Studying abroad is most advantageous and the youngsters are quite interested in venturing into a new country with different customs and outlooks. Taking into account the universal education scenario, many students are aiming for their higher education in the United Kingdom. Before landing in the UK, it is imperative to gain knowledge of those rules and activities which are permitted for International Students residing in the UK. Of course, the students will have to adhere to the restrictions enforced by the UK Government and the educational Institutions for a secure academic life. In order to make yourself aware of the guidelines, the following guide is therefore provided for clear information. Read on, you would get answers to all your queries!
Minimum no. of hours permitted under a part-time job
A student visa is granted for a full-time degree level, it generally permits you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This could be either paid or unpaid work. You are also allowed to work for one or more organizations. However, you have to ensure that the 20 hours cannot be averaged over a lengthier period.
Full-time workers permitted for a certain duration
A student visa issued for full-time degree level studies allows the students to work full-time only during official vacation periods. However, the term and vacation dates differ subject to the level of study you have enrolled in, so it is imperative that you check these before undertaking a full-time job. This includes a full-time internship or placement unless it is part of your course. Masters students should consult their Faculty or Department for further details regarding official vacation periods. The academic year for postgraduate research students is continuous throughout the year, usually from 1 October to 30 September. Hence, during summer, the research students move out for work with the approval of their supervisors.
Students on a student visa can do most kinds of jobs except the following:
The international students should keep in mind these restrictions throughout their time on a UK student visa.
Permitted to undertake internship/work placements
Undergraduate students are able to undertake an internship during the official University vacation periods. Particularly, the medical students undertake work placements as part of their course. The International Student Office deals with these placement services and provides the required information to the Home Office at the beginning of the relevant academic year. Masters students could also undertake an internship during their official vacation periods and it is compulsory to keep your Faculty or Department informed of any changes. As far as the academic year for postgraduate research students is concerned, it is continuous throughout the year. In this circumstance, it is feasible to undertake an internship if it is considered to be a contributing factor to your Ph.D. research and approved under the leave-to-work-away procedures.
Research Scholars can work after submitting of thesis
Once your thesis is submitted, the number of hours you can work on a student visa will solely depend on the stage of the process involved. For instance, the period between submission of thesis for examination and official notification of viva outcome is reflected as ‘vacation’. You could wisely utilise this period and work full time. Whereas the period between official notification of the viva outcome and unconditional approval of degree, which in common includes the time for working on corrections if applicable and submission of the thesis, is usually treated as full-time study. Then, you may work for up to 20 hours a week only. In case, the viva outcome is simply ‘revise and resubmit’, obviously, the University’s 10-hour working restriction applies.
Volunteering
Students can volunteer while studying. If permitted, they can involve in voluntary work too but this work and any paid work should not exceed the total number of hours they are permitted with. For example, if a student is permitted to work 20 hours a week during term-time and has paid work of 15 hours a week, then the voluntary work has to be concluded within 5 hours. The students also now have an option to switch to the Graduate visa if needed. This category of visa allows them to work and explore potential job opportunities for 2 years. The assistance given by the Home Office is beneficial to the international students in that it allows them to work full-time with a student visa which remains valid even after completion of the course period. For the cause of a noble carrier and a bright future, you can very well stick to the procedures imposed by the universities in the UK. If you really have a burning desire on studying in a country like the UK, please register your details with IRISH EXPERT, our education specialists will guide you to reach your dream destination.
