UK · CHAPTER 15
Working whileyou study in the UK.
Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term and full time during official vacations. You need a National Insurance number. Self-employment, freelancing and professional sports are not allowed on a Student visa.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
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Rules
- Up to 20 hours per week in term (degree level)
- Full time in official university vacations
- No self-employment or freelancing
- Placements that are part of the course are allowed
- Your CAS and university set your exact term dates
Common jobs
- Retail and hospitality
- University jobs: ambassador, library, events, research assistance
- Tutoring and care work
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What counts and what does not
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Part-time jobs up to 20 hours a week in term | Self-employment or freelancing |
| Full-time work in official vacations | A permanent full-time job |
| Work placements that are part of your course | Working as a professional sportsperson or entertainer |
| Students' union or university jobs | Working as a GP or dentist in training (unless on a recognised programme) |
Finding work
- University careers service and campus jobs (library, events, ambassador roles)
- Retail, hospitality and supermarkets near campus
- Indeed, Reed, StudentJob, LinkedIn
- Tutoring and teaching assistant roles
- Keep payslips; employers must pay at least the National Minimum or Living Wage
Tax on what you earn
Students pay UK income tax like anyone else, but only above the tax-free Personal Allowance (£12,570 a year), so most part-time earnings are untaxed. National Insurance is deducted above a weekly threshold. Give your employer your National Insurance number so you are not put on an emergency tax code.
If too much tax was taken, HMRC usually refunds it after the tax year ends on 5 April; check your Personal Tax Account. Keep payslips and your P60 or P45: you will need them for any Indian tax filing and for background checks later.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Up to 20 hours a week in term for degree-level students, and full time during official vacations.
No. Exceeding 20 hours in any week during term breaches your visa conditions and can lead to cancellation. Full-time work is allowed only during your university's official vacations.
Only on earnings above the £12,570 Personal Allowance, plus National Insurance above a weekly threshold. Most part-time student jobs fall below the income tax threshold.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
UK GUIDE
Jobs & careers in the UK
Sectors hiring graduates in the UK, starting salaries, graduate schemes, sponsor-licensed employers and where to search.
UK GUIDE
Graduate visa & staying on
UK Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026, 18 months from 1 January 2027, 3 years for PhDs; then Skilled Worker sponsorship.
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