# Part-time work in the UK on a student visa — your rights and how to find it

> Degree students can usually work limited term-time hours; check your visa for the exact limit.

Most full-time degree-level students on a UK Student visa can work a limited number of hours during term time and full time in holidays, but the exact limit is printed on your visa and some work types (such as self-employment) are not permitted. To work you will need a National Insurance (NI) number, and you are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage and basic workplace rights. The university careers service and students' union are good places to find part-time work. Always follow your own visa conditions and confirm rules on GOV.UK.

## Quick facts
- **Term time:** Limited weekly hours (printed on your visa)
- **Holidays:** Full-time work generally allowed
- **Need:** National Insurance (NI) number
- **Rights:** At least the National Minimum Wage

## Key takeaways
- Degree students can usually work limited term-time hours and full time in holidays — check your visa.
- Some work is not allowed (e.g. self-employment) — exceeding your hours can end your visa.
- You need a National Insurance (NI) number and are entitled to at least the minimum wage.
- The careers service and students' union are good places to find safe part-time work.

## What you're allowed to do
If you study a full-time degree at a higher education provider, you can typically work a capped number of hours per week during term time (commonly 20 hours for degree-level study) and full time outside term. The exact limit is set by the Home Office and printed on your visa — follow it precisely, because working more than permitted is a serious breach that can end your visa and harm future applications. Some activities, such as self-employment and freelancing, are generally not permitted. If in doubt, confirm on GOV.UK.

## Getting set up and finding work
To work in the UK you need a National Insurance (NI) number, which you can apply for once you are here. As an employee you are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage for your age, a payslip, and basic workplace rights. Good places to find safe, student-friendly work include your university careers service, the students' union, campus jobs and reputable local employers. Keep evidence of your hours so you never exceed your limit. Study UK Now explains exactly what your visa permits and how to work within it.

## Frequently asked questions
### How do I find part-time work as a student in the UK?
The best places to find safe, student-friendly part-time work are your university careers service, the students' union, campus job shops and reputable local employers. Build a simple UK-style CV, apply early in term, and keep a record of your hours so you never exceed your visa limit. Study UK Now points you to the right resources.

### How many hours can international students work in the UK during term time?
Most full-time degree students can work a limited number of hours per week in term time — commonly 20 hours for degree-level study — and full time during holidays. The exact limit is printed on your visa and you must not exceed it. Always follow your own visa conditions and confirm the current rules on GOV.UK.

### Do international students need a National Insurance number to work in the UK?
Yes — to work as an employee in the UK you need a National Insurance (NI) number, which you apply for after you arrive. You can usually start work before it arrives if you can show you have the right to work, but you must provide the number once you have it. You are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage.

## Sources
- [GOV.UK — Student visa: work](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/work) — GOV.UK
- [GOV.UK — National Insurance number](https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number) — GOV.UK

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Verified: 2026-06-16