What are the Student Working Hours in the UK?

Most students aged 16 and above are permitted to work in the UK, even if it is only to complete a course-related work placement. It’s a fantastic chance to not only earn some additional cash, but also to gain valuable job experience in the UK, meet new people, and further your career possibilities. However, the working hours in the UK differ depending on your degree and course. If you are wondering what are the student working hours in the United Kingdom, then keep reading because we will cover all about working hours, rules and work regulations in the UK!

Also Read: List of Easiest Part-Time Jobs for International Students in UK!

What are the Student Working Hours in the UK?

Students should be aware of the University’s employment limits, which are often harsher than the number of hours a student visa allows them to work. As a result, the following is given for your convenience. During term time, a student visa for full-time degree studies permits you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week. This is a total of no more than 20 hours a week, combining paid and unpaid work for one or more organizations. The 20 hours can’t be spread out over a longer length of time. The Home Office defines a ‘week’ as a period of seven days commencing on Monday. This encompasses both remunerated and unremunerated labour. As previously stated, the University imposes stricter working limits, which you must follow.

The regulations of your university and the policies of state-run official institutions govern your capacity to work in the UK while studying. Before interacting with state officials, be sure that your university does not prohibit you from working. In addition to governmental constraints, your institution may limit your working hours based on your study program.

Part-time work for international students is easy to come by in the UK, especially in big cities like London. Some institutions will only allow you to work on campus, but don’t worry; there are still plenty of possibilities accessible to you. However, before you start looking for part-time employment, be sure you’re qualified for them.

Must Read: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students

Is it possible for you to Work in the United Kingdom with your Current Visa?

First, look at what is mentioned on your Student Visa to see if you are allowed to work in the UK. If you are pursuing a degree, you should be aware that your visa allows you to work a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the academic year.

If you are studying at a level below a bachelor’s degree (for example, a foundation program), you should be limited to working a maximum of 10 hours per week throughout the academic year. If any of the following words appear on your visa, you are not authorized to work in the United Kingdom:

• No work
• Work prohibited

If your visa allows you to work in the UK, you must not work more than the allotted amount of hours per week, since this is a violation of your immigration rules and a criminal crime.

How to get a Part-Time Job?

The University’s Careers Service can help you explore graduate careers, enhance your employability skills, find job openings and work experience placements, strengthen your application, and meet potential employers. The college service, as well as the recruiting agency for part-time and temporary jobs, is generally free. They’ll help you discover part-time or temporary jobs on campus and in the surrounding area. You can also look for jobs on the internet, in local newspapers, or via job agencies.

How Much Does a Part-Time Job Pay?

Part-time students have the same privileges as full-time employees. All employers in the United Kingdom must pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW). Current rates for the minimum wage:

Wage band	Current rate from 1 April 2021
25 and over	£8.72 (INR 735)
21 to 24	£8.20 (INR 691)
18 to 20	£6.45 (INR 543)
Under 18	£4.55 (INR 383)

Type of Work Not Allowed for Students in the UK 

Students on a student visa are allowed to work in most fields, although they must not:

• Be self-employed;
• Engage in business activity;
• Filling a full-time permanent vacancy;
• Be employed as a paid or unpaid professional athlete, including a sports coach, as described by the Home Office on pages 102-103 of the Student route advice;
• Be hired as a paid or unpaid performer;
• Unless you’re on the foundation program, work as a doctor or dentist in training.

These limitations apply for the duration of your student visa.

Also Read: How to get a Business Visa in UK?

Who is eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa in the United Kingdom?

From September 2020, any international student who enrols at a UK university on a Tier 4 visa will be entitled to stay in the UK after graduation to look for work. You can apply for a post-study work visa after you know you can work in the UK while studying. This is a follow-up to regulation changes that permitted PhDs to remain in the United Kingdom following graduation. The UK claims that this is because it wants to expand its STEM industries. All graduates will have the option to choose from 2020 onwards. Graduates with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees formerly had only four months to stay and hunt for work. That has been improved to two years under the new graduate visa regulations.

FAQs

Worried About IELTS? Take a Demo Class with Leverage Live Experts and Learn the Coolest Ways to Ace the Exam in One-Go!

Want to study in the UK? Then kickstart your journey with our Leverage Edu experts by calling us on 1800 572 000 and get into your dream university!