Understanding UK student visa working hours and work restrictions is essential for international students planning to support themselves during their studies. The Immigration Rules permit most degree-level students to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, but violating these rules can result in visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Understanding UK Student Visa Working Hours in 2026
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to work while studying, subject to specific restrictions set out in Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules. Your working rights depend on your course level, sponsor type, and whether you are in term time or vacation periods.
The UK student visa requirements include meeting financial requirements and obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor. The visa application fee is £524 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
What is a Student Visa?
A Student visa is an immigration permission that allows non-UK nationals aged 16 or over to study full-time courses at licensed educational institutions in the UK. It permits part-time work during studies and provides a pathway to the Graduate Route or Skilled Worker visa after completion.
The Student visa replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa under the points-based immigration system. To qualify, applicants must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, demonstrate sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and meet English language requirements.
Student Visa Costs in 2026
UK Student Visa Working Hours Explained
Students on degree-level courses at sponsors with track record can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations. Students on courses below degree level are limited to 10 hours per week during term time. A 'week' runs from Monday to Sunday.
Your UK student visa working hours are printed on your eVisa or, if you still have one, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). The limit depends on the level of your course and your sponsor's status. Most students at universities studying degree-level programmes can work 20 hours per week during term time.
Working Hours by Course Level
When Can You Work Full-Time?
You can work full-time (unlimited hours) during the following periods:
- Official vacation periods: Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks as defined by your institution
- Before course start: After your visa starts but before your course begins
- After course completion: Once you have submitted all assessments and your results are confirmed
- On work placements: If your placement is assessed and integral to your course (in addition to the 20-hour limit)
UK Student Visa Work Restrictions
UK student visa work restrictions prohibit self-employment, freelancing, running a business, professional sports work, and permanent full-time positions. Violating these restrictions is a serious immigration offence that can result in visa cancellation, removal from the UK, and bans on future entry.
Understanding UK student visa work restrictions is crucial because breaches can lead to serious consequences. The Home Office monitors compliance through visa statistics and university reporting, and employers are legally required to verify your right to work before hiring you.
Prohibited Activities on a Student Visa
- Be self-employed or work as a freelancer
- Start or run a business
- Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Work as a professional entertainer
- Take a permanent full-time position
- Work for an agency supplying workers to other businesses
Even remote freelance work for overseas clients is prohibited. If you want to explore entrepreneurship, you may be able to prepare a business plan while on a Student visa if you intend to apply for a Start-up visa or the Innovator Founder route. However, you cannot actually conduct business activities until you switch visa categories.
Consequences of Breaching Work Restrictions
The consequences of violating UK student visa work rules are severe:
- Visa curtailment: Your visa may be shortened or cancelled
- Removal from UK: You may be required to leave the country
- Re-entry ban: A re-entry ban of 1-10 years may be imposed
- Future refusals: Breaches create adverse immigration history affecting future applications
- Employer penalties: Employers face fines up to £60,000 per illegal worker
Volunteering vs Voluntary Work
There is an important distinction between volunteering and voluntary work. Unpaid volunteering for a registered charity with no contractual obligations does not count towards your working hours. However, voluntary work where you have contractual duties (even if unpaid) does count towards your 20-hour limit.
Can I Switch from Student Visa to Skilled Worker Visa?
Yes, you can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK without returning home. You do not need to complete your degree first, but you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the appropriate skill level (RQF 3 or above) and meet the minimum salary threshold.
Many students choose to switch directly to the Skilled Worker visa if they receive a qualifying job offer. This is often faster than waiting for the Graduate Route, particularly if you have secured employment in a shortage occupation or with a competitive salary.
Requirements to Switch to Skilled Worker
- Certificate of Sponsorship: Obtain a valid CoS from a licensed sponsor
- Skill level: Job must be at RQF Level 3 or above
- Salary threshold: Meet the general threshold (£38,700) or going rate for the occupation
- English language: Already satisfied if you completed your degree in English
- Application timing: Apply while your Student visa remains valid
Graduate Route: Working After Your Studies
The Graduate Route allows you to stay in the UK for 2 years after completing your degree (3 years for PhDs) to work or look for work without a sponsor. However, from 1 January 2027, the duration will reduce to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. PhD graduates will continue to receive 3 years.
The Graduate Route is an excellent option for students who want flexibility after completing their studies. Unlike the Student visa, there are no restrictions on the type of work you can do, no hourly limits, and you can be self-employed or start a business.
Graduate Route Duration (2026-2027)
If you are currently studying, consider the timing of your Graduate Route application carefully. Students completing courses in 2026 should aim to apply before 31 December 2026 to secure the full 2-year permission.
- Student visa working hours are 20 hours/week term time, full-time in vacations
- Self-employment and freelancing are strictly prohibited
- You can switch to Skilled Worker visa without completing your degree
- Graduate Route reduces to 18 months from January 2027
- Breaching work conditions can result in visa cancellation and re-entry bans
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I work on a UK student visa?
If you are studying a degree-level course at a university with track record status, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods. Students on courses below degree level are limited to 10 hours per week during term time.
Can I do freelance work on a UK student visa?
No. Freelance work and self-employment are strictly prohibited on a UK student visa. This includes remote work for overseas clients, running an online business, or providing services independently. Violating this rule can result in visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Can I switch from student visa to skilled worker visa without completing my degree?
Yes. You can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK without completing your degree. You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor at RQF Level 3 or above, meeting the salary threshold. Your application must be submitted while your Student visa is still valid.
What happens if I work more than 20 hours during term time?
Exceeding your permitted working hours is a breach of your visa conditions. The Home Office may curtail or cancel your visa, require you to leave the UK, and impose a re-entry ban. Your university is also required to report suspected breaches to UKVI, which could trigger an investigation.
How much does a UK student visa cost in 2026?
The UK student visa application fee is £524 whether applying from outside or inside the UK. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year for the duration of your visa. Your university will also charge £25 for issuing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
How long is the Graduate Route visa in 2026?
The Graduate Route is currently 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates, and 3 years for PhD holders. However, from 1 January 2027, the duration will reduce to 18 months for non-doctoral graduates. Applications submitted by 31 December 2026 will still receive the full 2-year permission.
Can I work full-time during summer on a student visa?
It depends on your course. Undergraduate students can work full-time during official summer vacation periods. However, postgraduate taught students (MA, MSc, MBA) typically have dissertations due during summer, which means it counts as term time and you remain limited to 20 hours per week until you have fully completed your course.
Can my student dependent work in the UK?
If you are eligible to bring dependents (PhD or research students only since January 2024), your student dependent can work full-time in most jobs without hourly restrictions. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson or doctor/dentist in training. Dependent children under 18 have the same working restrictions as Child Student visa holders.