International students in the UK on a Student visa can work up to 10 hours per week during term time on sub-degree courses, or up to 20 hours per week on degree-level courses and above, with full-time work allowed during official holidays. After graduating, the Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK for at least two years without needing a job offer.
For another perspective on part-time work rules, read work in the UK on a student visa from the University of Leeds.
Working in UK:
Planning your post-study path? Compare the UK 2-year post-study work visa 2026 guide with the Graduate route below.
Your education level and visa type will determine your capacity to work in the UK. What you should know is as follows:
1. Sub-degree Level (Foundation or Pre-sessional Courses)
During term time, work up to ten hours a week.
During official holidays, work full-time.
2. Degree Level and Above (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD)
During term time, put in up to 20 hours a week.
During the holidays, work full-time (under UK employment laws).
How to Verify Your Right to Work?
Your employer must confirm your employment eligibility if you land a job while studying in the UK. Here’s how to offer evidence:
1. Download a Work Entitlement Letter
- Choose “Confirmation of Work Entitlement” after logging into your E:vision account.
- Verify your course and personal information.
- Your university email address will receive the letter.
- Give your employer this letter so they can verify your right to work.
2. Verify Your Academic Dates
- To verify the start and end dates of your course, you can also download the official PGT dates with vacations PDF.
Important Reminder:
Don’t work more than the maximum number of hours permitted during the school year. Your immigration status may suffer significantly if you violate these requirements. Do you need help locating part-time work that complies with UK student visa requirements?
Check Also: Work in UK on Student Visa
Work Opportunities After Graduation in UK:
The following immigration pathways allow you to continue working in the UK after completing your studies at York St. John University (YSJU):
1. UK Graduate Visa
- permits you to finish your undergraduate or graduate degree and remain and work in the UK for a minimum of two years.
- You must finish your course completely, and the School Assessment Board must approve your scores.
- When you are eligible to apply, you will receive an email from the Visa and Compliance team informing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Before your existing student visa expires, you must apply.
- Apply here: UK Graduate Visa.
2. Skilled Worker Visa
- Available once you secure a job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK.
- You do not need to pass your course to apply, but many employers require course completion.
- Check the job requirements with your prospective employer.
- More details: Skilled Worker Visa.
Do you need help locating UK companies that sponsor the skilled worker visa?
Steps After Graduation in UK:
All qualifying graduates will automatically get a Course Completion Letter from York St. John University (YSJU) and other UK universities. This document attests to your fulfillment of all academic prerequisites and your eligibility to apply for a graduate or skilled worker visa.
Full-Time Work Eligibility
- Get your E: Vision Work Entitlement Letter here.
Application Process for Students Work in UK With Studies:
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will be notified on your behalf by YSJU’s Visa and Compliance team.
For more details, visit: YSJU Visa & Immigration Information.
Conclusion:
Balancing work and studies in the UK is all about knowing your limits and following visa rules. Students can verify their right to work through official letters and academic confirmations. After graduation, pathways like the UK Graduate Visa or Skilled Worker Visa open doors to full-time opportunities and career growth.
Types of Jobs International Students Can Do in the UK
Recent graduates should also review the UK Graduate Route visa 2026 fresh rules announced for this year.
How many hours can international students work in the UK?
Students on sub-degree courses, such as foundation or pre-sessional programs, may work up to 10 hours per week during term time. Degree-level students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, and PhDs, may work up to 20 hours per week during term time. Violating these limits can jeopardize your immigration status, so confirm your course’s exact vacation dates with your university.
Can students work full-time in the UK during holidays?
Yes. International students can work full-time during official university holidays, as long as the hours comply with UK employment law. Working beyond the permitted hours during term time can seriously damage your immigration status, so track your hours carefully. Your employer will ask for proof of these dates, which your university can provide as an official confirmation letter.
How do students prove their right to work in the UK?
Employers must verify your eligibility before hiring you. Universities like York St John issue a Confirmation of Work Entitlement letter through the student portal, and you can also download official course dates with vacation periods to prove when you are allowed full-time work.
What are the work options after graduating in the UK?
The Graduate visa allows recent graduates to live and work in the UK for at least two years after completing their course, with no sponsor required. Alternatively, the Skilled Worker visa is available once you secure a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor.
Finally, browse companies that sponsor work visas in the UK 2026 to target employers that hire international graduates.
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