Employing non-EEA students

Non-European Economic Area (EEA) students must enter the UK via Tier 4 of the Points Based System. Universities and colleges must sponsor individuals to study at their institutions. However, most of these students are allowed to do some work and the following explains the number of hours allowed and restrictions.

General (adult) students are people who come to the UK for post-16 education. General 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 postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised Foundation Programme
  • As a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years

General students who are 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 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 that General 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 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.

More on employing students on the UK Border Agency website