Students from outside the European Economic Area can:
- Work in their spare time while studying, and work full-time during vacations
- Take a work placement with an employer (sandwich students)
- Take an internship placement with an employer.
However, as an international student on a QCA Level 6 qualification you may not:
- Work for more than twenty hours per week during term-time, except in the case of an agreed work placement or internship
- Engage in business or self-employment, or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
- Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy
Certain people may be prohibited from taking paid or unpaid employment in the UK, which means that you cannot work legally unless the Home Office lifts the prohibition. Your visa or passport stamp may state 'No work' or 'Employment prohibited', or that you must 'Not engage in employment' (unless it also contains the words 'Consent of the Secretary of State').
For important and up-to-date information on conditions which apply to international students working in the UK, visit the UKCISA website or contact our Student Advice Team for a leaflet.