Studying in the UK isn’t just about lectures and deadlines. For many international students, part-time work is an important part of the experience. It helps you learn new skills, boost your earnings, and settle into life in a new country.
However, there are strict rules around working in the UK on a Student visa, and it’s important to understand them before you start a job.
Find out more about working on a UK Student visa, including what’s allowed, what isn’t, and where to get help if you’re unsure.
Can international students work in the UK?
The short answer is yes — if your Student visa allows it and you follow the detailed conditions attached to that visa. A UK Student visa restricts how many hours per week you can work and also what type of work you can do. For example, any hours you work must be for an employer.
Most full-time international students at Leeds universities can work part-time during term time and full-time during official holiday periods. If you’re unsure how many hours you’re permitted to work, check your visa and speak to your university.
Always check your individual visa conditions and the latest guidance on GOV.UK before starting work.
How many hours can international students work in the UK?
For most degree-level courses, Student visa holders can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. If you’re studying a course below degree level, the hours are often reduced to 10 per week.
These limits apply to all work combined, so if you have more than one job, the total number of hours across all roles must stay within the weekly limit. This also applies to any unpaid work. If you start an internship or placement, the time spent in these areas will also contribute to your total working hours. This isn’t the case for volunteering, however, which doesn’t impact your time allowance.
Another key consideration is what counts as “term time”. It includes teaching weeks, exams, and formal study periods like reading weeks, as defined by your university.
Working during holidays
The good news is that you can work full-time hours (generally 37.5-40 hours per week) during your university’s official holiday periods. Because there’s no weekly limit on working hours, you can also work overtime.
Remember, holiday dates vary between universities and even individual courses. It’s essential to check your unique academic calendar. Once term time resumes, you must immediately return to 20 hours or less, even if your employer would like you to continue working full-time.
Consequences of working more than 20 hours on a Student visa
Exceeding your permitted hours — even once — is treated as a serious breach of your visa conditions. Working more than 20 hours per week can lead to your visa being cancelled, difficulties applying for future visas, or even being asked to leave the UK.
It’s also important to note that there’s no flexibility to spread hours for an average amount across weeks. For example, if you work 25 hours one week and 15 the next, that still counts as a breach. Keep careful track of your hours to avoid any problems.
What types of work can international students do?
Many students take on part-time roles in hospitality, retail, or on campus. These jobs typically offer flexible hours that fit around lectures and exams, making them ideal during term time.
Evening and weekend shifts in bars, restaurants, and cafés are particularly popular, while retail roles can provide steady weekend work. As long as you stay within your visa’s weekly hour limit and work for an approved employer, these roles can help you gain experience while supporting your studies.
Can international students do freelance work in the UK?
Students on a standard UK Student visa can’t do freelance work. Freelance work is considered self-employment, which isn’t permitted. This includes working through online platforms, selling services independently, or earning money through social media. Even if payments are irregular or made by a company outside of the UK, any freelance work would go against the terms of your UK Student visa.
Working in the UK after you graduate
You may wish to stay in the UK and work after graduation. After completing your course, your Student visa usually allows you to work full-time for a limited period. This period is typically four months after graduation, but you should always check your unique visa.
Additionally, you can only work full-time hours once your course has been formally completed, and the role you take must be temporary with an end date within four months.
If you want to work in the UK for longer, you will need a different visa, like the Graduate visa. This allows you to stay and work in the UK after completing your course. The period is two years for those who apply on or before 31st December 2026 and 18 months for those applying on or after 1st January 2027. However, international students who hold a PhD qualification may stay in the UK for three years on this visa.
To be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must:
- currently live in the UK
- hold a Student visa
- have studied towards a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree with your Student visa
- completed your course, with your university formally notifying the Home Office.
It isn’t possible to extend your Graduate visa beyond this. However, before it expires, you may be able to switch to a different visa if you wish to stay in the UK, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Living and working as an international student in Leeds
If you’re planning to work while studying, Leeds is an excellent place to do it. With a strong hospitality sector, thriving retail scene, and large student population, part-time roles are widely available across the city.
Pickard Properties supports Student visa holders in finding high-quality accommodation tailored to student life in Leeds. We know that finding the right place to live can shape your experience in the UK, and our friendly team is here to help.
Get in touch today to start your new adventure in Leeds.
