they might be restricted to 10 hours per week in cases where they are required to focus more on research and academic commitments.
Yes, PhD students can work full-time after submitting their thesis but before their viva examination results. Once they receive their viva results, they return to the 20-hour work limit, except in cases where major corrections are required, in which case they may be further restricted.
Yes, students can have multiple part-time jobs, but the total working hours must not exceed the weekly limit (20 hours during term time and 40 hours during holidays). It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they do not go over the permitted hours.
Yes, working too many hours can result in poor academic performance, stress, and exhaustion. Students should prioritize their studies and find a balanced schedule that allows them to manage both work and coursework efficiently.
Yes, international students can take up internships or work placements if they are part of their degree program and approved by their university. However, if the internship is not part of their academic course, they must ensure it falls within the permitted working hours.
Yes, international students can work night shifts, but they must not exceed 20 hours per week during term time. Additionally, they should check with their employer regarding compliance with UK labour laws related to rest periods and working conditions.
No, freelance or self-employed work is not allowed for international students under a Student Visa. This means students cannot take up contract-based jobs, such as working as a freelancer, running a business, or providing services as a sole trader.
Follow Us on Social Media
