Last updated: October 2026
Part-time employment can help international students in the UK gain experience and earn additional money, but Student visa holders must follow the work conditions attached to their immigration permission.
The number of hours a student can work depends on the level and type of study and the sponsoring education provider.
How Many Hours Can International Students Work?
Under current UK Student rules, a student on a full-time degree-level course sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance can normally work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
Eligible students can generally work full-time outside term time.
Students Below Degree Level
A student undertaking a full-time course below degree level with an eligible higher education sponsor can normally work up to 10 hours per week during term time.
Who May Not Be Allowed to Work?
Some students have no employment permission, including many part-time students and students on courses where work rights are not granted.
Always check the conditions on your visa or digital immigration status rather than assuming the 20-hour rule applies to everyone.
Popular Part-Time Jobs
International students commonly search for jobs such as:
- Retail assistant
- Barista
- Restaurant team member
- Hotel staff
- Warehouse assistant
- Customer service adviser
- University ambassador
- Library or campus assistant
- Tutor
- Administrative assistant
Can You Work Full-Time During Holidays?
Eligible students can generally work full-time outside term time, but the definition of vacation depends on the institution and course.
Students completing dissertations or other academic work should confirm whether their university considers that period term time.
Can You Be Self-Employed?
Student visa conditions generally restrict self-employment and business activity.
Do not assume freelance, gig-economy or online work is automatically permitted simply because it is remote.
Can You Take a Permanent Full-Time Job?
A Student visa is primarily for study.
Permanent full-time vacancies may not be compatible with Student visa work conditions while the course is in progress.
Graduates can investigate routes such as the Graduate visa or Skilled Worker visa when eligible.
How to Find Student Jobs
Use:
- Your university careers service
- Campus job portals
- Employer websites
- Major UK job platforms
- Local retail and hospitality employers
- Graduate and internship fairs
How Much Can Students Earn?
Pay depends on age, employer, location and job type.
Employers must comply with applicable UK minimum wage and employment law. Students should check the current National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age group.
Keep Records of Your Hours
Do not rely entirely on an employer to protect your immigration status.
Keep your own record of shifts and total weekly hours so you do not accidentally breach the work limit.
Can Nigerian Students Work Part-Time?
Yes, if their Student immigration permission includes the appropriate work conditions.
The same work-limit rules apply based on the course and visa conditions.
Official Sources
Final Thoughts
Part-time work can help international students, but studying must remain the primary purpose of a Student visa.
Check your work conditions, stay within the permitted hours and avoid employment arrangements that could breach your visa.
Disclaimer: UK immigration and student work rules can change. Verify your current conditions through GOV.UK and your education provider.
