Depending on the conditions of your visa, you may be allowed to undertake work while studying in the UK.
During your studies
Please check your BRP card to see whether you have this permission to work.
The working hours allowed depend on your level of study:
- Below degree level study - Maximum of 10 hours during term-time and full-time hours outside of term time
- Degree level or above but below PhD study - Maximum of 20 hours of work during term-time and full-time hours outside of term time
- Postgraduate dissertation period and PhD studies:
- If you are a postgraduate student in your dissertation period, you are in full-time, term-time studies and are subject to the 20-hour maximum
- PhD students are in full-time, term-time studies for the entirety of their course except for pre-approved periods of holiday and are therefore subject to the 20-hour maximum
- PhD students are entitled to a maximum of eight weeks of holiday per year
A working week is Monday to Sunday and the hourly maximums per week are absolute - they cannot be averages over more than one week. You can find your course term dates here.
To work in the UK, you will need to apply online to get your National Insurance Number which can take up to 8 weeks to receive. Once you are fully registered, you can download your Student Status letter from MyRecord – this proves your status as a full-time student at the University, and it is what you should use, along with your BRP, when seeking work. Employers may also ask you for a Share Code.
You may wish to register with Unitemps, our own University recruitment agency, which has a range of job opportunities available in the University and local area.
If you have any questions about your visa or visa regulations please contact our UKVI Compliance Team
Top Tips
If you’re looking for part-time work experience and want to earn some money while you study, register with Unitemps.
If you're looking for a way to give back to the community, inspire other students, develop your employability skills, and have a job which earns you money whilst fitting around your studies - then becoming a Student Ambassador could be for you!
After your studies
International students who want to work in the UK following the successful completion of a course of study at UK Bachelor’s degree-level or above are able to apply for the Graduate route from 1 July 2021. To be eligible, you must have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at Canterbury Christ Church University or another Higher Education Provider, and have valid Tier 4 or Student permission at the time of application.
Successful applicants on this route at Bachelor’s or Master’s level will be able to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years. Doctoral students will be able to stay for three years.
Yes, the Graduate route requires a new visa application. This will only be possible from inside the UK. It will include the payment of a visa fee of £700 and the Immigration Health Surcharge at the full rate of £624 per year. You will also need to know the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you used for your most recent Student (or Tier 4) application in order to apply for the Graduate route.
Individuals who already have permission as a dependant of a Student who is applying under this route can also apply to extend their permission as a dependant. However, new dependants are not permitted on this route.
No, you will not need a sponsor. Canterbury Christ Church University will not need to fulfil any sponsorship duties for you once you switch onto the Graduate route and you will not need a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to apply under this route. However, the University will need to notify the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.
Graduates will be able to apply to other routes at the end of their two to three year stay, for example the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Innovator routes.
The UKCISA website has more information about working after your studies, or you can ask a question by emailing the university's International Partnerships and Development Team.
If you need a copy of your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS), or if you have a specific question about the role of the University in confirming your eligibility to apply under this route, please email the Compliance Team.
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Compliance Team
Careers and Enterprise Team
Unitemps