United KingdomEuropeInternational Study
Written by Mark Bennett
International students are allowed to work in the UK (subject to the conditions outlined below). However, part-time work can be difficult to find, so you should not expect to fund your studies entirely in this way.
In general, most international students on a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 student visa) pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (for a period of over six months) can work in the UK during their studies, as long as they don’t:
- Work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship
- Engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
- Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy
In other words, you can do most part-time jobs. If you’re unsure about your personal circ*mstances, the UK Council for International Student Affairs has up-to-date, detailed advice for a range of situations.
Can my partner work in the UK?
Students starting a course on or after 1 January 2024 can bring attendants only if they are studying a PhD course, a doctoral qualification or a research-based higher degree
This means if you are studying a one-year taught programme, you will not be able to bring your partner to the UK as a dependant.
We have some more information on how these new rules might affect you on our blog. The UK government continually reviews immigration rules and things may change. We'll keep this page up-to-date with any new information. Sign up to our newsletter to get the latest updates straight to your inbox.
What do I need before I can start work?
You will need to have applied for a National Insurance number to be eligible to work in the UK, but you do not need to have received your National Insurance number before you can start work. You should do this after you have received your offer of employment.
You can apply for a National Insurance number via the phone. After you’ve done this, you may need to attend an interview at your local Jobcentre Plus to confirm why you need a National Insurance number.
Can I undertake a work placement or internship?
If you’re on a Student Route visa, you can do a work placement, as long as:
- It’s an assessed and integral part of your full-time Masters programme
- It doesn’t comprise more than half of your degree
- You stay enrolled as a student at your university
If the work placement meets these conditions, you’ll be able to work full-time for its duration.
If you want to take part in an extracurricular work placement or internship that isn’t part of your course, you must undertake it on a part-time basis (20 hours a week or fewer) during term time, or full-time during the holidays.
Can I work in the UK after my Masters?
After finishing your Masters, you can apply for the UK Graduate Route which allows international students to apply for a post-study work (PSW) visa. This visa is valid for at least two years after completing your Masters!
You don’t need to have received a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route, and you’re free to do almost any kind of employment in the UK (or be self-employed).Find out more in our comprehensive guide to the UK Graduate Route visa.
UK Government immigration update
The new immigration update from the UK Goverment has no effect on the duration of the Graduate Route visa yet. Students currently applying for the visa will continue to get two or three years depending on their qualification. We will keep updating this page with the most up-to-date information on Graduate Route visas.
Further information
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) offers a wide selection of resources for overseas students looking to understand their right to work in the UK.
Search for a Masters in the UK
Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in the UK on FindAMasters.com.
Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice
Sign up for free
You may also like...
The Cost of a Masters – How Much is a Masters Degree in the UK?
United KingdomCostsFunding
The average cost of a UK Masters degree is £8,740, but fees vary by course and university, with some programmes costing more than others.
Read more
UK Masters Funding for International Postgraduates in 2024 – A Guide
United KingdomInternational ScholarshipsStudent LoansInternational StudyFunding
Our guide explains the different postgraduate scholarships available for international students in the UK, as well as overseas eligibility for Masters loans.
Read more
Postgraduate Loan – A Guide for 2023
United KingdomStudent LoansFunding
You can get a £12,167 postgraduate student loan for a Masters degree in any subject. Read our simple guide, covering eligibility, applications and FAQS.
Read more
Postgraduate Loan Repayments
United KingdomStudent LoansFunding
Our guide explains how the different UK postgraduate student loan repayments work, with salary examples, FAQs and a handy postgrad loan repayment calculator.
Read more
Apply for a Masters Loan in the UK
United KingdomStudent LoansFunding
Postgraduate loan applications are open for 2023. This guide explains which Masters loan you should apply for, how to apply, when to apply, and what you'll need to provide.
Read more
Chevening Scholarships – A Guide for 2024
United KingdomInternational ScholarshipsInternational StudyFunding
Chevening Scholarships are part of a prestigious UK Government postgraduate funding scheme specifically for international students in the UK. This page will give you an introduction to eligibility, applications and more.
Read more
Last updated: 03 January 2024
United KingdomEuropeInternational Study
- FindAMasters
- Guides
- Working in the UK – A Guide for International Students