Working While Studying in the UK
Working While Studying in the UK
Your rights, rules, and practical tips for part-time work as an international student.
Last reviewed: May 2026
What this is
A guide to part-time work as an international student in the UK — covering your visa work conditions, your employment rights, and how to find good work.
Why it matters
Part-time work can enrich your UK experience, help with living costs, and build your CV. But working too many hours can damage your studies, and some employers exploit international students who do not know their rights. Understanding both sides means you can work confidently and safely.
What to prepare
- •Your UKVI online account or passport with visa vignette (to check your work conditions)
- •An understanding of your visa hour limits
- •A UK-format CV
Steps to take
- 1Check your UKVI online account or passport with visa vignette for your work conditions — your visa endorsement states your specific hour limit. The standard Student Visa allows up to 20 hours per week during term time, but some visas allow 10 hours or have other restrictions. Always check your own visa conditions and your university's guidance.
- 2Know your rights: you are entitled to National Minimum Wage, sick pay, and holiday pay from day one.
- 3Get a National Insurance number as soon as possible if you plan to work (apply via DWP).
- 4Use your university careers service — they have exclusive job listings and can review your CV.
- 5Look for work related to your field — this builds your CV more than generic work.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Working more hours than your visa allows — this can breach your visa conditions.
- ✗Accepting cash-in-hand work — this is illegal and leaves you with no employment protections.
- ✗Not disclosing that you are an international student — you must tell your employer your right-to-work status.
Important safety warning
If your employer asks you to work off the books, refuses to give you a payslip, or deducts money from your wages, contact the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) on 0300 123 1100.
Official sources
Home Office student visa work guidance: gov.uk/student-visa/work | Acas: acas.org.uk | National Minimum Wage: gov.uk/national-minimum-wage | DWP NI number: gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number
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Disclaimer
Beginly provides general guidance on working as a student. This is not legal or immigration advice.