How many hours can I work on a UK Student visa?

During term time, you can work up to 20 hours per week if studying a degree-level course, or up to 10 hours per week for below-degree courses. During official vacation periods, you can work full-time without any hour limit.

Can I be self-employed on a Student visa?

No. Student visa holders cannot be self-employed, start a business, or work as a freelancer. You can only work as an employee within the permitted hours. Self-employment is a breach of visa conditions.

What happens if I work more than my allowed hours?

Working beyond your permitted hours is a serious breach of your visa conditions. It can result in your visa being curtailed (shortened), future applications being refused, or removal from the UK. Employers can also face penalties for allowing you to work beyond your visa conditions.

Can I do an internship or placement on a Student visa?

Yes, if the placement is an assessed part of your course and your CAS confirms it. Work placements must not exceed 50 percent of the total course length (or 33 percent for below-degree courses). See our placement year guide for details.

Student Visa Part-Time Work Rules 2026

UK Student visa holders can work part-time during term and full-time during vacations. But the rules are strict, and breaching them can have serious consequences. This guide covers the hour limits, vacation work, placement rules, and common mistakes to avoid.

Working Hours During Term Time

Your Student visa specifies your working hours on the vignette or BRP. The limits depend on your course level:

Degree-level or above (bachelor's, master's, PhD): Up to 20 hours per week during term time
Below degree level: Up to 10 hours per week during term time

The 20-hour limit is per week, not an average. You cannot work 30 hours one week and 10 the next. Each individual week must stay within the limit. The term dates used are those set by your institution, not your personal timetable.

Working During Vacations

During official vacation periods (Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays), you can work full-time with no hour limit. The vacation periods must be the ones officially set by your institution.

If your course has ended but your visa is still valid, you can also work full-time during the period between course completion and visa expiry. However, if you are writing a dissertation or completing assessments, your institution may still consider you to be in term time.

Types of Work You Can Do

Employment: Any job as an employee within the hour limits.
Voluntary work: Volunteering is permitted and does not count towards your work hours.
Work placements: If the placement is part of your course and recorded on your CAS. See our placement year guide.
Student union sabbatical officer: Permitted as a specific exception.

What You Cannot Do

Self-employment, freelancing, or running a business
Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
Take a full-time permanent job (except during vacations)

What Employers Check

UK employers are legally required to check your right to work before hiring you. They will need:

Your passport or BRP
Your visa details (showing your working hours)
Term dates from your institution

Employers who allow you to work beyond your visa conditions face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. This means most reputable employers will carefully monitor your hours. For more on work rights across visa types, see our student visa work rights guide.

Consequences of Breaching Work Limits

Working more than your permitted hours is treated seriously by the Home Office. Consequences can include:

Visa curtailment: Your visa can be shortened, giving you limited time to leave the UK or apply for another visa.
Future refusals: Any future UK visa application may be refused on the basis of previous breaches.
Impact on settlement: If you later apply for indefinite leave to remain, previous breaches can count against your good character requirement.

Next Steps

Check the working hours stated on your BRP or visa vignette. Confirm your institution's official term and vacation dates. Keep records of your working hours to prove compliance if needed. If you are unsure about your Student visa requirements, review our full guide.

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Student visa page and the GOV.UK visa regulations table.