Working while studying
Most students are allowed to do some work whilst studying in Scotland. However, different rules apply depending on whether you're a student from a European Economic Area (EEA) country, or an international student from a non - EEA country.
Students from EEA countries
Students who are from the following EEA countries can work without permission from the UK Border Agency:
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Switzerland is not in the EEA but Swiss students can also work in Scotland without permission.
Bulgarian and Romanian students may take employment for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during official vacations from their course but they require a registration certificate confirming their student status.
Visit the UK Border Agency website for more guidance if you're a Bulgarian or Romanian student
International students from non EEA countries
General (adult) students who are on a degree level course or above, at a UK Higher Education Institution, are allowed to work:
- No more than 20 hours per week during term-time
- Full-time during vacations
- On a work placement as part of their course other than part-time work
- As a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years
General (adult) students on a course at SCQF level 6-8 (including at Scottish Baccalaureate and Higher National Diploma level) at a Higher Education Institution, are allowed to work:
- No more than 10 hours per week during term-time
- Full-time during vacations
- On a work placement as part of their course other than part-time work
- As a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years
General (adult) students who are on a course of study at any level at a publicly funded further education college, are allowed to work:
- No more than 10 hours per week during term-time
- Full-time during vacations
- On a work placement as part of their course other than part-time work
- As a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years
The work which general (adult) students do must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme).
In addition, individuals must not be self-employed, be employed as a doctor (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme) or as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
Student visitors and prospective students
Student visitors and prospective students are granted leave for up to six months and are not permitted to work in the UK.
Neither are they allowed to engage in business, produce goods or services within the UK, including selling goods or services direct to members of the public.
Options after graduation
There are many options available to allow international graduates to work in the UK. Find out more about the opportunities available to you after you graduate.