Am I allowed to do part-time jobs during my studies in the UK, and what are the work hour limits?
Yes, you can work part-time on a UK Student visa. Degree-level courses allow up to 20 hours per week during term time, while below-degree courses allow up to 10 hours. You can work full-time during official holidays, but the weekly cap is strict and cannot be averaged across multiple weeks.
Yes, you are allowed to work part-time during your studies in the UK if you hold a Student visa for a full-time course at a recognized institution. Exactly how many hours you can work depends on your course level.
Work Hour Limits by Course Level
| Course Level | Weekly Limit During Term Time |
|---|---|
| Degree-level (Undergraduate/Postgraduate) | Up to 20 hours per week |
| Below degree-level (foundation, pre-sessional) | Up to 10 hours per week |
| Official vacation periods | Full-time work is permitted |
Key Rules and Restrictions to Keep in Mind
- The weekly cap is strict for each individual week, Monday to Sunday, and cannot be averaged across multiple weeks.
- You can hold more than one job, but your combined hours across all jobs cannot exceed your weekly limit.
- You cannot be self-employed, run a business, freelance, or work as a professional sportsperson, coach, or entertainer.
- If you are on a one-year Master's, your summer months usually still count as term time since you are expected to work on your dissertation, so check with your university before working full-time then.
My Advice
Always check your Biometric Residence Permit or digital immigration status for your exact work conditions before accepting any job, since this confirms your specific allowance. Track your weekly hours carefully across every job you hold, since exceeding the cap even in one week counts as a visa breach.
How much can you actually earn part-time in the UK?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
More Cost & living questions
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- Are you helping with educational loans or bank loans for studying abroad in UK/Ireland for a Master's?
- Can I apply for an education loan up to 30 to 35 lakhs or 30 to 40 lakhs budget?
More UK questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
