Can I work while studying in the UK? The answer is yes! Learn all about finding work in the UK on a student visa.

Depending on the situation, you can work while studying in the UK. However, although the student stipend helps to reduce the cost of living during your stay, it will not be enough to cover all your expenses in the country, especially the cost of studying. This is why the UK government requires proof of sufficient income to apply for a UK student visa.


Having said that, the good news is that if you want to study and work in the UK, it is possible, but it depends on each situation. I have collected here the most important information about Student visa processing according to official sources (listed at the end of this article).

The first thing you need to know is that in 2020, the UK student visa known as Tier 4 (General) is now only a Student visa. Although the rules are very similar, it is important to know because the conditions can vary from year to year.

I therefore recommend that you regularly visit official UK higher education websites such as UKCISA to check for any changes. (At Hotcourses Brasil, we try to keep our articles up to date, but you can also be active in your research.)

Can I work in the UK on a student visa?

Most students aged 16 and over can work in the UK on a student visa, even if it is only for study-related experience. This is a great opportunity to experience working life in the UK as well as earn extra money.

If you are on a full-time course and your institution, called a sponsor by the UK government, has official 'follow-up' status, you are eligible to work in the UK on a student visa, which means you are allowed to work. practice in their studies and follow the rules required by the government.

There are currently 195 HEIs with 'track record' status on the UK government list:

 

  • Aberystwyth University
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  • Ruskin University England
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  • Aston University
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  • Birmingham City University
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  • Cardiff Metropolitan University
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  • City, University of London
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  • Glasgow Caledonian University
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  • Leeds Beckett University
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  • London Metropolitan University
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  • University of Newcastle
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  • Nottingham Trent University
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  • Queen Mary University of London
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  • Sheffield Hallam University
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These are just a few examples, go to the official list of English universities listed.

The UK Council for International Students (UKCISA) recommends that you always check the details of your immigration documents. You cannot work in the UK on a student visa if there is a 'not working' concept. If you believe there is a mistake, you can talk to your educational institution to fix it before you start working in the country.

In general, you cannot work in the UK on a student visa if:

Enroll in an educational institution that does not have a "track record" status;

Enroll in an institution classified as a private provider, publicly funded college, or comprehensive college offering preparatory courses.

How many hours can I work in the UK on a student visa?

Once you have determined the status of your institution in the UK, you need to determine the workload for your student visa application.

In general, international students are allowed to work 10 or 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during the holidays.

The rules depend on your level of study in England:

If you register for a bachelor's degree or higher, you can work up to 20 hours a week. This means that your course must be at RQF 6 or SCQF 9 according to the Official Classification of Higher Education in England;

You can work up to 10 hours per week on a fixed-term basis if you are enrolled in a qualification below degree level;

Regardless of your studies, you can work outside full-time: during holidays and before starting your studies; internships and workplaces; and after completing the course.

"Term" officially means term in class - academic year. The "outside term" then became other times - before and after school, holiday and vacation time. As dates vary from university to university, you should check this information directly with your UK institution.

If you are still in doubt, you can check your status on the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), the official document issued by your university when you have been accepted for a UK student visa.

International students enrolled on part-time postgraduate courses cannot work in the UK regardless of term or holiday.

The general advice is to record your working hours in detail, especially if you are irregular or have more than one employer, including those outside the UK.

There is no limit to your salary or working hours during holidays and after training. However, according to UKCISA's official website, if you earn more than most students, the Home Office may ask you to schedule your work - around £15,000 a year.

Also, do not exceed the limit of weekly hours and study time, because work cannot interfere with your studies, which should be a priority if you have a student visa in this country. Failure to comply with the work rules may result in the cancellation of your visa; As a result, you will have to leave the UK without completing your studies and will be banned from the country for some time.

 

 

Minimum salary for international students in the UK

 

 

Minimum hourly wages in the UK in 2023:

At the age of 18 years

18 to 20 years

21 to 22 years old

23 years and older

pupil

28 5.28

£7.49

£10.18

£10.42

28 5.28

Source: gov.uk

What kind of work can I do on a UK student visa?

If you have access to work while studying in the UK, you can apply for and get many types of paid jobs at any level. There is no restriction to work only on campus, as in the United States, for example.

Permissible work arrangements are detailed in ST sections 26.1 to 26.8 of the Appendix to the Student Immigration Rules. For example, you can get paid and unpaid on-campus positions as long as they meet the weekly hour limit for your degree in the UK.

Work experience or work placements that form part of your English studies will be treated separately from on-campus work, so you can do both at the same time.

If you have a student visa, you cannot:

Being self-employed (if you are a freelancer or consultant, you can fall into this self-employed category);

Engaging in entrepreneurial activities (for example, starting a business or working in stocks);

Work as a trainer or sports coach, paid or unpaid;

Act as paid or unpaid entertainment;

If you are not enrolled in the appropriate training course, work as a doctor or dentist.

Experience in the UK on a student visa

Even if you are not allowed to work in the UK on a student visa, you can get an internship or work placement if it is an integral and compulsory part of your course of study (minimum RQF level 6).

Typically, an internship can take up to a third of the duration of your course in the UK and the educational institution must be listed as 'registered' on the government's official register.

Also, during your internship or work placement, your university or college:

Contact you;

Report your work experience as part of your studies to the Home Office;

Create a cover letter and all employment conditions based on your study or training needs.

An internship or work placement can be paid or unpaid, full-time or even with another job (if you are authorized to work in the UK on a student visa as described above).

He worked as a volunteer in England on a student visa

Voluntary work does not count towards the 10 or 20 hour limit of a student visa:

There is no employment contract for the vacancy

Do not replace an effective employee;

Not paid.

Voluntary work is not the same as unpaid work. Usually, voluntary charities help voluntary organizations or public sector organisations. If your volunteer work does not meet the three rules above, it will count towards your weekly working hours during the term.

Study in England

Careers services at your UK university

Most colleges and universities with record degrees have career services departments to assist students with career decisions and practical experiences, from resume counseling to internship opportunities.

If you have any questions about working in the UK during your studies, this department can advise you accordingly.