Working in the UK – A Guide for International Students | FindAMasters.com
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Working in the UK – A Guide for International Students

Written by Mark Bennett

International students are allowed to work in the UK (subject to the conditions outlined below). However, part-time work can be difficult to find, so you should not expect to fund your studies entirely in this way.

In general, most international students on a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 student visa) pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (for a period of over six months) can work in the UK during their studies, as long as they don’t:

  • Work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship
  • Engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
  • Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

In other words, you can do most part-time jobs. If you’re unsure about your personal circumstances, the UK Council for International Student Affairs has up-to-date, detailed advice for a range of situations.

Can my partner work in the UK?

Students starting a course on or after 1 January 2024 can bring attendants only if they are studying a PhD course, a doctoral qualification or a research-based higher degree

This means if you are studying a one-year taught programme, you will not be able to bring your partner to the UK as a dependant.

We have some more information on how these new rules might affect you on our blog. The UK government continually reviews immigration rules and things may change. We'll keep this page up-to-date with any new information. Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.

What do I need before I can start work?

You will need to have applied for a National Insurance number to be eligible to work in the UK, but you do not need to have received your National Insurance number before you can start work. You should do this after you have received your offer of employment.

You can apply for a National Insurance number via the phone. After you’ve done this, you may need to attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus to confirm why you need a National Insurance number.

Can I undertake a work placement or internship?

If you’re on a Student Route visa, you can do a work placement, as long as:

  • It’s an assessed and integral part of your full-time Masters programme
  • It doesn’t comprise more than half of your degree
  • You stay enrolled as a student at your university

If the work placement meets these conditions, you’ll be able to work full-time for its duration.

If you want to take part in an extracurricular work placement or internship that isn’t part of your course, you must undertake it on a part-time basis (20 hours a week or fewer) during term time, or full-time during the holidays.

Can I work in the UK after my Masters?

After finishing your Masters, you can apply for the UK Graduate Route which allows international students to apply for a post-study work (PSW) visa. This visa is valid for at least two years after completing your Masters!

You don’t need to have received a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route, and you’re free to do almost any kind of employment in the UK (or be self-employed).Find out more in our comprehensive guide to the UK Graduate Route visa.

UK Government immigration update

The new immigration update from the UK Government has no effect on the duration of the Graduate Route visa yet. Students currently applying for the visa will continue to get two or three years depending on their qualification. We will keep updating this page with the most up-to-date information on Graduate Route visas.

Further information

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) offers a wide selection of resources for overseas students looking to understand their right to work in the UK.

Search for a Masters in the UK

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Mark Bennett

Mark joined FindAMasters to develop our first ever advice articles in 2013 and now serves as our Director of Audience & Editorial, making sure our websites and information are as useful as possible for people thinking about Masters and PhD study. He has a PhD in English Literature from the University of Sheffield, as well as Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Kent and the University of South Wales.


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Last updated: 22 January 2025