Working and studying in the UK

UK qualifications are recognised and valued all over the world - in academic institutions, in commerce, industry and government. This is a direct result of the UK's lengthy tradition of high-quality education, its continuing commitment to innovation and modernity, and the value it places upon the individual. For all of these reasons a UK education represents a great investment in the future - an investment in opportunity, earning power, advancement, career and personal fulfilment.

But you can now make your UK experience work even harder for your future by getting some valuable work experience, improving your language skills and enhancing your CV. Your future employer will be looking for smart, creative, team-orientated people who can contribute experience and skills to the success of their business.

The following FAQs will tell you all you need to know about working in the UK while you study. You can also download our Find your way to work guide ( pdf 506KB) for more information.

I am an international student. Can I work in the UK?

Yes, but your nationality will determine what conditions you need to meet so that you can work in the UK. Please read the following information carefully.

I am an international student from a European Economic Area (EEA) country. Can I work in the UK?

Yes. As a student from a European Economic Area (EEA) country, you don't need permission to work in the UK. Be ready to show an employer your passport or identity card as proof you are a national of one of the above EEA countries.

I'm a national of: Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. Can I work in the UK?

Yes, but check whether you need to register under the Worker Registration Scheme on the Working in the UK website at: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk - click on 'Working in the UK' and scroll down to 'Worker Registration Scheme'.

I'm a national of: Bulgaria and Romania. Can I work in the UK?

Yes, but check whether you need to register under the Worker Authorisation Scheme on the Working in the UK website at: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk - click on 'Working in the UK' and then click on 'Bulgarian and Romanian nationals' and follow the appropriate links.

I'm a student from outside the European Economic Area. Can I work in the UK?

If your application for leave to stay in the UK as a student has been successful, you should be given a passport sticker that allows you to:

work part-time up to 20 hours a week during term time and work full-time during your holidays
work full-time at the end of your studies, during the period when your course has finished but your immigration permission to be in the UK has not yet expired (normally for a maximum period of four months)
work full-time when your studies have finished, while you wait to hear whether an International Graduates Scheme application is successful (provided you make your application for the International Graduates Scheme before your student immigration permission expires); you can carry on working full-time even after your student immigration permission expires if you are still waiting for a decision on your International Graduates Scheme application at that stage (until a decision is made)
take a work placement with an employer (sandwich students), and
take an internship placement with an employer.

However, while in the UK with permission as a student, you must be able to show that you can afford to study and live in the UK without needing to work.

You should not work if your visa or entry clearance sticker or immigration stamp or UK Residence Permit states 'No work or recourse to public funds' or 'No recourse to public funds. Work prohibited'.

Working and studying in the UK

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