The working conditions vary by the status of your student visa and which course you study. Some of full time Tier 4 visa holders can work during their term time and some of them are not allowed to work. All student visitor visa (ESVV) or a short term study visa holders cannot work during the study period. The permitted types of work and the hours are depend on the condition of your Tier 4.


Your BRP specifies as below if you are allowed to work:

'Work must be authorised'; 

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

'Work limited 20hrs p/w term time'

 

You cannot work if your BRP describes ‘No work’ or ‘Employment prohibited’. 

 

What type of work can I do? 

You’re able to work as part time during term time and full time during vacation. The list below states the prohibited activities: 

  • Self-employment and business activity 
  • Employment as a professional or semi-professional sports person
  • Employment as an entertainer
  • Employment as a permanent full-time job
  • Doctor or dentist in training

 

Allowed Working hours 

For undergraduate and postgraduate taught student, the working hour allowance is varied and restricted;
  • No more than 10 hours per week in term-time if your course is below degree level
  • No more than 20 hours per week in term-time if your course is at degree level
  • You can work full time basis work during vacation time

  

If you are a doctoral student, your length of study is varied and your vacation time should be agreed with your supervisor and authorised from your sponsor. If you are not authorised, you are restricted to work for 20 hours per week. 

 


Work Placements

 

If your course includes internship as work placement, you can work as full time during internship. You are able to work full time in academic and business programs and work placements forming part of your course, including secondments to business.

 

 

Some BA or MA course students are not allowed to work during their study such as fashion, architecture or religious courses. You need to check your condition of stay and work allowance before you are employed.



If you are in any doubt about whether an activity you are planning is prohibited, restricted or unrestricted, please contact us.