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.
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Let’s walk you through everything you need to know so you can work legally, safely, and smartly while studying.
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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.
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That’s right: unpaid internships, volunteering, and side gigs count as work under UK immigration rules.
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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 Online education | 20 hours (check with supervisor) |
A “week” is counted from Monday to Sunday, and you’re expected to keep a record of your hours.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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⚠️ Still have exam-resits or pending assessments? You’re still bound by the 20-hour/week rule.
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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.
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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.
DATE . May/23/2025