Working in the UK
Many home students choose to supplement their income by working while they are studying and part-time work can be an option for international students too.
However, any part-time work that you may undertake should not be necessary to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. You must have enough money to pay your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies without the need to take-on part-time work.
But if you want to boost your income while gaining valuable work experience, a part-time job may be a viable option. However there are a number of regulations you should be aware of.
You will need to check that you can work and how long you can work for. Once you are working you must get a national insurance number.
Citizens of the European Economic Area, Switzerland and the UK
If you are a British citizen, a Swiss national or a national of the EEA, you do not need a work permit to work in the United Kingdom.
The countries of the EEA are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Czech Republic
- Republic of Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- UK
If you are from one of the following 'new member' states you are required to apply to register with the Home Office under the new 'Worker Registration Scheme'.
- Poland
- Lithuania
- Estonia
- Latvia
- Slovenia
- Slovakia
- Hungary
- Czech Republic
You must register as soon as you find work.
You can find more details and download an application form from:
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Nationals of other countries
If you come from any other country, you will have an endorsement in your passport (in your visa when you entered Britain or when you were granted an extension of stay by the Home Office) showing whether or not you are allowed to work.
There are two types of endorsement:
Restriction
This stamp states that you must not "enter or change employment paid or unpaid without the consent of the Secretary of State for Employment" or that "work (and any changes) must be authorised".
This means that you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and during vacations you are allowed to work on a full-time basis.
The spouse of an international student holding such a restriction is allowed to work without a work permit, provided that the student has permission to stay in the UK for 12 months or more.
Prohibition
This stamp is shorter and states that you must not "engage in employment paid or unpaid" or "employment prohibited".
This means that you cannot work in the UK. It is possible to get this stamp changed to a 'restriction' but you should seek advice from the International Advice Team before trying this.
If you are bringing your family this prohibition also applies to all your dependants.