Students studying at UK institutions may take part-time or vacation work without needing to obtain permission from the local job centre. Similarly, they are able to do work placements which are part of a course or to undertake internship placements without the need to obtain permission from Work Permits (UK) .

The conditions covering the hours and type of work they may do are:

• The student should not work more than 20 hours per week during term time except where the placement meets the definition of a course or internship
• The student should not engage in business, self-employment or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer
• The student should not pursue a career by filling a permanent, full-time vacancy.

Following the rules

As you can see, there are many employment opportunities for international students in the UK. But there are a few conditions you should keep in mind:

• You cannot run your own business, be self-employed, provide services as a professional sports person or entertainer, or pursue a career by taking a permanent full-time position.
• With the exception of work organised by your university or college, money that you hope to make while doing part-time or vacation work cannot form part of your visa application. You must show that you can meet the cost of studying and living in the UK without employment or financial assistance from the state.
• Note: Employment regulations for international students can change at any time, so check the current situation on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate web site www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk