Right To Work During Studies And Employment Upon Graduation In The United Kingdom

United Kingdom, with its well-established educational institutions hosting international students worldwide, is one of the most preferred countries for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. In addition to the country’s high-quality education, universities with worldwide success and reputation, UK also stands out with the work permit it offers to their students both while studying and after graduation. If you are planning to go to the UK for your studies and dream of gaining professional experience by also working abroad while studying or upon your graduation, you can check the opportunities offered by the country from the following section of our content:

Do Students Have A Work Permit In The United Kingdom?

The Student Visa, previously known as the TIER 4 student visa, is the only type of visa that gives work permits to those who study at UK universities as international students. While applications for long-term education can obtain a work permit, for visas shorter than 11 months, students are not granted this opportunity. Individuals who are studying under a student visa in the Student Visa category for undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral education may work with the right recognised by the UK government. Within the scope of this visa, 20 hours of part-time work per week is allowed during the study period, and 40 hours of a full-time job is offered during bank holidays.

What Are The Work Permit Requirements For Students In The United Kingdom?

Students enrolled in a full-time higher education study have the right to work in the United Kingdom. They have the right to work for an on-campus or off-campus organisation but are not permitted to work freelance as per the government. They can also take part in paid or unpaid voluntary works.

Is There A Work Permit Upon University Graduation For Students In The United Kingdom?

In the UK, one of the countries with the highest international student population, while students were previously given a short period of 4 months for a work permit after graduation, this period was extended with the new law introduced in 2021. Following the new law adopted to increase the number of international students in the country and to allow them to develop their skills and potential, work permit upon graduation has been extended to 2 years. According to this law, which covers students who have successfully graduated from an undergraduate, postgraduate, and/or doctoral education have the chance to stay in the country for two years after graduating for undergraduate and master students and three years after graduating for doctoral students. International students graduating from higher education programmes obtain the right to search, apply for and work for two years (3 years for PhD/Doctorate students). However, at the end of these 2 years (3 years for Doctorate graduates), there is no right to gain a residence permit or citizenship in the country. After these periods, those who want to continue working in the country can apply for a Skilled Work visa and obtain the right to stay in the United Kingdom. You may contact us to get thorough information regarding higher education programmes in the UK where you can gain international student experience, plan your career abroad with global professional experience, and apply to the most suitable programme/institution.