Skip Navigation

Advice for International Students:

Advice for UK students:

Working in the UK during your studies

Can I work while I study in the UK?

Check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) or identity card says. If you are in the UK with student immigration permission and your ID card says "Restricted work, p/t term time, f/t vacations" or your passport sticker says "Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State" or "Restricted work in term-time", you are allowed to work. More information in 'Can I work?'

What kind of work can I do during my studies?

If you have student immigration permission that allows you to take employment, you can work up to 20 hours (in some cases, up to 10 hours) a week during term-time. You can work full-time during your holidays and on work placements. More information in 'What kind of work?'

Can I work an average of 10 or 20 hours a week?

No. If you work more than 10 or 20 hours in any week in term-time (and you are not doing a work placement for your course or an internship), you are in breach of your immigration conditions, even if you work fewer than 10 or 20 hours in other weeks. More information about how many hours a week you can work in 'What kind of work?'

Can I work full-time while I write my dissertation or thesis?

If you are still studying, even if you are not attending classes, this is not a holiday period for you. This means that you should not work full-time until you have submitted your dissertation or thesis and finished your studies, unless you are doing a work placement which is part of your course.

Can I pay for my studies through work?

You should be able to pay your tuition fees and living costs without having to work in the UK. However, if you need to make an immigration application in the UK, and you are working lawfully within the restrictions described above, you can use your UK earnings to show that you can meet the maintenance requirements. You should not rely on money from work in the UK because:

  • it can be difficult to find work
  • it is unlikely that you will earn enough to cover all your costs
  • you might lose your job
  • you might have problems with your studies if you spend too much time working.

Can I take a gap year and work full-time?

No. If you want to defer your studies for a year, you should leave the UK and come back when your studies start again. You can work full-time only in your holidays, or when you have finished your studies, or if you are doing a work placement or an internship.

My employer says I must prove I can work during my studies

If you have a passport sticker or identity card that does not prohibit work, you are allowed to take employment as described above without getting any further approval or permission. More information in 'My employer says I must prove'

What obligations does my employer have towards me?

UK employers have a number of legal duties towards their employees. These include anti-discrimination measures, health and safety requirements, the obligation to pay the minimum wage, comply with laws relating to maximum working hours and breaks, pay National Insurance contributions, and provide wage slips.

Directgov – UK Government information for employees.

Do I have to pay tax if I work while I study?

If you earn more than a specified personal allowance in any tax year, you will have to pay income tax. HM Revenue & Customs and the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group provide detailed information about how the tax system in the UK applies to students.

What is a National Insurance number and how do I get one?

Your National Insurance number (NINo) is a unique personal number which is used to record your National Insurance (NI) contributions. Employees and employers both pay NI contributions, which help to fund contributory benefits, for example, the state pension and jobseeker's allowance. You do not need to have a NINo before starting work, but you must obtain one when you get a job.

HM Revenue & Customs – information about how to apply for a NINo

Can I apply for tax credits?

If the entry clearance or residence permit in your passport states that you are subject to the condition "No recourse to public funds", or if your identity card says "No public funds", you must not apply for tax credits. This would be a breach of your immigration conditions.

Welfare benefits

Can my family members (dependants) work while I study in the UK?

If your dependants made their immigration applications before 3 March 2010, they should be allowed to work if you had permission to be in the UK for 12 months or more.

If they make their immigration applications on or after 3 March 2010, your dependants will be given permission to work if:

  • you have permission to be in the UK for 12 months or more, and
  • your course is at degree level or is a "foundation degree".

The UK Border Agency's definition of "foundation degree" is a course which

Some courses called foundation degrees will not meet this definition, but other courses which are not called foundation degrees, for example some HNDs, do meet this definition. You will have to check with the college or university where you are studying whether your course meets this description and, if it does, ask that the words "foundation degree" appear on your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) if you are applying at the same time as your family members, or any documents your family members submit with their applications if they are applying separately from you.

Your family's immigration


↑ Back to top
document iconFind your way to work – for students and employers

Relevant Information Sheets:

document iconView a complete list of our Information Sheets Find out more about education in the UK