Work Opportunities After Studying in the UK
Work While Studying in the UK
International students can work part-time during their studies to gain experience and support their living expenses. However, work restrictions depend on the level of study and institution type.
Part-Time Employment Rules
๐น Students studying at degree level (Bachelorโs, Masterโs, PhD) at a UKVI-registered Higher Education Institution:
โ Can work up to 20 hours per week during term time
โ Can work full-time during holidays
๐น Students studying below degree level or at a publicly funded further education college:
โ Can work up to 10 hours per week during term time
โ Can work full-time during holidays
๐ Note: Students enrolled in courses shorter than six months must obtain permission from the Entry Clearance Officer to work in the UK.
๐ Where to Find Part-Time Jobs?
- University career centers
- Job portals (Indeed, StudentJob, Reed)
- Local newspapers and job boards
- Campus job fairs
๐น Important: Part-time jobs are not guaranteed by universities, and students must search independently.
Full-Time Work After Graduation (Post-Study Work Visa & Tier 2 Visa)
The UK government offers various work visa options for graduates looking to stay and work after their studies.
1๏ธโฃ Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa โ PSW)
๐ The Graduate Route allows international students who have completed a UK degree to:
โ Stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
โ Work in any job role without needing an employer sponsorship
๐น This is an excellent opportunity to gain UK work experience and transition into a long-term career.
๐ Eligibility for Graduate Route Visa:
- Must have completed a degree from a UKVI-approved university
- Must have a valid student visa at the time of application
- No job offer required
2๏ธโฃ Skilled Worker Visa (Previously Tier 2 Visa)
๐ผ The Skilled Worker Visa allows graduates to stay in the UK long-term if they secure a job with a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor.
โ Requires a job offer from a UK employer registered with the UK Home Office
โ The job must meet the minimum salary requirement of ยฃ26,200 per year (ยฃ23,039 for new entrants)
โ Initially granted for 5 years, with the option to extend or apply for settlement
๐ Steps to Secure a Skilled Worker Visa:
1๏ธโฃ Apply for jobs early โ Graduate schemes and recruitment cycles often start 1 year before graduation
2๏ธโฃ Improve employability skills โ Strong communication, technical skills, and relevant experience help secure job offers
3๏ธโฃ Find a sponsor employer โ Check the UK Shortage Occupation List for high-demand jobs
๐น Some industries with high demand for skilled workers include:
โ IT & Software Development
โ Engineering & Construction
โ Healthcare & Social Work
โ Financial Services
Why Choose the UK for Work After Study?
โ
Access to global companies and top employers
โ
Competitive salaries and career growth opportunities
โ
Opportunity to apply for permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR) after 5 years of work
๐ Start Planning Early โ Secure Your Future in the UK!