Moving to the UK for Study and Working as a Student: What You Need to Know

Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many international students. With world-class universities, globally recognised degrees, and the chance to gain work experience while you learn, the UK offers unique opportunities. Whether you’re planning to study a full-time degree on campus or pursue flexible options like online master’s programmes, it’s important to understand both your study journey and your work rights in the UK.

👉 Official student visa guidance:https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas

Why Choose the UK for Your Studies?

The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected universities and offers a wide range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Many institutions now provide fully online or blended master’s degrees, such as MA Education and MA International Education programmes, which allow students to combine study with work and personal responsibilities.
🎓 How to Study in the UK
To live and study in the UK, most international students must apply for a Student Visa. This visa lets you enter the country to study at an approved UK school, college, or university.
✍️ Key Requirements
To be eligible for a Student Visa, you must:

Have an offer from a UK institution that can sponsor international students

Receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university

Show proof that you can pay tuition and living costs

Meet any English language requirements

These requirements help ensure you’re prepared for study, life, and work in the UK.
💼 Working While Studying in the UK
One of the big advantages of studying in the UK is that your visa often allows you to work part-time while you study giving you extra income, experience, and skills.

📊 Work Hours and Rules

If you’re on a valid Student Visa and enrolled in a full-time degree-level course:

You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.

You can work full-time during official university vacations.

Work placements that are part of your course may sometimes be full-time without affecting your hours.

If you are studying a course below degree level, the limit can be 10 hours per week during term time.
❌ Restrictions

While the Student Visa gives you the right to work part-time, it still has clear restrictions. You are not allowed to:

Be self-employed or run your own business

Take a permanent full-time job while studying

Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer

Doing these things could violate your visa conditions, and in serious cases, lead to fines or visa problems.
🧾 How to Prove Your Right to Work

UK employers will usually ask you for a share code or check your visa status online to confirm that you’re allowed to work.
📈 Why Work While You Study?

Working part-time helps you:

Cover living costs like food, transport, and study materials

Gain UK work experience to develop your resume

Meet new people and build skills outside the classroom

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) offers independent guidance on finding student-friendly jobs and balancing work with study commitments.
⏱️ After You Finish Your Course

When you graduate, the UK offers options like the Graduate route (post-study work visa), which historically allowed students to stay and work full-time for up to two years after finishing their degree.

Note: Immigration rules evolve, and the UK government sometimes updates stay durations and conditions so always check official sources when planning your post-study work pathway.
📌 Tips for Success

✔ Check your visa carefully — it will say what you can and cannot do
✔ Keep track of your weekly work hours to stay inside the limits
✔ Use university career services to find student-friendly job opportunities
✔ Know that some online or remote study options might not require a UK visa, but still offer UK qualifications