One of the first big questions international students ask when they arrive in the UK, right after figuring out how the buses work and why everyone says “you alright?” as a greeting, is, “Can I work while studying?”
The simple answer is yes.
But the real answer? It depends on your visa, your course, and even what your university considers “term time.”
A lot of students assume they can get a job and work unlimited hours because “everyone else is doing it.” Please don’t fall into that trap. The UK has very specific rules, and breaking them can cost you your visa. So let’s walk through this together, in simple, everyday English, just like I would explain it to a friend who wants to stay safe and make the most out of their UK experience.
The General Rule: Up to 20 Hours During Term Time
If you’re studying a full-time degree-level course, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree, your Student Visa usually allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during term time. And this limit is strict.
It doesn’t matter if you have two or three jobs; all your hours must add up to 20 per week, not 20 per job. So if you work 10 hours at a café and another 10 tutoring kids, that’s your full allowance.
Things get more flexible during school breaks. During holidays and official university breaks, you can work full-time, but here’s where many students make mistakes: it is your university that decides what counts as “term time” or “holiday,” not you.
So before you jump into full-time shifts, always check your school calendar. What your university considers a “holiday” in January or April may be very different from what you assume.
If You’re Studying Below Degree Level
Now, this is where it gets a bit tricky for foundation students, diploma students, or anyone studying at a lower degree level.
Your work limit is 10 hours per week, not 20.
It’s a big difference, and many students don’t realise this early enough. You might see your degree-level friends working 20 hours and assume you can do the same, but you can’t.
The Home Office treats this rule seriously. If your school reports that you are breaking your work restrictions, you could lose your visa, no appeals or excuses. So if you’re on a foundation or pre-degree course, protect yourself by sticking strictly to 10 hours.
The Type of Work You’re Allowed to Do (And What You Must Avoid)
The UK gives students a lot of flexibility when it comes to casual work. You can work in retail, supermarkets, restaurants, customer service, tutoring, support work, hospitality, and even paid internships if your university approves them as part of your course.
But there are very clear lines you cannot cross.
For example, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, even if you’re extremely talented. And this one surprises a lot of students:
You cannot be self-employed.
This means you cannot register a business, you cannot work as a freelancer under your own name, and you cannot take “contractor” jobs where you invoice a company as an independent worker.
So, no opening a hair business legally, no freelance graphic design under your own business name, and no Uber driving. Those activities count as self-employment, and the Student Visa doesn’t allow that.
Why It’s About More Than Just “Working Hours”
Part-time work in the UK isn’t just about earning extra cash. For many students, it’s a lifeline. It helps you survive, build experience, gain UK references, and understand the work culture.
But it can also backfire if you’re not careful.
Universities now monitor attendance more strictly than ever. If your job affects your attendance or your coursework, your school can report it to the Home Office. And trust me, you don’t want to get that kind of email from your compliance office.
Working too many hours or taking illegal work can lead to:
- Visa cancellation
- Being banned from the UK for several years
- Problems when applying for graduate or work visas later
So it’s not just about following rules, it’s about protecting your future.
My Honest Advice as a Friend
The best way to stay safe is simple: stick to the hours on your visa, stay honest with your employer, and double-check everything.
Your BRP card (or your visa vignette in your passport) clearly states your work conditions. Most student BRPs say something like:
“Work 20 hours max during term-time.”
If you’re ever unsure, go to your university’s international student office. They exist to guide you, not to get you in trouble.
And remember, you came to the UK to study first. Your part-time job should support your dreams—not put them at risk.
Working while studying in the UK is absolutely possible, and for many students, it’s one of the best ways to build confidence, earn money, and grow professionally. But like everything in the UK immigration system, you must play by the rules. Learn them early, follow them carefully, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress later.
Your job should help your journey, not stop it. If you understand how the system works, you’ll be able to balance study, work, and life in a way that keeps you safe, comfortable, and on track.
