United Kingdom Student Work Rights 2026

International students can work in the United Kingdom while studying if they meet the study and visa conditions. After graduation, eligible students may stay to work or look for work under the Graduate Route.

Student life → Cost of living →

Students on a full-time degree can work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Full-time students can work full-time during official holiday breaks.

Students on short courses of less than 6 months may not be allowed to work. Students must not be self-employed or run a business while studying.

After graduation, international students who successfully complete a degree from a UK higher educational institution can stay and work or look for work under the Graduate Route. This is available for up to two years.

Doctoral graduates can stay for up to three years. Students need the Student visa (Student Route) to study in the UK.

Universities in United Kingdom

QS World #2 #1 in United Kingdom London, England, United Kingdom

Imperial College London

Public University — The Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, known by its trade names Imperial College London and Imperial, is a public research university in London, England. Its history began...

GBP 31,500 – GBP 42,500/yrTuition (indicative)

1907Founded

22,000Students

12,000International

Admissions open

#2 QS World University Rankings 2026

#1 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

QS World #4 #2 in United Kingdom Oxford, England, United Kingdom

University of Oxford

Public University — The University of Oxford is a collegiate research university in Oxford, England. There is evidence of teaching as early as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world...

GBP 29,500 – GBP 40,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1096Founded

26,000Students

11,000International

Admissions open

#4 QS World University Rankings 2026

#2 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

QS World #6 #3 in United Kingdom Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

University of Cambridge

Public University — The University of Cambridge is a collegiate public research university in Cambridge, England. Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the English-spea...

GBP 29,000 – GBP 39,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1209Founded

24,000Students

9,000International

Admissions open

#6 QS World University Rankings 2026

#3 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

QS World #35 #8 in United Kingdom Manchester, England, United Kingdom

University of Manchester

Public University — The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, with its main campus south of the city centre on Oxford Road. It is a red brick university, a product of...

GBP 23,000 – GBP 31,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1824Founded

46,000Students

15,000International

Admissions open

#35 QS World University Rankings 2026

#8 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

QS World #9 #4 in United Kingdom London, England, United Kingdom

University College London

Public University — University College London, which operates as UCL, is a public research university in London, England. It is a member institution of the federal University of London, and is the second-larges...

GBP 28,000 – GBP 38,000/yrTuition (indicative)

1826Founded

46,000Students

22,000International

Admissions open

#9 QS World University Rankings 2026

#4 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

QS World #34 #7 in United Kingdom Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

University of Edinburgh

Public University — The University of Edinburgh is a public research university based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded by the town council under the authority of a royal charter from King James VI in 1582 and of...

GBP 25,500 – GBP 34,500/yrTuition (indicative)

1583Founded

40,000Students

16,000International

Admissions open

#34 QS World University Rankings 2026

#7 in United Kingdom

View university → Add to compare

All universities in United Kingdom →

Questions about working & jobs in United Kingdom

Can international students work while studying in the UK?

Yes. International students can work while studying if they are enrolled in a full-time degree and follow the visa rules.

What happens to work rights after graduation in the UK?

Eligible graduates can stay and work or look for work under the Graduate Route for up to two years, or up to three years for doctoral graduates.

Can students on short courses work in the UK?

Students on short courses of less than 6 months may not be allowed to work.