The rule that governs everything: 20 hours in term, full-time in vacations
On a Student visa, degree-level (RQF level 6 and above) students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during official university vacations. Below-degree-level students are typically limited to 10 hours per week in term time — check your specific visa conditions, since the limit is printed on your visa decision letter or eVisa record. Always confirm current rules at gov.uk/student-visa before relying on this guide.
Self-employment, freelancing and running a business are absolutely banned
Getting a National Insurance number
You need an NI number to be paid legally and to pay the right tax and National Insurance contributions.
- 1
Apply as soon as you have a UK address
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number. You do not need a job offer first, but having one can help support your application.
- 2
Prove your identity
You'll typically need your passport, eVisa/share code, and UK address — the exact evidence requested depends on your circumstances.
- 3
Expect a wait
Processing can take several weeks. You can usually start work before your NI number arrives as long as you can show you've applied — tell your employer and give them the number once it's issued.
National Minimum and National Living Wage bands
Wage bands are set by age and change every April — always check the current rate on gov.uk before agreeing a wage with an employer.
| Age band | Approx. hourly rate (2026) | In taka (£1≈৳155) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.60–£13.00 | ৳1,953–2,015 |
| 18–20 | £10.20–£10.60 | ৳1,581–1,643 |
| Under 18 / apprentice rate | £7.20–£7.60 | ৳1,116–1,178 |
These figures are approximate planning ranges only — rates rise every April and the exact current figures are published on gov.uk. Many campus and retail jobs pay at or slightly above the minimum; hospitality roles sometimes add tips on top.
Where students actually get hired
Legal, employee-status part-time work is realistic and common — most students find something within the first month.
- ✓Retail
Supermarkets, high-street chains and shopping centres regularly hire student staff for evenings and weekends — apply directly on retailer career pages.
- ✓Hospitality
Cafes, restaurants and pubs near campus are the most common first job; some tips-based roles pay above minimum wage in effective take-home.
- ✓Campus jobs
Library assistant, student ambassador, open-day helper, catering and students' union bar work — check your university's own jobs portal first, since these are the easiest to combine with timetables.
- ✓Care work
Domiciliary and residential care roles are widely available and often offer more hours and shift flexibility, though they can require a DBS check and some training.
- ✓Warehouse and logistics
Distribution centres near larger cities hire seasonal and part-time staff, especially around the November–December peak — shifts can be longer but fit within the 20-hour cap if term-time.
Realistic monthly earnings vs living costs
Part-time work meaningfully helps with pocket money and bills, but it is not designed to fund your course or core living costs — the visa financial requirement assumes you already have the funds.
| Scenario | Approx. monthly earnings | In taka |
|---|---|---|
| 20 hrs/week at £12.60/hr (term time) | ≈ £1,008/month | ≈ ৳1,56,240/month |
| Full-time (35 hrs/week) at £12.60/hr (vacation) | ≈ £1,764/month | ≈ ৳2,73,420/month |
| Typical outside-London monthly living costs (rent + food + transport) | £900–1,300 | ৳1,39,500–2,01,500 |
| Typical London monthly living costs | £1,300–1,900 | ৳2,01,500–2,94,500 |
Term-time earnings usually cover a meaningful share of food, transport and personal spending, but rarely the full cost of rent in London on their own — budget your tuition and core living costs from savings or sponsor funds, and treat part-time pay as a supplement, not your primary funding plan.
Breaching your working hours can curtail your visa
Verify at the official source
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