Work Rules for UK Student Visa Holders Explained — University of Leeds Issues Guidance for June 2025 Onward

By Staff Reporter
LEEDS | May 26, 2025

If you’re planning to work part-time while studying in the UK, make sure you understand the official rules — or risk losing your visa. The University of Leeds has released updated guidance for international students ahead of the June 2025 intake, explaining exactly how many hours you can work, what jobs are banned, and how to stay compliant with your visa.

These rules don’t just apply to Leeds — they reflect the UK government’s immigration policies for all student visa holders.

Can You Work While Studying in the UK?

Yes — but only within strict limits.
Your visa must allow work, and you can only work a set number of hours each week during term time. Working more than allowed — even unpaid — is a criminal offence under UK immigration law.

That includes:

• Unpaid internships

• Volunteering roles with formal responsibilities

• Freelance or side gigs

How Many Hours Can You Work Per Week?

Your maximum weekly working hours depend on your course:

A “week” runs from Monday to Sunday, and you’re expected to keep a record of your hours.

When Can You Work Full-Time?

You can work full-time outside term time, but it depends on your course level:

• Undergraduate students: Can work full-time during Christmas, Easter, and summer breaks

• Master’s students: Full-time only during Christmas and Easter. Summer is part of the course (for dissertation), so 20 hours/week still applies

• PhD students: Can work full-time only during official holidays (usually 26 days per year)

Always check your academic calendar and speak to your supervisor before starting a job.

Jobs You Cannot Do on a UK Student Visa

Even if your visa allows work, some jobs are still not allowed:

• Freelance work or self-employment

• Running a business

• Jobs in the entertainment industry

• Professional sportsperson or coach

• Full-time permanent roles (before your course ends)

These restrictions apply to all student visa holders across the UK.

Volunteering vs. Voluntary Work — Know the Difference

There’s a big difference between volunteering and voluntary work, and only one is exempt from work limits:

If you’re helping out casually at a charity — that’s volunteering. But if there are formal tasks, schedules, or training, it may be counted as work.

Can You Do an Internship or Work Placement?

Yes, but only if the placement is part of your course. If it is:

• You can work full-time during the placement

• You may still take a second part-time job (within 20-hour limit)

Note: If your placement extends beyond your course end date, you may need to extend your student visa.

Can You Work After Your Course Ends?

Yes — but only after your course is officially complete.

• Taught students can work full-time after coursework is submitted and the official end date has passed

• Research students must wait until viva, corrections, and final thesis submission is complete

If you’re still waiting for resits or final assessments, you must follow the 20-hour weekly limit.

How Do Employers Check If You Can Work?

Before hiring you, your employer will check your right to work using:

• Your passport

• A share code from the UKVI portal: gov.uk/prove-right-to-work/get-a-share-code-online

• You can also request a Student Status Certificate from your university to show your course dates

What If You’re on a Different UK Visa?

The Graduate Visa allows you to work in any field without sponsorship for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates), after successfully finishing your course.

Final Advice

Follow the rules carefully. Even small mistakes — like working a few extra hours or accepting a freelance gig — can lead to visa cancellation or being banned from returning to the UK.

Check your visa conditions, speak to your university if you’re unsure, and always keep your employer updated on your student status.