Many international students usually have this nagging question on their mind: Can I work and study in the UK at the same time?
The UK offers a world-class education and a chance to experience life in one of the world’s most multicultural countries. However, pursuing higher education abroad can be expensive, which is why many students ask the question.
Well. the good news is, yes, you can work and study in the UK at the same time.
The UK government allows international students to work part-time while studying. The goal is to help them manage their living costs and gain valuable work experience. But here’s the deal.
There are specific rules and limitations, including the number of hours you can work, the types of jobs you can take, and when you’re allowed to work full-time.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about balancing work and study in the UK as an international student. From visa restrictions and permitted work hours to the benefits of part-time jobs, internships, and voluntary work, this guide will help you understand the process and make the most out of your time as a student in the UK.
1. Working Hours During Term Time while Schooling in the UK
As an international student on a Tier 4 or Student Route visa, you are allowed to work part-time during the academic term. Specifically:
- You can work up to 20 hours per week if you are studying at a degree level (undergraduate or postgraduate).
- If you’re studying a program below degree level (e.g., diplomas or certifications), you’re restricted to 10 hours per week.
These limits ensure that you can manage your studies without compromising your academic performance. Keep in mind that these are maximum hours, so exceeding them can lead to serious consequences, including the cancellation of your visa.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Student Visa
2. Working During Holidays and Vacations as a Student in the UK
During official university vacation periods such as summer break, Christmas, and Easter, you are allowed to work full-time. This means you can take on jobs of up to 40 hours per week or more, depending on your employer’s requirements.
Postgraduate-taught students, however, have a slight variation. While they can work full-time during the Christmas and Easter breaks, they are often required to continue academic work over the summer, particularly if they are writing a dissertation. During this period, the 20-hour limit still applies.
Types of Jobs You Can and Can’t Do While Studying and Working in the UK
While there is flexibility in terms of where you can work, there are specific restrictions on the types of jobs you can take up:
- Allowed jobs: You can take up most part-time jobs, such as working in retail, hospitality, or university-based roles like library assistance or teaching assistantships. Many students also find internships that align with their studies, which can be a great way to gain experience.
- Prohibited jobs: You are not allowed to be self-employed or engage in freelance work. Other prohibited jobs include working as a professional sportsperson or coach, a permanent full-time employee, or in certain healthcare roles like a doctor or dentist (unless you are enrolled in specific foundation programs)
Volunteering and Internships While Studying in the UK
Volunteering is another excellent option if you are looking to gain experience while studying. As you may be thinking, volunteering roles are typically unpaid and do not count towards your 20-hour work limit, provided they are considered volunteer positions and not unpaid employment.
This is a key distinction, as voluntary work (where you are technically working in place of a paid employee) would still count towards your weekly work hours limit(
Additionally, many degree programs offer work placements or internships as part of the curriculum. These placements can often allow you to work full-time during term time if they are an integral part of your course.
This hands-on experience is valuable and can significantly enhance your employability post-graduation.
Also Read: The Best Season of the Year to Relocate to the UK from Nigeria
Why You Should Balance Work and Study as a Student in the UK
It can be tempting to focus on work to manage the financial demands of studying in the UK, but your primary focus should remain on your academics. International students often find that juggling work and study is challenging.
However, keep in mind that prioritizing work over your studies can lead to visa violations or poor academic performance.
Working part-time while studying in the UK offers many obvious benefits. However, be ready to balance your work and academic responsibilities carefully. Although the extra income can help with living expenses, your primary focus should remain on your studies.
Many universities strongly recommend students not work more than the 20-hour weekly limit, as it could negatively impact academic performance(
This is how you can maintain a healthy balance:
- Keep track of your working hours to avoid exceeding the limit.
- Use university career services to find jobs that align with your study schedule.
- Consider working during vacation periods when full-time work is allowed. The aim is to build up your savings and reduce the financial burden during term time.
If you’re struggling to manage both, it’s worth speaking to a student advisor or counselor. Many universities in the UK offer support for international students. The aim is to help you find the right balance and even offer job search resources for roles that accommodate student schedules.
Post-Study Work Opportunities After Your UK Studies
One of the advantages of studying in the UK is the availability of post-study work options. After completing your degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate Visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for doctoral graduates). This visa lets you work full-time. It also gives you the chance to build your professional network and gain work experience in your field.
Also Read: How to Open a UK Bank Account as a Nigerian Immigrant
Conclusion
As you now know, you can study and work in the UK simultaneously. That notwithstanding, you need to adhere to the rules regarding working hours and job types. With up to 20 hours of work allowed during term time and full-time work during breaks, international students, including those from Nigeria, can supplement their income and gain valuable work experience. However, balancing work and studies is key, and violating the conditions of your visa can have serious consequences.
These steps will help you stay within bounds for a rewarding work and study experience.
Whenever you are ready (or even if you are already studying in the UK) make sure to check your visa terms and seek advice from your university’s career services. This can help you find suitable job opportunities that align with your academic goals and personal interests.
