When we think of part-time jobs for students, the first thing that comes to our minds is whether we can balance work and study or not. The answer is, yes! It is possible to balance work and education with careful planning. Education abroad is a costly endeavour that usually comes with a hefty price tag. It’s challenging to attend school full-time while also working a part-time job. However, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the disadvantages.
Part-time jobs for students give significant social and professional skills, in addition, to paying off some of your student loans. Working a few hours a day can help you meet your demands on your own without having to use up all of your savings. But if you are an international student studying in the UK, you have the option of working part-time, but keep in mind that the student working hours in the UK are constrained by the criteria of your visa. It is imperative that you become aware of all the restrictions and conditions of international student working hours in the UK pertaining to your visa.
Does Your Student Visa Allow You To Work In The UK?
In the UK, most students who are 16 or older are permitted to work, even if it is merely to finish coursework. It’s a tremendous opportunity to not only make money but also expand your professional network, obtain useful work experience in the UK, and meet new people. However, depending on your course and degree, employment hours in the UK differ. And if you are curious to know how many hours can international students work in the UK keep reading to learn more about international student working hours in the UK, norms, and regulations.
Looking at what is stated on your student visa you can determine how many hours can international students work in the UK. If you are a degree-seeking student, you will find that the visa specifies that you are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the term. Paid and unpaid work in one or more organisations must only be combined for no more than 20 hours per week. You will be able to work a maximum of 10 hours per week during term time if you are enrolled in coursework below degree level, such as a foundation programme.
Your ability to work while studying in the UK is governed by the policies of your university and the official public entities. Make sure that your university does not forbid you from working before dealing with authorities. The university may impose restrictions on the student working hours in the UK in addition to those set by the government based on your training programme.
For international students in the UK, especially in big cities like London, finding part-time work is convenient. You may only be able to work on campus at some colleges, but don’t worry; there are still plenty of options available to you. However, be sure you are eligible for them before you begin looking for part-time work.

Who Is Eligible For A Work Visa In The UK?
Every international student who enrolls at a British university on a Tier 4 visa is entitled to remain in the country after graduation and hunt for work. If you are aware that you can work in the UK while studying, you can apply for a post-study work visa. Previously, graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree stayed for only four months while seeking employment. It was extended to two years in accordance with the revised postgraduate visa regulations.
What Work Is Allowed To Do On A Student Visa?
Your Tier 4 or student visa grants you limited working privileges in the UK. Your right to work and the student working hours in the UK is dependent on both your visa and status as a student, so you must stop working as soon as your visa expires or is restricted by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). There will be a cap on how many hours can a student work in the UK each week during the academic year. You must ensure that you are aware of the term time and vacation periods for your particular program because the term-time duration can vary based on the subject you are studying.
A week, according to UKVI, is a span of seven days that begins on a Monday. You may only work as many hours per week as your visa permits during this time. This limitation covers both paid and unpaid work each week. Your Tier 4 or student visa will allow you to work:
- The student working hours in the UK is 20 hours per week during the academic year if you are enrolled in a full-time programme at the graduate level or higher
- If you are enrolled in a full-time programme below the degree level, the student working hours in the UK is only 10 hours per week during term time
- Full-time during vacations and following the official course completion date
- On a work placement, which must be a significant and evaluated component of your academic programme
- For up to two years as a sabbatical official in a students’ union
FAQs
1. Can students work 40 hrs in UK?
If you are enrolled in a full-time programme at the graduate level or above, your student or Tier 4 visa will permit you to work 20 hours per week during term time. If you are enrolled in a full-time programme below the degree level, you must study a minimum of 10 hours per week during term time.
2. Can I work more than 40 hours a week for UK international students?
You may not work more than 20 hours per week while enrolled full-time in a degree programme. You will be in violation of your visa if you work more than 20 hours in any one week. This could prohibit you from getting a new visa in the future or from finishing your studies.
3. How much can I earn in the UK as a student?
£9.50 an hour for those who are over 23 (known as the National Living Wage) Employees ages 21 to 22 earn £9.18 per hour. 18 to 20 years old at £6.63 an hour.
4. Which part-time job is best for students in UK?
Tutor, Dog walkers, and Retail Worker are some of the top part time jobs for students in the UK.
You can also read our other blogs which have a lot of useful information and resources that might interest you:
Ideas For Weekend Jobs In London For Students