Your career and working opportunities in the UK

Your career and working opportunities in the UK

Working part time during study, doing placements, internships and volunteering positions can significantly help you build new skills, make new contacts and apply your learning in a real-world, professional environment. There are lots of options available to international students who want to work during their studies or stay and work in the UK after their studies.

If you are a student with immigration permission and need clarification on what type of work you can or cannot do or how many hours you can work, you must contact our International Student Advice before taking up any employment.

Working part time during studies

Generally, if you are a Tier 4/Student visa holder you can work during term time for a maximum 20 hours per week during standard University semester dates and full time outside of these dates. The dates differ for undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research students. Have a look at our Working in the UK during your studies with immigration permission for more detailed information.

Staying in the UK to work after studies

Have a look at our Visas for working after studies section as you may need to apply for a separate visa to your student visa. You can check whether you need a visa at UK Visas & Immigration. One visa which is particularly popular is the Graduate visa which provides an opportunity for international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for 2 years, or 3 years for doctoral students.