Work in UK on Student Visa: Terms Published by University of Leeds for June 2025 Onwards
Planning to work part-time while studying in the UK? Whether you’re heading to the University of Leeds or any other UK university, there are important rules you need to follow — and breaking them can cost you your degree or even your visa.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to know so you can work legally, safely, and smartly while studying.
Can You Work While Studying?
Yes, but only if your visa allows it, and only within certain limits. According to guidance issued to students, working without proper permission — or exceeding the allowed hours — is a criminal offence. Even unpaid roles can fall under this category.
That’s right: unpaid internships, volunteering, and side gigs count as work under UK immigration rules.
How Many Hours Can You Work in UK With Your Studies?
Your weekly work limit depends on your course level and term time. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Course Type | Max Weekly Work (During Term) |
|---|---|
| Full-time Undergrad/Postgrad | 20 hours |
| Pre-sessional or Below Degree | 10 hours |
| PhD/Research Students | 20 hours (check with supervisor) |
A “week” is counted from Monday to Sunday, and you’re expected to keep a record of your hours.
When You Can Work Full-Time?
- Undergraduates: Full-time work is allowed during Christmas, Easter, and Summer breaks.
- Master’s Students: You can work full-time at Christmas and Easter. Summer is considered part of your course (dissertation time), so 20 hours/week applies.
- PhD Students: You can work full-time during official holidays (26 days/year + closures), but it’s wise to talk to your supervisor first.
Jobs You’re Not Allowed to Do on UK Study Visa in 2025
Even with work rights, some roles are off-limits:
- Self-employment or freelance gigs
- Running a business
- Professional sportsperson or coach
- Entertainment industry jobs
- Permanent full-time jobs
These restrictions apply across the board and are not university-specific — they’re part of the UK immigration system.
Volunteering vs. Voluntary Work Permission on UK Study Visa
Confused? You’re not alone and the distinction matters:
| Volunteering | Voluntary Work |
|---|---|
| Unpaid, flexible, informal | Has duties, schedules, and can involve benefits |
| Doesn’t count towards your hour limit | Does count as work under immigration rules |
If you’re helping out at a charity for a few hours without formal obligations — that’s volunteering. But anything structured with expectations? That’s work.
Internships & Work Placements Permission on British Student Visa
If your course includes a work placement, good news: you can do it full-time — as long as it’s assessed and officially recognized as part of your degree.
You can also hold a second part-time job (up to 20 hours/week) during this time. Just be aware: if the placement isn’t part of your course structure, the 20-hour limit applies.
Need more time for a placement year? You may need to extend your visa.
Working in UK After You Finish Your Course
You’re allowed to work full-time in UK after completing your course, but timing matters:
- Taught students can work full-time after submitting all coursework and your official end date has passed.
- Research students can do so after your viva, corrections, and submission of your final thesis.
⚠️ Still have exam-resits or pending assessments? You’re still bound by the 20-hour/week rule.
Proving You Can Work
Before you get hired, your employer must verify your right to work. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your passport
- A share code from the UKVI website https://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online
You can also request a student registration status certificate to show your course and term dates, which helps employers confirm your work eligibility during and outside of term time.
What If You’re on a Different Visa? – Can You Still Work in UK?
Not every UK visa allows work and here’s what applies:
| VISA TYPE | WORK RIGHTS |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor / ETA | ❌ No work allowed. Volunteering with registered charities only. |
| Short-Term Study Visa | ❌ No work or voluntary work permitted. |
| EU Settlement Scheme | ✅ Work allowed if you hold settled or pre-settled status. |
| Graduate Visa | ✅ Full-time work is permitted in any sector for up to 2 years (3 for PhDs). |
The Graduate Visa is a great post-study option that allows you to stay in the UK and work — or even look for work — without needing employer sponsorship. You must apply after successfully completing your course and before your Student visa expires.
References
- https://students.leeds.ac.uk/visa-information-working-travelling/doc/working-study
- https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
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