For many international students heading to the UK in 2025, juggling academics with part-time work is not only a way to support themselves financially, but also to gain valuable experience. However, working while studying comes with strict immigration rules—and new guidance released by the University of Leeds for the June 2025 intake has put fresh emphasis on compliance.
If you’re enrolling at the University of Leeds or any other UK institution, here’s your complete guide to understanding the new work regulations, including hour limits, permitted job types, post-study work options, and how to stay within the law.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
Can International Students Work While Studying in the UK?
Yes—international students can work part-time in the UK, but only if their Student visa specifically allows it. Violating these conditions, even unintentionally, can have serious consequences. According to UK Home Office policy, working beyond permitted hours or engaging in unauthorized roles—even unpaid ones—is considered illegal work.
Importantly, internships, volunteering, freelancing, and any unpaid arrangements can still count as employment under immigration law. So, don’t assume that just because you’re not receiving a paycheck, you’re not “working.”
Weekly Work Limits: How Many Hours Can You Work on a Student Visa?
The number of hours you’re allowed to work during term time depends on your course level. Here’s a general breakdown as per the latest June 2025 guidance:
| Course Type | Maximum Hours/Week (Term Time) |
|---|---|
| Full-time Undergraduate or Postgraduate | 20 hours |
| Courses Below Degree Level (e.g., pre-sessional English) | 10 hours |
| PhD or Research Students | 20 hours (may vary—check with your supervisor) |
A “week” runs from Monday to Sunday, and students are advised to keep personal records of their weekly hours to avoid accidental breaches.
When Can You Work Full-Time?
While term-time hours are capped, full-time work is permitted during specific breaks. Here’s how it breaks down by student type:
- Undergraduates: You can work full-time during official university holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Summer breaks.
- Taught Master’s Students: You’re allowed full-time work during Christmas and Easter, but not in the summer if it’s part of your dissertation period.
- PhD/Doctoral Students: You may work full-time during official university holidays (typically 26 days annually), but this should be pre-approved by your academic supervisor.
Jobs You’re Not Allowed to Do
Even if you meet all the eligibility requirements for part-time work, there are specific job types that international students are not allowed to take up under any circumstances:
- Self-employed or freelance roles
- Running your own business or being a company director
- Professional sportsperson (including coaching)
- Permanent full-time positions
- Work in the entertainment industry (e.g., as an actor or performer)
These restrictions are part of national immigration laws and apply regardless of which university you attend.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
Volunteering vs Voluntary Work: Know the Difference
This often-confusing area can trip up many students. Here’s how UK law distinguishes the two:
| Volunteering | Voluntary Work |
|---|---|
| Informal, unpaid support (e.g., charity work) | Structured, with duties and potentially benefits |
| Doesn’t count towards your weekly hour limit | Counts as work and is restricted by your visa |
If you’re unsure whether an opportunity counts as volunteering or work, consult your university’s international student office before committing.
Work Placements & Internships
If your degree includes a placement or internship, you’re allowed to take part full-time, provided:
- It is an integral, assessed part of your course.
- The placement is approved by the university.
During this time, you can also continue a second part-time job within your hour limits (e.g., 20 hours/week). However, if the placement is not officially tied to your program, it counts against your regular work allowance.
Need more time for a placement year? You may need to extend your Student visa or apply under a different category.
Working After You Graduate in 2025
After successfully completing your course, your work rights change. Here’s how:
- Taught students: You can work full-time after your official course end date (including after submitting final assignments or dissertations).
- Research students: Full-time work is allowed after your viva, final corrections, and thesis submission.
However, if you have resits or pending assessments, you remain bound by the 20-hour rule until the course is formally completed.
How to Prove Your Right to Work
Before hiring you, UK employers must confirm your eligibility to work. You’ll need to present:
- A valid passport
- A digital immigration status
Make sure your documents are up to date and reflect your current visa status.
On a Different UK Visa? Your Work Rights May Differ
Here’s a quick look at whether work is allowed on other UK visas:
| Visa Type | Work Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor or ETA | ❌ No work permitted |
| Short-Term Study Visa | ❌ No work or voluntary work allowed |
| Graduate Route Visa | ✅ Full-time work in any sector for 2 years (3 years for PhD) |
| EU Settlement Scheme | ✅ Work permitted if status is granted |
The Graduate Route Visa is especially popular for international students who want to remain in the UK and work after graduation—without employer sponsorship.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
Important Tips from the University of Leeds June 2025 Update
The University of Leeds has emphasized that students must:
- Regularly check their visa conditions in their BRP or digital status.
- Avoid grey areas like unpaid internships or casual gigs without university consultation.
- Inform their academic advisor or international office before starting any job.
- Record exact hours worked each week to avoid accidental overwork.
Failure to comply could not only jeopardize your academic standing, but also result in visa cancellation and deportation.
Conclusion: Know the Rules, Enjoy the Benefits
Working while studying in the UK can be incredibly rewarding, but only if you follow the rules. The updated guidance from the University of Leeds in June 2025 highlights how important it is to stay informed, cautious, and responsible.
Whether it’s a part-time job at a café, an internship tied to your degree, or preparing for a full-time career after graduation, understanding the UK’s student work rules is essential for long-term success.
Want help planning your UK study and work journey?
Visit Travul.org for expert guidance, visa updates, and application support.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
