Working in the UK as a student, and after you graduate

Working while you study can help with living costs, but your visa sets firm limits. Breaking them can put your visa at risk, so know the rules before you accept any job.

Working on a Student visa

• Degree level: up to 20 hours a week in term time, and full-time outside term time.
• Below degree level: up to 10 hours a week in term time.
• Not allowed: being self-employed, claiming public funds (benefits and pensions), or working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Your visa decision will also say what you can and cannot do. Your university can explain how its term dates count towards these limits.

After your degree: the Graduate visa

The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK to work or look for work after you complete your course.

• Length: 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026. 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. 3 years for PhD and other doctorate graduates.
• Cost: £937 application fee, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year.
• Who: you must be in the UK on a Student visa and have completed an eligible course, and your university must have reported your successful completion to the Home Office.
• When to apply: from inside the UK, before your Student visa expires. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate.
• Decision: usually within 8 weeks. You can stay in the UK while you wait.
• At work: you can work in most jobs, look for work and be self-employed. You cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.

Official sources

• GOV.UK: Student visa, work
• Immigration Rules: Appendix Student
• GOV.UK: Graduate visa