The United Kingdom government has clarified the number of hours international students on student visas can work in 2026, with the permitted hours depending on the type and level of course they are studying.
Under the current immigration rules, international students enrolled in certain full-time programmes are allowed to take up employment during their studies, although specific limits apply during term-time.
UK: Students on degree-level courses
International students undertaking a full-time course at degree level or above can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time.
This applies where the student is sponsored by a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
The provision also covers students sponsored by an overseas higher education institution who are in the UK for a short-term study abroad programme.
Students within this category are permitted to work full-time outside their official term-time periods.
UK: Students studying below degree level
Those enrolled in full-time courses below degree level face a lower employment limit.
Such students can work up to 10 hours per week during term-time, provided they are sponsored by an eligible higher education provider with a track record of compliance.
They can also take up full-time work during periods when they are not required to attend their course.
However, students who fall outside these specified categories are not allowed to work. This includes people studying on a part-time basis, regardless of how many hours they intend to work.
Rules on work placements
The immigration rules also make provisions for students to complete work placements where the placement is an assessed and integral component of their course.
Such placements must satisfy the requirements contained in the UK’s immigration rules before they can be undertaken.
There is also a separate provision for students who are elected as Student Union Sabbatical Officers or take up a position with the National Union of Students.
Eligible students can work in such positions for up to two years, but this is subject to their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies having been specifically assigned for that purpose.
