How to Work in the UK as an International Student

Students from around the world go to the United Kingdom (UK) to study at its top-tier universities. Many international students also take part in internships or other work opportunities as part of their studies to gain real-world career experience before graduation. 

As an international student, your ability to work in the UK depends on your visa type. Most international students are allowed to work, but the number of hours and type of work can vary. To set yourself up for success, take the time to understand your specific visa conditions. Some UK student visas limit work hours, while others require that the internship be part of your degree program. 

Working While You Study in the UK

There are two main pathways for employment as an international student in the UK: part-time jobs or internships (including placements).

Part-Time Jobs

International students enrolled full-time in UK degree programs can usually work part-time on or off campus without additional authorization. Part-time is defined as up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Full-time work may be allowed during school holidays, such as summer break.

Common student jobs include working at cafés, shops, or on campus. These roles are great for:

• Earning extra income
• Improving English speaking skills
• Managing living expenses
• Building transferable skills employers value

To work part-time as an international student in the UK, you must remain enrolled full-time and in good standing. Part-time jobs don’t have to relate to your field of study or fulfill academic program requirements, though they can. They can, though. You can also do part-time internships, as long as you don’t exceed 20 hours per week. If your internship is longer, you’ll need to apply for a work placement. 

Prohibited Work for International Students 

Even if you meet hour limits, some types of work are not allowed for international students:

• Self-employment or running a business
• Filling a full-time permanent role
• Working as a professional sportsperson or coach (paid or unpaid)
• Working as an entertainer (paid or unpaid)
• Working as a doctor or dentist in training

Co-op or Placement Year

Some UK universities offer a “placement year” or “sandwich year.” It’s a full-time, paid internship that’s part of your degree. Placements are arranged through your university’s career or placement office and often count for academic credit. 

Placements typically last six months to one year and can’t exceed one-third of your entire degree program. For example, in a two-year master’s program, a placement can’t last longer than eight months.

Benefits of a work placement:

• Apply what you’ve learned in class
• Gain hands-on experience 
• Build your professional network
• Stand out to future employers

Before you start, make sure your student visa allows full-time work for the placement period. Rules may vary depending on whether the internship occurs during an academic term or over the summer. 

Staying in the UK After Graduation: Work Options and Visas

After finishing your studies, you may want to stay in the UK and work. Several visa options are available depending on your goals, degree level, and nationality.

Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing their degree (three years for PhD graduates). 

• No employer sponsorship is required
• Job doesn’t have to be related to your degree
• Freelancing and self-employment are allowed

This flexibility makes the Graduate visa ideal for exploring different industries or gaining more experience before applying for a long-term visa.

How to Apply for a Graduate Visa:

1. Gather the necessary documents – your passport, current student visa, and proof of course completion from your university.
2. Apply online – follow the directions for the Graduate visa online application.
3. Pay the required fees – £880 application fee and £1,035 per year for the health surcharge.
4. Verify your identity – make a UKVCAS appointment or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Skilled Worker Visa

If you’ve already secured a job in the UK, the Skilled Worker visa could be right for you. To qualify: 

• Your employer must be approved by the UK Home Office to sponsor international workers
• The role must appear on the official occupation list. The list is extensive and includes various professions from teachers to marketing managers to engineers. 

The Skilled Worker visa is similar to the H-1B visa in the US and offers a path toward long-term employment or permanent residency in the UK.

How to apply for a UK Skilled Worker visa:

1. Secure a job offer from a UK employer – the employer must be approved by the UK Home Office.
2. Get a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – this comes from the employer and should include details about the role you’ve been offered and the place of employment.
3. Check eligibility – ensure that your job is on the approved occupation list, meets the salary threshold, and that you meet the English and financial requirements.
4. Apply online – make sure you apply long before your student visa expires. Processing time is usually 3-8 weeks.
5. Pay the fees – £769–£1,751 application fee and £1,035 per year for the health surcharge.
6. Verify your identity via UKVCAS or the ID Check app.

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is a flexible option for students who have exceptional skills or strong potential in fields like science, technology, engineering, the arts, or research. The visa is:

• Valid up to 5 years
• Renewable and can lead to permanent residency 
• Not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can work for different companies, switch roles, or even start your own business 

The Global Talent visa is similar to the US O-1 visa and is ideal for top graduates or early-career professionals recognized for their expertise.

How to apply for a UK Global Talent visa:

1. Check your eligibility – you must be a recognized leader or emerging leader in academia, research, arts and culture, or digital technology.
2. Get endorsed – this could be through an approved organization (e.g., UKRI, Arts Council England, or Tech Nation) in your field, or by winning a qualifying award.
3. Apply online through the UK government’s website before your student visa expires.
4. Pay the fees – £766 application fee and £1,035 per year for the health surcharge.
5. Verify your identity – via a UKVCAS appointment or the ID Check app.
6. Wait for approval – usually three to eight weeks.

Special Visas 

Some international students will have different options based on their nationality. For example, those from Hong Kong with British National (Overseas) status are eligible for a British National (Overseas) visa after graduation. After five years, these individuals can apply for permanent residency in the UK if desired. 

Indian citizens ages 18-30 can come to the UK for up to two years to work and/or study under the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. Always confirm your specific situation with your university’s international student office or an immigration advisor.

Start Early and Know Your UK Work Options

Take time to understand your visa rules, stay compliant, and explore your work options in the UK early. The experience you gain can open doors globally, wherever your next step takes you.