One of the questions many students want answered is: “Can you work while studying in the UK?” The answer everyone wants to hear is “Yes”. However, it is part-time work only because students enter the UK on a Student Route visa, where the main purpose is study. Therefore, under visa regulations, students are allowed to work part-time during their studies.

Part-time work during studies

Students travelling to the UK on a Student Route visa and studying at degree level or above are permitted to work part-time while studying in the UK, with the following working hour limits:

• During term time: students can work up to 20 hours per week
• During official holidays: students can work up to 40 hours per week

Important working rules international students should know

1. Check your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)

Check your BRP card to confirm how many hours you are legally allowed to work part-time.

2. Open a UK bank account

Opening a UK bank account is important so salary payments can be made legally. Immigration authorities may review bank records to determine whether tax should be paid. Employers may also ask for bank account details in order to transfer wages, although some jobs may still pay in cash.

3. Apply for a National Insurance Number (NI Number)

Students should apply for a National Insurance Number (NI Number) before starting work, as some employers may request the NI Number when applying for jobs. Students are allowed to start work while waiting for the NI Number. Applying is relatively simple and can be done online through the GOV.UK website or by phone. In some cases, students may receive an interview appointment at a nearby Jobcentre Plus. The NI Number will then be sent by post and usually takes around 3–4 weeks.

4. Minimum wage in the UK

Estimated UK minimum wage rates for 2026:

• Age 21 and above: £12.71 per hour
• Age 18–20: slightly lower rate
• In London: average wages are around £14.80 per hour or higher

5. Do not work beyond the hours permitted under your Student Visa

Students should prioritise their studies first. Before taking a part-time job, it is important to check class schedules carefully and make sure there is enough time to work without affecting academic performance. Class timetables vary depending on the faculty. Some students may have classes 5 days a week, while others may only study 3 days a week during a particular term. Class times may also differ between mornings and afternoons. Students should manage their time carefully and only take on what they are realistically able to handle. Always remember that the main purpose of studying abroad is education, while part-time work should be viewed as an additional opportunity to gain life experience if time allows. The visa conditions stated on the BRP card specify that students are permitted to work: Up to 20 hours per week during term time, Up to 40 hours per week during official holidays. Students must be careful not to exceed these limits, as Immigration officers may carry out checks and request documents at any time. If students work beyond the legal limit, it is considered a breach of visa conditions. Immigration authorities have the right to cancel the visa, remove students from the UK, and prevent them from continuing their studies. Students may also face fines and even be blacklisted, while employers can also face penalties for allowing illegal working hours.

Therefore, part-time work while studying is allowed, but students must respect UK regulations and comply with visa conditions. Since the UK permits international students to work, students should also behave responsibly and follow the rules correctly. Most importantly, the One Education team would still like to emphasise that students come to the UK primarily to study and build their future careers. Part-time work should be considered an opportunity to gain additional life experience alongside studies.

Interested in Studying in the UK?

For more information and assistance with the application process, you can contact One Education, an official representative of UK Universities. We offer free consultation and support throughout your application journey.
Add our Line official account: @one-edu
Submit an enquiry form. We will get back to you as soon as possible. 
Call us: 02-652-0718  

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