Can You Work on a UK Student Visa in 2025? Rules and Limitations Explained

The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for international students. Along with access to top-tier education, many students also seek part-time jobs to support their living expenses. But working in the UK on a student visa comes with specific conditions and limitations. In 2025, these rules have remained relatively consistent with previous years, but strict enforcement and clarity from the Home Office mean students must understand their rights and responsibilities very clearly.

Type of Institution Matters

Only students studying full-time at licensed student visa sponsors (mostly universities and higher education providers) are allowed to work. If you are enrolled in a course at a private college or unlicensed institution, you are not allowed to work at all, either during term or holidays.

Level of Study Matters

• If you’re studying a degree-level course or above, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
• If you’re on a course below degree level (like a foundation diploma or pre-sessional English), you're limited to 10 hours per week during term time.
• Part-time study, even at a postgraduate level, does not permit any work, whether paid or unpaid.

Understanding Term Time

Term time refers to official teaching and exam periods set by your university. You must stick to the hour limits strictly during this time.

During Holidays

You are allowed to work full-time during vacation periods, but only if your university has confirmed you are on break. Some master's programs, especially one-year ones, may have continuous coursework or dissertations during summer. In that case, it's still considered term time, and the 20-hour rule remains in effect.

Permitted Jobs

You can work in almost any sector, including:

• Retail
• Hospitality (e.g., cafes, hotels)
• Delivery or logistics (as long as it's not self-employed)
• Campus jobs (library assistant, research support, IT helpdesk, etc.)
• Internships (if part of your course)

Jobs You Cannot Do

There are specific prohibited occupations, even if the hours are within the allowed limit:

• Self-employment (freelancing, starting your own business, or being a sole trader)
• Engaging in business activities (like setting up a company)
• Professional sportsperson or sports coach (even unpaid)
• Entertainer (e.g., musician, dancer, actor in professional capacity)
• Permanent full-time job
• Doctor or dentist in training (unless it's part of your course)

Course-Integrated Placements

If your course includes a mandatory placement or internship, it's generally permitted—as long as it’s assessed and required as part of the degree. The time spent on placement should not exceed 50% of the total course duration unless it is a statutory requirement (as in some nursing or education degrees).

Volunteering vs. Voluntary Work

Volunteering for charities is allowed and does not count toward your hour limit if it's unpaid and no contract exists. However, voluntary work, where you have contractual duties (even unpaid), does count toward your limit.

If you're bringing family members (dependants) with you, their right to work depends on your level of study:

• If you're studying a postgraduate course of at least 9 months at a UK university, your dependants can work full-time.
• If you're on an undergraduate course or a course at a private college, your dependants are generally not permitted to work.

Violating student visa work conditions can have serious consequences, including:

• Visa cancellation
• Removal from the UK
• Future visa refusals
• Loss of sponsorship by your university

Universities are obligated to report violations to the Home Office. Frequent audits make enforcement very strict in 2025, so it’s vital to stay within permitted boundaries.

Employers must conduct Right to Work checks before hiring any international student. You’ll be asked to provide:

• Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)
• Student visa vignette
• A letter from your university confirming your course schedule (to prove term dates)
• Proof of your 20-hour work limit, if needed

Failure on the employer’s part to comply can lead to fines and criminal charges, so many are cautious.

This remains a strict no. Even if you are working remotely for a company abroad, or doing small freelance gigs like graphic design or tutoring online, this is considered self-employment and is not allowed under any condition.

The only exception is if you switch to a different visa (like a Graduate Route or Skilled Worker visa) that permits self-employment.

Post-Study Work Rights in 2025

Students completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at a UK institution are eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows:

• 2 years of full-time work for bachelor’s/master’s graduates
• 3 years for PhD graduates

There is no restriction on job type or salary level under this visa. You can be self-employed, switch jobs, or even start a business.

Important Note: You must apply before your student visa expires and while you're still in the UK.

After or even before completing your studies, you may switch to:

• Skilled Worker visa (if you have a job offer with sponsorship and meet salary thresholds)
• Start-Up or Innovator visa (for entrepreneurs with viable business ideas)
• Global Talent visa (for researchers or specialists)

Each of these visas has different eligibility criteria, but they offer long-term work rights and, in some cases, a route to settlement.

Final Thoughts

The UK allows international students to work, but only within clearly defined rules. In 2025, with increased scrutiny, it is essential to stay within limits—20 hours per week during term time for degree-level students, and full-time during vacations.

Know the difference between voluntary work and volunteering, understand what jobs are off-limits, and never assume freelance gigs are allowed. The consequences of mistakes can be severe, including visa cancellation and future bans.

If you plan smartly and follow the rules, part-time work can greatly enhance your UK study experience—financially and professionally.