Working in the UK during your studies

• Can I work while I study in the UK?
• What kind of work can I do during my studies?
• Can I work an average of 20 hours a week?
• Can I work full-time while I write my dissertation or thesis?
• Can I pay for my studies through work?
• Can I take a gap year and work full-time?
• My employer says I must prove I can work during my studies
• What obligations does my employer have towards me?
• Do I have to pay tax if I work while I study?
• What is a National Insurance number and how do I get one?
• Can I apply for tax credits?
• Can my family members work while I study in the UK?

Can I work while I study in the UK?

Check what your passport sticker (entry clearance or residence permit) says. If you are in the UK with student immigration permission and your passport sticker says "Work (and any changes) must be authorised" or "Able to work as authorised by the Secretary of State", you are allowed to work ... more

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 a week during term-time and full-time during your holidays, a work placement or an internship ... more

Can I work an average of 20 hours a week?

No. If you work more than 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 under 20 hours in other weeks.

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 vacation period for you. This means that you should not work full-time until you have submitted your dissertation or thesis and finished your studies.

Can I pay for my studies through work?

Usually, you must be able to pay your tuition fees and living costs without having to work in the UK ... more

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, when you have finished your studies, and if you are doing a sandwich course or an internship.

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

If you have a passport sticker that does not prohibit work, you are allowed to take employment as described above without getting any further approval or permission ... more

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. The 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", you must not apply for tax credits. This would be a breach of your immigration conditions.

Welfare benefits

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

This depends on the amount of time you are given to study in the UK. If you are given permission to be in the UK for 12 months or more, then your spouse or civil partner or children who are in the UK with you should be given permission to work.

Your family

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