Work while you study

Yes. UK students and many international students can work part-time while studying. Check your university's guidance and choose hours that allow enough time for your studies. If you have a student visa, your permission to work depends on your course, education provider and visa conditions. The number of hours you can work depends on your visa conditions. Some students may be permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time, some may be permitted to work fewer hours and others may not be permitted to work.

Check your eVisa before accepting a job, as exceeding your permitted hours can breach your visa conditions.

UKVI counts a week as the seven days from Monday to Sunday. Your permitted hours apply to each week; you cannot average them across a month. For example, if your limit is 20 hours, working 30 hours one week and 10 hours the next would exceed your limit in the first week. Always check the latest UKVI guidance, as immigration rules can change.

UK students and student visa holders, whose conditions permit it, may be able to work full-time during official university vacation periods.

International students should check their visa conditions and confirm their course's official vacation dates with their university. For many postgraduate students, the summer dissertation period is part of term time rather than a vacation. If so, their term-time working limit continues to apply.

You can start work before receiving a National Insurance number if you can prove you have the right to work in the UK. If you do not already have a number, you can apply through GOV.UK once you are in the UK and are working, have a job offer or are looking for work.

Yes. Students pay Income Tax and National Insurance under the same general rules as other workers.

Income tax is generally payable if your earnings exceed the applicable Personal Allowance, although allowances can vary depending on individual circumstances and government policy. The standard Personal Allowance is currently at £12,570 per tax year, although an individual's allowance can differ. National Insurance is generally based on earnings above the relevant threshold for each pay period.

Student visa holders are generally prohibited from being self-employed, freelancing or engaging in business activity. They also cannot work as an entertainer or a professional sportsperson, including as a professional sports coach. There is a limited self-employment exception for certain applicants awaiting a decision on an Innovator Founder visa. Check your visa conditions before accepting work.

Coventry University students can explore opportunities through thefutureworks, the University's recruitment agency, and check University student channels for vacancies such as student ambassador roles when available.

Most students working as employees or workers are entitled to at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for their age. Some exceptions apply, including certain required work placements that form part of a course and last no more than one year.

Rates are reviewed regularly and typically change in April. Check GOV.UK for the current rates.

For Student Finance England, earnings from work during the academic year, including holiday and part-time work, are not normally included when assessing entitlement. However, other income and personal circumstances may affect the assessment, and rules may differ between UK student finance providers. Check with your provider if you are unsure.