Working during studies - your visa responsibilities
Student Visa holders
Check your visa work conditions
If you hold a Student visa, you must check your work permissions before starting any job.
You can find this information in:
- your visa decision email
- visa sticker, or digital status
Working hours during term time
If your visa states:
- “Work 20 hours max in term time”
You can:
- work up to 20 hours per week during term time
This limit is strict:
- it applies to each week (Monday–Sunday)
- it cannot be averaged or exceeded
If your visa states:
- “No work” - you cannot work in the UK
Working more than 20 hours
You can work full-time:
- during official vacation periods, or
- after completing your course
Check your official term dates with your School or Graduate School.
Important exceptions:
- Postgraduate Taught (Master’s):
You are still in term time while writing your dissertation: 20-hour limit still applies - Postgraduate Research (PhD):
You usually do not have vacation periods: 20-hour limit applies year-round (except annual leave) - Below degree level students:
Maximum 10 hours per week during term time
Types of work not allowed
On a Student visa, you must not:
- be self-employed or run a business
- work as a professional sportsperson or coach
- work as an entertainer
- take a permanent full-time job
Before you start working
You will need to provide your employer with evidence of your right to work, such as:
- passport and visa (BRP or digital status)
- a share code (if required)
- proof of student status
- confirmation of your term dates
Your employer is responsible for completing a right to work check.
Important things to know
- A week = Monday to Sunday
- Unpaid work counts towards your weekly hours
- If you have more than one job, total hours must still be within your limit
Need more information?
UKCISA information on working during studies
EU Settlement Scheme status holders
If you have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you have the right to work in the UK.
- Settled status:
You can live and work in the UK without restriction - Pre-settled status:
You can also work without restriction, as long as your status remains valid
Proving your right to work
You will usually need to provide a share code to your employer to prove your status.
Further information
Home Office information on rights with settled or pre-settled status
EU Citizens' Rights Project Scotland right to work information
National Insurance Number
A National Insurance (NI) number is used to record your tax and National Insurance contributions when you work in the UK.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a National Insurance number if:
- your visa allows you to work in the UK, and
- you plan to work in the UK
You must apply after you arrive in the UK.
How to apply
- Apply online via the GOV.UK website
- As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity
- this may be done online, by uploading documents, or by attending an appointment
When will I receive my NI number?
Once your identity has been confirmed:
- it usually takes up to 4 weeks to receive your National Insurance number
- in some cases, it may take longer
Can I start work before I receive it?
Yes. You can start working before you receive your NI number, as long as you can prove your right to work in the UK.
Important information
- There is no fee to apply for a National Insurance number
Further information
- Visit the GOV.UK website for full details and to apply
Standard Visitor visa (including entry via eGates)
If you are in the UK as a Standard Visitor (including if you entered via eGates for short-term study), you cannot work in the UK.
This applies to students studying for less than 6 months without a Student visa.
Working when your visa does not allow it is illegal and may affect your future visa applications.
What counts as work?
“Work” includes:
- paid or unpaid employment
- work placements or internships
- working for a UK business or organisation
- being self-employed or running a business
- selling directly to the public
- providing goods or services
Important to know
- Unpaid work still counts as work
- You must not undertake any activity that could be considered employment
Further information
The Student Opportunities Hub
Careers & Global Opportunities, in partnership with the SRC, have launched ‘The Student Opportunities Hub’. This is a one-stop-shop which advertises part-time work vacancies and discusses support for students to find part-time work whilst they study. Find out more about the Student Opportunities Hub on Careers Service webpages.