Term-time and vacation employment
As an International Student it is possible to undertake part-time work to support yourself during your time at Durham University unless you have ‘work prohibited' in your passport stamp. The Student Employment Service offers assistance to students interested in working on a part-time basis in the local area.
European Union students usually have no restrictions (please note that there are some exceptions to this rule) on the number of hours that they can work during term-time but we strongly advise individuals to consider the guidance outlined in the student code of practice. There are legal limits on the permitted number of working hours during term time for international students who have been given a student visa. Those with work prohibited stamps must not work at all. There is no restriction of hours for students wishing to consider vacation work, 3 month internships or industrial/sandwich placements. If you are a master's student completing your dissertation in the summer then you may not work full-time unless you are doing a work placement which is part of your course. Further information and guidance for students wishing to work part-time is available from the Student Employment Service website. It is important to remember that working excessive part-time hours, although assisting you financially, could ultimately affect your degree performance. Failure to meet your academic commitments can lead to expulsion from the University.
International students are subject to UK taxation rules and must also pay National Insurance. You will need to obtain a National Insurance number. It is possible to start working without a National Insurance number as long as you have applied for one. For more information on these issues please refer to the attached document below under 'Additional information'. If you have any specific enquiries about obtaining a National Insurance number please contact the Student Employment Service. The Student Employment Service is located within the Careers, Employability and Enterprise Centre.
Additional information
- How to apply for a National Insurance number (PDF) (last modified: 29 January 2013)
- Student Employment Service Leaflet: Local, part time work (last modified: 22 February 2013)