Shreyashi Pathak Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist
For Indian students studying in the UK, balancing academics with part-time work is a great way to support living expenses and gain valuable experience. However, working hours for international students are strictly regulated under the UK Student Visa to ensure that study remains the primary focus. Generally, students enrolled in degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and are allowed to work full-time during official university holidays, such as winter, spring, and summer breaks.
Complying with these work-hour limits is crucial for Indian students in the UK as they’re crucial for keeping your visa secure and for any future travel or study plans. If you work more hours than allowed, even by accident, it counts as a visa violation, which can lead to serious consequences like warnings, losing your visa, or even deportation. Following these limits also helps you stay on top of your studies, making sure you can manage both work and academics without issues.
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Maximum Working Hours During Term Time
The table below shows the maximum working hours allowed during term time for international students in the UK:
| Student Category | Maximum Working Hours per Week | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Degree-Level | 20 hours | Applies to full-time undergraduate and master’s students. |
| Below Degree Level | 10 hours | Students enrolled in foundation courses or other below-degree programs. |
| PhD Students | 20 hours | Doctoral students are generally limited to 20 hours, even if they have flexible research schedules. |
| Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate Students | 20 hours | For students pursuing postgraduate diplomas or certificates, similar to master’s-level restrictions. |
| Part-Time Students | Not permitted | Part-time students on a Student Visa are not allowed to work during term time. |
| Short-Term Study Visa Holders | Not permitted | Students on a short-term study visa (usually for courses under six months) are not permitted to work. |
| Language Course Students(Under 6 months) | Not permitted | Students on short-term language courses are typically not allowed to work during term time. |
| Work Placements as Part of Course | Variable | If the work placement is part of an academic program, it may not count toward the 20-hour limit. Confirm with university. |
Working Hours During Holidays
During official holiday periods like winter, spring, and summer breaks, most international students in the UK can work full-time. This includes undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and foundation-level students who have no restrictions on hours during these breaks.
Note - Part-time students and those on short-term study visas, however, are generally not allowed to work at all, even during holidays.
Ph.D. Students' Working Hour Guidelines
Listed below are some crucial working hour rules for Ph.D. students in the UK:
- Term-Time Limits: Ph.D. students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, including any paid or voluntary work outside of their research.
- Full-Time Work During Holidays: Ph.D. students are allowed to work full-time during official university holidays, like winter and spring breaks; confirm dates with the university.
- Course-Related Work Placements: If a work placement is part of the Ph.D. program, it may be allowed outside the 20-hour weekly limit, as long as it’s a necessary component of their course.
- Employment Restrictions: Self-employment, starting a business, permanent full-time roles, or professional sports/entertainment jobs are not allowed for Ph.D. students.
By following these guidelines, Ph.D. students can engage in part-time work while focusing on their research and academic commitments. Exceeding the 20-hour weekly limit during term time, even unintentionally, can lead to visa issues for international students.
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Approved Work Options for Student Visa Holders
A student visa holder can look for the following work options during their stay as a student in UK:
| Job Role | Average Pay per Hour (GBP) | Average Pay per Hour (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| IT Support | £13.60 | ₹1,482.40 |
| Student Content Creator | £14.10 | ₹1,536.90 |
| Retail Outlets | £8.50 | ₹926.50 |
| Cashier | £9.00 | ₹981.00 |
| Waiter/Waitress | £14.00 | ₹1,526.00 |
| Delivery Boy | £5.00 | ₹545.00 |
| Customer Service | £10.00 | ₹1,090.00 |
| Clerk | £13.00 | ₹1,417.00 |
| Social Media Assistant | £10.51 | ₹1,146.59 |
| Library Worker | £9.90 | ₹1,079.10 |
| Admin Assistant | £10.26 | ₹1,118.34 |
| Resident Assistant | £10.00 | ₹1,090.00 |
| Student Ambassador | £10.33 | ₹1,125.97 |
| Teaching Assistantship | £9.66 | ₹1,053.54 |
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Consequences of Exceeding Work Limits
Exceeding the permitted work hours as an international student in the UK can lead to serious consequences. Here’s a look at the potential impacts of violating work-hour limits.
- Visa Violation Penalties: Exceeding work hours breaches visa conditions, potentially leading to warnings, visa revocation, or deportation.
- Impact on Future Visa Applications: Violating visa rules may harm your future visa applications for the UK or other countries, as visa history is reviewed.
- Risk of Deportation:If you keep exceeding hours, you could face deportation, meaning you’d have to leave the UK immediately.
- University Disciplinary Actions: Your university might take action, like suspending or even expelling you, which impacting your study record.
- Employment Termination: Employers must follow visa rules too, so they might have to terminate employment if students exceed work hours.
- Legal Repercussions: Serious violations by student can result in fines or entry bans from the UK for a specified period.
- Financial and Academic Impact: Losing your visa or getting expelled means losing money on tuition and rent, and it could delay your studies.
Students should also know that Each university in the UK may have its own specific rules on work hours for international students, especially around holiday periods or study commitments. It is recommended for students to check these university-specific guidelines to make sure you’re following both your visa and school rules.
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FAQs
Ques Do work-study jobs on campus count toward my 20-hour limit?
Ans Yes, campus jobs, like library or administrative roles, count toward the 20-hour weekly limit during term time.
Ques How does UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) spot an international student working more than 20 hours?
Ans UKVI can spot international students working more than 20 hours by tracking the National Insurance number, which employers use to report earnings and working hours. They also have access to records from employers and universities, ensuring students comply with the 20-hour weekly limit during term time.
Ques Can I apply for an increase in work hours on my Student Visa?
Ans No, the work-hour limit is set by visa regulations, and there’s no option to increase it.
Ques Are international students allowed to work night shifts?
Ans Yes, as long as your total hours do not exceed 20 during term time, you can work night shifts.
Ques If I accidentally exceed my hours by a small amount, will my visa be at risk?
Ans Even minor breaches in work hours can be considered visa violations. If this happens, speak with your university’s international office immediately for guidance.
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