Navigating the rules for working in the UK on a Student Visa can feel like a puzzle, but it’s one you can absolutely solve. For the ambitious student heading to the globally-renowned University of Leeds, balancing your studies with part-time work is a fantastic way to gain experience, develop skills, and earn some extra money. The key is to understand the framework, play by the rules, and make the most of the opportunities available to you from June 2025 onwards.
This guide is designed to be your trusted companion, breaking down the official terms from the University of Leeds and the UK government. We’ll walk you through how many hours you can work, what kind of jobs are permitted, and how to seamlessly blend your work and study life. In my experience advising students, those who familiarise themselves with these rules early on feel more confident and are far more successful in finding valuable work experiences.
working in the UK on a Student Visa
| Key Fact | Detail |
| Term-Time Work Hours | Max 20 hours per week for degree-level students. University of Leeds |
| Holiday Work Hours | Full-time work is permitted during official vacation periods. |
| Prohibited Work | No self-employment, business activity, or permanent full-time jobs. UKCISA |
| Masters Student Caveat | The summer dissertation period is considered term-time (max 20 hours/week). |
| Placements | Integral, assessed placements can be full-time. |
Working part-time while you study at the University of Leeds is more than just a job; it’s an integral part of your UK experience. It’s a chance to build your confidence, manage your finances, and lay the groundwork for your future career.
The rules are there to ensure your primary focus remains your education, the very reason you’re in the UK. By understanding and respecting them, you set yourself up for a safe, legal, and rewarding working experience. Embrace the opportunities, use the fantastic resources at your disposal, and get ready for an unforgettable chapter in your life.
Understanding Your Right to Work: What Your Visa Says
First things first, your permission to work in the UK is granted by your Student Visa. When you receive your visa or Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), it will explicitly state your work conditions. For most students pursuing a full-time, degree-level course (like a Bachelor’s or Master’s) at a sponsor with a “track record of compliance” like the University of Leeds, you will have permission to work.
It’s crucial to understand that violating these conditions—by working more hours than allowed or taking a prohibited job—is a criminal offence and can have severe consequences, including the cancellation of your visa.
How Many Hours Can You Work? Term-Time vs. Holidays
This is the most critical rule to get right. The UK government and the University of Leeds are very clear about the distinction between term-time and official vacation periods. A “week” is defined as a 7-day period starting on a Monday.
During University of Leeds Term Time
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught (Masters) Students: You can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. This includes both paid and unpaid work.
- Postgraduate Research Students: You are also permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. However, due to the demanding nature of research degrees, the University strongly advises discussing any work commitments with your academic supervisor first.
- Students on a course below degree level (e.g., pre-sessional English): Your limit is 10 hours per week.
During Official University Holidays
The rules become more flexible during the holidays, but what counts as a holiday differs by your level of study.
- Undergraduate Students: You can work full-time (unlimited hours) during the official Christmas, Easter, and summer vacation periods. You can find the exact term dates on the University of Leeds website.
- Postgraduate Taught (Masters) Students: You can work full-time during the Christmas and Easter holidays. Crucially, the summer period is not considered a vacation for most Masters students. This is when you’ll be focused on your dissertation, so the 20-hour weekly limit remains in place.
- Postgraduate Research Students: Your academic year is continuous. You are entitled to an annual leave period (typically 26 days plus bank holidays), during which you can work full-time.3 This must be agreed upon with your supervisor.
The “Dos and Don’ts” of Student Jobs in the UK
While you have the right to work, certain types of employment are strictly off-limits under a Student Visa. Understanding these restrictions is non-negotiable.
Types of Work You CAN Do:
- Part-time roles in retail, hospitality (cafes, restaurants), or administration.
- Temporary full-time jobs during your official holidays.
- Work as a Student Ambassador for the university.
- Most internships that fit within your allowed hours.
Types of Work You CANNOT Do:
- Be self-employed or engage in any business activity. This means no freelance work (e.g., as a freelance designer, tutor, or consultant) or selling goods online.
- Work as a professional sportsperson, including a sports coach.
- Work as an entertainer.
- Take a permanent, full-time job. Your employment contract must be on a temporary or part-time basis.
A Special Note on Internships and Work Placements
Many courses at the University of Leeds offer the chance to do a work placement or internship. This is where the rules get even better.
If a work placement is an integral and assessed part of your course, you can work full-time on that placement. This is in addition to being able to work in another part-time job for up to 20 hours per week. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain substantial professional experience.
If you want to do an internship that is not a formal part of your course, it is simply treated as regular work and must fall within your 20-hour term-time limit.
Finding Work: Your Best Resources at Leeds
The University of Leeds is invested in your success, both inside and outside the classroom. The Careers Service is your go-to hub for finding opportunities and getting expert advice.
- Joblink: Run by Leeds University Union, this is the official service for part-time student jobs in and around campus. All employers are vetted, ensuring the roles are suitable for students.
- MyCareer Platform: This is the University’s exclusive jobs database, listing part-time jobs, internships, and graduate roles.
- CV and Interview Workshops: The Careers Service offers brilliant support to help you craft the perfect CV and ace your interviews, tailored to the UK job market. I’ve seen many students transform their job prospects after just one guidance session.
Life After Graduation: The Graduate Route
Thinking ahead? The UK government’s Graduate Route is a post-study work visa that allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, for two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their course. You don’t need a job offer to apply, giving you incredible flexibility.
While there have been discussions in a May 2025 government white paper about potential changes, including reducing the visa length, these are currently proposals and not law. For now, the two-year Graduate Route remains a key pathway for gaining international work experience. Always check the official GOV.UK website for the most current rules when you are ready to apply.
UK Care Worker Visa Changes 2025: Your Complete Guide to Navigating the New Landscape
FAQs
Q1:Can I do unpaid or voluntary work?
This is a tricky area. “Voluntary work” (which usually involves a contract and fixed duties) counts towards your 20-hour weekly limit. However, “volunteering” (which is more informal and has no contractual obligation) generally does not. It’s best to check with the University of Leeds’ Student Visa Advice team before starting any unpaid role to ensure it complies with your visa conditions.
Q2:What happens if I finish my course early?
Once you have officially completed your course (all exams taken, all coursework and dissertation submitted) and the course end date on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has passed, you can work full-time until your visa expires.
Q3:Do I need a National Insurance (NI) Number to work?
Yes. You will need to apply for an NI number to work in the UK. You can only apply for it once you are in the UK and have evidence of your right to work. You can start working before you receive your NI number, provided you can prove your right to work to your employer.
