Students' union sabbatical officers

Last modified: 12 August 2024

We describe here the immigration requirements for sabbatical officers.

Information for sponsors and students' unions is in our Immigration manual. The manual is available only to UKCISA members. UKCISA membership is free for students' unions. See Membership.

On 5 October 2020, the term 'Student permission' replaced 'Tier 4 (General) student leave'. The term 'Student' includes holders of Tier 4 (General) student immigration permission.

When can I work as a sabbatical officer?

Last modified: 26 July 2024

You can work as a students’ union sabbatical officer either by taking a break from your studies or in the academic year after your course has ended.  

The post is usually for one year but can be shorter. You might be able to stand for re-election for a second year, but this depends on the rules of your students' union. If you want to know what the work involves, ask staff who work in your students' union or check its website. 

You can apply more than once as a sabbatical officer. The limit is two years at one institution. But you can apply again to work with the NUS or at a different institution. 

There are factors to consider around financial sponsorship and whether you have the right to work. Read the information below for details to consider: 

 

Financial sponsorship and loans

 

Right to work checks

Can I study while I work as a sabbatical officer?

Last modified: 26 July 2024

You might want to continue studying your course while you work as a sabbatical officer. 

This might be possible but only if you can continue studying it on a full-time basis. 

Talk to your student sponsor and the Students’ Union about this before you stand for election. 

You can do 'supplementary study' while you work. Examples include evening classes and short courses. The provider does not need to have a sponsor licence. Read about supplementary study on our Student route eligibility and requirements page.  

What immigration permission do I need as a sabbatical officer?

Last modified: 26 July 2024

There are different Immigration Rules to consider depending on whether you become a sabbatical officer part way through your course or after you have completed your course.  

The following gives information on both scenarios and other factors to consider, such as evidence of funds and English language requirements. 

The information assumes you already have Student permission. Talk to your college or university if: 

you are studying with a different type of permission, and 

you need to apply for Student permission. 

This could be because your permission will expire. Or because your current permission does not allow you to work. 

 

Working as a sabbatical officer when you have not completed your course

 

Working as a sabbatical officer when you have completed your course

 

Finance for your Student application

 

English language requirements

 

Where to apply and length of permission

 

Your endorsement

 

Your student sponsor's duties

What happens when my sabbatical officer post ends?

Last modified: 26 July 2024

You might be able to stand for re-election. Check if your sponsor is happy with that. You can apply again for Student permission, if necessary. Other options are below: 

 

Finish your course

 

Take a new course

 

Work options


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