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International

Working During Your Studies

Many international students are allowed to work whilst they study in the UK but this is not true for all international students. If allowed, the type of work you may undertake and the number of hours you are permitted to work are connected to your visa.

You are allowed to work if your student visa or sticker states any of the below:

'Able to work as authorised by The Secretary of State'

'Work (and any changes) must be authorised'

'Work as in Tier 4 Rules'

'Restricted work. P/T termtime. F/T vacations'

'Restricted work termtime'

You are not allowed to work if your student visa or sticker states any of the below:

'No work or engaging in business'

'No work or recourse to public funds'

'Work prohibited'

Conditions on the hours and type of work you may undertake

  • You may work for up to 20 hours a week during term-time and full-time during vacations
  • You must not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
  • You must not pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy

Once you have completed your studies you can work full-time on your student visa (if it allows you to work) up to a maximum of four months or until your visa expires, whichever date is soonest. You can only undertake work that is permitted for students and you must not engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer or pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.

It is very important that you follow the conditions attached to your student visa. If you are unsure if you are entitled to work during your studies please contact the International Office for further advice.

Student dependants

If your husband or wife is with you in the UK and holds a student dependant visa, and you were given permission to stay in the UK for 12 months or more and you were not prohibited from working, your husband or wife will be allowed to work.

Useful Publications

The UKCISA guide to 'working in the UK during your studies' gives guidance on the number of hours you are able to work, the minimum wage and national insurance in the UK.

The British Council has recently produced a new publication, Find your way to work, that provides you with information about working in the UK during and after your studies.

Where can I find out about jobs?

You can contact the Student Employment Service operated by the Careers Advisory Service who are here to help students find part time, temporary and seasonal work in and around Stockton and Durham. You will need to register with the Service using your ITS log-on and password to view the current vacancies. Once registered you can also join their mailing list and receive regular emails alerting you of new jobs or call in during one of their drop in sessions if you have any questions.

The Student Employment Service is located within the Careers Advisory Service (49 New Elvet) next to DSU. For further information please visit the Student Employment Service website.