Can I repay my education loan by doing part-time jobs while studying abroad in UK?
Realistically, UK part-time earnings of GBP 220 to GBP 240 per week will be absorbed by living costs. Full loan repayment during studies is not feasible, but paying monthly interest prevents your debt from growing. Real repayment starts after you graduate on the UK Graduate Route visa.
It is tempting to plan loan repayment around part-time work, but the numbers in the UK make this very difficult during your studies. Your student visa legally caps you at 20 hours of work per week during term time, and the cost of living in the UK, especially in cities like London or Manchester, will absorb most of what you earn.
UK Part-Time Work Reality During Studies (2026)
| Factor | Typical Figure |
|---|---|
| Legal Work Hours (Term Time) | Maximum 20 hours per week on a UK Student Visa |
| Average Hourly Pay (Student Jobs) | GBP 11 to GBP 12 per hour at National Minimum Wage |
| Estimated Weekly Earnings (Before Tax) | GBP 220 to GBP 240 per week |
| Average Monthly Living Cost (Major Cities) | GBP 800 to GBP 1,200 for rent, food, and transport |
| Surplus Available for Loan EMI | Minimal to none after covering essential expenses |
Smarter Ways Part-Time Income Can Help Your Loan
| Strategy | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Pay Monthly Simple Interest | Prevents your total loan amount from growing while you study |
| Cover Your Own Living Costs | Reduces the amount disbursed from your loan for daily expenses, keeping overall debt lower |
| Make Occasional Prepayments | Lenders like Prodigy Finance allow penalty-free early payments if you save extra cash |
| Post-Graduation Repayment (Graduate Route) | Entry-level UK salaries of GBP 25,000 to GBP 35,000 make serious repayment realistic |
My Advice
Plan your finances so that part-time earnings cover your day-to-day costs like groceries and transport, while your loan handles tuition and rent. If you can spare even a small monthly amount to pay the accruing interest during your course, you will save a significant sum by the time you graduate. Real, sustained loan repayment kicks in once you secure a full-time role on the UK Graduate Route visa, not before.
More expert answers
Yes, working part-time during your studies can help manage your education loan by supplementing your income and reducing your financial burden.
- In the UK, part-time work can help with living expenses. Student loan repayments are based on your income and only begin if you earn above a set threshold (£28,470/year for Plan 2 loans). Most part-time student jobs do not reach this threshold, so repayments may not start immediately.
- In the Netherlands, international students can work up to 16 hours/week during the academic year (with a work permit). Earnings can help cover living costs, but may not be enough for full tuition or significant loan repayments. Working may also require Dutch health insurance, adding to expenses.
Part-time work is useful for daily expenses but is unlikely to fully cover tuition or major loan repayments.
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