Working on a student visa in the UK | IDP Vietnam

Stepping into the UK for your degree is a massive milestone, but it is no secret that living in a world-class education hub can be costly. Many students find it helpful to work while studying to supplement their living costs. Plus, by taking up a part-time role, students gain global experience and build a resume that stands out to international employers. Fortunately, the UK government recognises the value of student talent, allowing most international learners to take up part-time roles alongside their studies.

Yes, international students can work in the UK while completing their degree. If you are in the country on a UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4), your visa typically includes built-in work rights that allow you to balance your studies with professional development.

Am I eligible to work on my student visa?

While most students have the right to work, your eligibility still depends on a few key factors:

• Sponsor status: You must be studying at a Higher Education Provider (HEP) with a “track record of compliance”

• Course level: You must be enrolled in a full-time course at degree level or above (RQF level 6/SCQF level 9)

• Visa endorsement: Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or digital eVisa status must explicitly state that work is permitted

• Age requirement: You must be at least 16 years old to hold a part-time job under these regulations

To ensure you remain focused on your degree, the UK Home Office sets strict limits on how many working hours you can clock each week.

During the semester

During term time, the standard limit is 20 hours per week. This is a maximum cap for any seven-day period starting on a Monday. This means you cannot "average" your hours over a month (e.g working 30 hours one week and 10 hours the week after), so staying organised is key!

During semester breaks

When the semester officially ends for holidays like Christmas, Easter, or the summer break, you are permitted to work full-time (typically up to 40 hours per week). This is the perfect time to save up or take on a more intensive internship.

There is a huge range of work for international students in the UK, from campus-based roles to positions in the thriving private sector. Common roles include:

• Retail and hospitality: Working in boutiques, cafes, or the iconic high-street shops.

• On-campus roles: Peer mentoring, library assistance, or working in the Student Union.

• Tutoring: Sharing your expertise in subjects like math, science, or languages.

• Internships: Gaining professional experience in your specific field of study.

It is important to note that student visa rules in the UK strictly prohibit self-employment, freelancing (including remote "gig" work), or starting your own business. You must be employed under a formal contract with an employer.

Work related to your degree

If your course includes a mandatory work placement or internship that is an "integral and assessed" part of your degree, these hours generally do not count toward your 20-hour weekly limit, provided the placement doesn't exceed 50% of the total course length.

To keep your UK student visa in good standing, you must avoid the following restrictions:

• Exceeding hour limits: Never work more than 20 hours during term time is a serious visa violation.

• Permanent full-time roles: You cannot fill a permanent, full-time vacancy unless you have switched to a different visa.

• Professional sports/entertainment: Working as a professional athlete, coach, or entertainer is generally restricted.

• Working prematurely: You cannot start working before your course officially begins.

• Self-employment: As mentioned, you cannot be your own boss or work as a freelancer.

While you may not be a full-time employee, you are still entitled to certain rights while working as an international student:

• National minimum wage: You must be paid the legal minimum based on your age (as of April 2025, this is £12.71 for those aged 21 and over and £10 for 18 to 20 year olds).

• Written contract: A document outlining your hours, pay, and responsibilities.

• Paid leave: You accrue "statutory annual leave" (paid holiday) for every hour you work.

• Safe working environment: Protection against discrimination and unsafe conditions.

If you ever feel your rights are being overlooked, you can contact ACAS (acas.org.uk) or the UK government's National Minimum Wage helpline for confidential advice.

Before you start your first shift, you must apply for a National Insurance (NI) number through the official gov.uk portal. This unique number acts as your personal account with the tax office, ensuring that your earnings and contributions are recorded correctly.

In the UK, everyone is entitled to a "Personal Allowance" threshold, which means you only start paying income tax once your annual earnings exceed a specific amount. Since many international students only work part-time or for a few months of the tax year, it is common to either stay below this threshold or accidentally overpay your taxes. In such cases, you are eligible for a tax refund! Just make sure to keep your P45 and P60 forms safe, as these are the vital documents you’ll need to prove your earnings and claim your money back.

Navigating the rules of a new country can feel like a lot, but you don't have to do it alone! At IDP, our expert counsellors are here to help you find the perfect course and university that aligns with your career goals. We offer free, personalised counselling to guide you through everything from your application to understanding your visa requirements and university fees in the UK.

Plus, because English proficiency is the key to unlocking these opportunities, we can help you ace your IELTS test with our extensive preparation resources. Book a free counselling session with IDP today, and get your UK adventure started!