How to Work in the UK While Studying (and After Graduation)

Are you thinking about studying internationally in the United Kingdom? In this article, we’ll explore some popular ways to work in the UK while pursuing your studies, ranging from part-time jobs to sandwich courses. Depending on your program, you may also have the opportunity to gain work experience in the UK after graduation. Whether you’re engaging in a placement during your studies or moving forward in your career through the Graduate Route, there are numerous diverse work opportunities available for international students in the UK.

Work Guidelines for UK Student Visa Holders

Typically, international students arrive in the UK on a Student visa. This visa might permit you to work, but the number of hours you can work will depend on your field of study and whether classes are in session. Generally, holders of a Student visa cannot be self-employed or work in a few specific roles, such as professional athletes and entertainers. Child student visa holders may work up to 10 hours per week, but everyone must be at least 16 years old to work in the UK.

While most Student visa holders with work permission can work both on- and off-campus, the frequency of work depends on your type of Student sponsor. Sponsors can include higher education institutions, public colleges, independent schools, or private providers. For instance, if you enroll at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, they will be your sponsor and provide detailed information about your work hours, locations, and schedules.

Please note that some institutions, that allow you to work in the UK, may impose stricter working hour limitations than the general guidelines outlined below. To avoid jeopardizing your visa, familiarize yourself with your institution’s specific regulations.

The number of hours you are allowed to work each week on a UK Student visa will be influenced by your sponsor type and their record of compliance. Typically, international students are permitted to work:

– Up to 20 hours per week during term time if enrolled in a full-time degree-level program (at least RQF level 6)

– Up to 10 hours per week during term time if studying for a qualification below degree level

– Full-time during vacations and before your course begins

– Full-time on work placements (such as sandwich placements)

If your sponsor is a private provider, publicly funded college, or an embedded college that offers pathway courses, they must have a compliant track record on the Register of Student sponsors for you to work while studying.

Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities in the UK

To balance work and study, certain job opportunities are integrated into academic programs. Others are typically arranged during the summer break, when international students can often work more hours. Here are some of the most popular options:

Enhance Your Skills with an Internship

If you want to try out your skills and see if a particular field resonates with you, consider an internship. This is an excellent way to experience specific workplaces and, especially early in your studies, can help you tailor your coursework toward future jobs. It can also reveal sectors where you might prefer not to work post-graduation!

Most internships take place during the summer break between semesters and can vary in length from a week to over a year. Many internships are extracurricular, meaning they are not formally linked to your studies. If this applies to you, ensure that you’ll be compensated at least the National Minimum Wage before signing your contract. However, if the internship is a required component of your course and lasts less than a year, you won’t be entitled to the National Minimum Wage (you’ll earn academic credit instead). Therefore, it’s crucial to understand how your internship functions and to budget accordingly!

Combine Study and Employment with a Sandwich Course

Sandwich courses (or placements) in the UK are designed to allow students to alternate between academic coursework and a long-term job placement. While these courses may extend your program duration, research indicates that the work experience and professional connections gained through a sandwich course can be invaluable, significantly enhancing your prospects of securing a job after completion. This structure is particularly popular in undergraduate degree programs like business and engineering, where practical experience is essential. Sandwich placements may also be available at the postgraduate level, often occurring in the second year before the dissertation.

Most traditional sandwich courses incorporate a full-year work placement in the third year, extending the overall program to four years. In contrast, “thin” sandwich courses distribute a year of practical experience across multiple years, allowing students to graduate within three years while still gaining hands-on learning.

Build Your Future with the Graduate Route

The Graduate visa (also known as the Graduate Route) enables newly graduated international students to remain in the UK for at least two years. If you’ve completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification, you may be eligible to stay for up to three years!

Your Student visa must still be valid when you apply for a Graduate visa, and you must have studied an eligible course (at the bachelor’s degree level or higher). Additionally, your institution must inform the UK Home Office that you’ve completed your course.

If you successfully obtain a Graduate visa, you may:

– Be self-employed

– Engage in voluntary work

– Search for employment

– Work in most job roles

You can also travel abroad and return to the UK, making it a perfect time to explore Europe or reconnect with family in your home country.

The Graduate Route is an excellent opportunity for international students to work in the UK after graduation; however, it’s not the sole option! If your qualifications are in medicine, health, or adult social care, you should also consider the Health and Care Worker visa.

This article does not constitute immigration advice, for the latest information, please visit GOV.UK. If you wish to explore studying in the United Kingdom, please email us at hello@bisonimmigration.com