Part-Time Work Rights in UK for International Students
Work hours, wages, NI number, common jobs, and post-graduation work pathways for Nepali students in the UK.
Working while studying in the UK is a normal and expected part of the international student experience. The UK government permits international students to work part-time during their studies, and the income you earn can meaningfully offset your living costs. For Nepali students managing tight budgets, the ability to earn GBP 800-1,000 per month through part-time work can be the difference between financial stress and financial stability.
Beyond the immediate earnings, working in the UK builds skills, references, and confidence that prepare you for the Graduate Route visa and long-term career opportunities after your degree.
Work Hours: During Term and Vacations
Nepali students on a UK Student Route visa can work up to 20 hours/week during term time and full-time during official vacations; exceeding the limit risks visa curtailment.
During Term Time
- Maximum: 20 hours per week for students enrolled in full-time degree programs at universities
- This limit applies to all students on a Student Route visa studying at degree level or above
- Students at below-degree level may be limited to 10 hours per week (check your visa conditions)
- The 20-hour limit is strict. Exceeding it can result in visa curtailment, meaning your permission to stay in the UK is cut short
During Vacations
- You can work full-time during official vacation periods (Christmas break, Easter break, summer break)
- “Vacation” means a period when you are not expected to be engaged in any academic work — no lectures, no exams, no coursework deadlines
- Many students use summer vacation for full-time work, earning significantly more than during term time
What Counts Toward the 20-Hour Limit?
- Paid employment (including zero-hour contracts)
- Self-employment (with restrictions)
- Voluntary work that takes the place of a paid employee
Volunteer work for charities or community organizations typically does not count, but the boundaries can be unclear. When in doubt, keep your total paid hours at or below 20 during term.
National Minimum Wage and Expected Earnings
Nepali students aged 21+ earn the UK National Living Wage of GBP 11.44/hour, yielding approximately GBP 915/month during term and GBP 1,716/month during vacation.
| Age Group | Hourly Rate (GBP) |
|---|---|
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | GBP 11.44 |
| 18-20 | GBP 8.60 |
| Under 18 | GBP 6.40 |
Most Nepali students in the UK are 21 or older (especially those on master's programs), which means they are entitled to the full GBP 11.44 per hour.
Estimated Monthly Earnings
| Scenario | Hours/Week | Hourly Rate | Monthly Earnings (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term time | 20 | GBP 11.44 | GBP 915 |
| Vacation (full-time) | 37.5 | GBP 11.44 | GBP 1,716 |
GBP 915 per month during term time covers a significant portion of monthly living costs outside London (where you need approximately GBP 900-1,100 per month for rent, food, and transport). During vacation, full-time earnings of GBP 1,716 can help you build savings or cover tuition installments.
For a detailed breakdown of living costs, see our Cost of Studying in UK guide.
Getting Your National Insurance (NI) Number
Nepali students must apply for an NI Number by calling 0800 141 2075 after arriving in the UK; it arrives by post within 4-8 weeks, though you can start working before it arrives.
How to get your NI Number:
- Call the NI Number application line (0800 141 2075) after you arrive in the UK and have your Student Route visa.
- You will be asked questions about your identity and immigration status.
- In some cases, you will be invited to an interview at a Jobcentre Plus office.
- Your NI Number is sent to you by post, usually within 4-8 weeks.
Important: You can start working before your NI Number arrives, as long as you have already applied for one. Your employer will use a temporary arrangement until your number is issued. However, we recommend applying during your first week in the UK so there is no delay.
Common Part-Time Jobs for International Students
Nepali students in the UK typically find work in retail, hospitality, campus roles, tutoring, and delivery at wages of GBP 11.44-25/hour depending on the role.
Retail
High street shops, supermarkets, and clothing stores. Typical wage: GBP 11.44-12.50/hr. Weekend and evening shifts fit well around lectures.
Hospitality
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and pubs. Typical wage: GBP 11.44-13.00/hr (plus tips in some roles). Flexible shift patterns; high demand in student cities.
Campus Jobs
Library assistants, student ambassadors, campus event staff. Typical wage: GBP 11.44-12.00/hr. Convenient (no commute), and campus employers understand student schedules.
Tutoring
Tutoring other students or school pupils in subjects you are strong in. Typical rate: GBP 15-25/hr (private tutoring can pay more). Especially viable if you have strong math, science, or English skills.
Delivery and Warehouse
Food delivery (Deliveroo, Uber Eats), parcel delivery, warehouse picking. Typical wage: GBP 11.44-13.00/hr. Flexible scheduling, but physically demanding.
Where to Find Jobs
- Your university's careers service — most universities maintain job boards for students
- Indeed.co.uk and Reed.co.uk — major UK job search platforms
- Student job platforms like StudentJob and TargetJobs
- In-person applications — many retail and hospitality employers accept walk-in applications
- University job fairs held at the start of each term
After Graduation: The Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route gives Nepali graduates 2 years of unsponsored UK work rights (3 years for PhD), with no employer restrictions, no salary threshold, and no job-offer requirement.
- Duration: 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates; 3 years for PhD graduates
- Type: Unsponsored work visa — you can work for any employer, in any role, with no salary threshold
- Cost: GBP 822 (visa application fee) plus the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Eligibility: You must have completed your degree in the UK on a valid Student Route visa
The Graduate Route is your bridge between studying and building a UK career. During these 2 years, most graduates seek employment that would qualify them for a Skilled Worker visa, which is the long-term work visa in the UK.
From Graduate Route to Skilled Worker Visa
The Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 5 years (renewable) and can lead to settlement (permanent residency). To qualify:
- You need a job offer from a licensed sponsor employer
- The role must be at or above the required skill level
- The salary must meet the minimum threshold (varies by occupation, generally GBP 26,200 per year or the “going rate” for the role, whichever is higher)
For a detailed breakdown of the Graduate Route visa, see our Graduate Route guide.
Rules to Follow: Protecting Your Visa
Exceeding the 20-hour limit during UK term time can result in visa curtailment, future refusals, and deportation, so Nepali students must keep a strict log of weekly hours.
- Visa curtailment — your permission to stay in the UK can be cancelled
- Future visa refusals — overstaying work limits creates a negative immigration record
- Deportation in serious cases
What is prohibited:
- Working more than 20 hours per week during term time (for degree-level students)
- Working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Working as an entertainer
- Working in a position that fills a permanent full-time vacancy (during term)
- Self-employment without proper authorization
Our advice: Keep a log of your weekly hours. If your employer asks you to work more than 20 hours during term, explain your visa condition. Reputable employers understand and will respect it.
Practical Tips for Nepali Students
Open a UK bank account in your first week, apply for your NI Number immediately, and use university careers services to maximize your earning potential while studying in the UK.
- Open a UK bank account early. You need a UK bank account to receive wages. Some banks (Monzo, Starling) offer easy setup for international students without a proof of address.
- Understand UK tax. You are entitled to a tax-free personal allowance of GBP 12,570 per year. If your annual earnings are below this threshold (common for part-time students), you will not owe income tax. If tax is deducted from your wages, you can claim a refund.
- Use your university careers service. They offer CV workshops, interview preparation, and job listings. This is a free resource — use it early and often.
- Build references. Even a simple part-time job gives you a UK professional reference, which is valuable when you apply for Graduate Route employment later.
- Balance work and studies. Your degree is the reason you are in the UK. If working 20 hours is affecting your grades, reduce your hours. You can always work more during vacations.
- Know your rights as a worker. UK employment law protects you regardless of your visa status. You are entitled to the National Minimum Wage, paid holiday, and a safe working environment. If an employer pays you below minimum wage or asks you to work without a contract, that is illegal.
- Explore internship and placement opportunities. Some master's programs include a placement year or a summer internship module. These are formally arranged through the university and may offer higher wages than typical part-time jobs.