Part time work for non EEA students

If you are studying in Scotland with a Tier 4 visa  you may be allowed to do some work and the following explains the number of hours allowed and restrictions.

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 your 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

If you are a General student on a course at SCQF level 6-8 (including at Scottish Baccalaureate and Higher National Diploma level) at a Higher Education Institution, you 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 your course other than par t-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 you do must not fill a full-time permanent vacancy (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme).

In addition, you must not be self-employed, be employed as a doctor (other than on a recognised Foundation Programme) or as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.

If you are a student visitor you  are granted leave for up to six months but are not permitted to work in the UK.

Neither are you 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

Need more help?

Contact our Relocation Advisory Service with any questions about students relocating to Scotland, including visas and immigration

This service is free of charge