How many hours can you work on a Student visa? Bringing family, extending, and switching to Graduate or Skilled Worker
Published: Last checked: October 20266 min read
Short answer
Full-time students at degree level and above can work 20 hours a week in term time, 10 below degree level, and full time in vacations. Self-employment is not allowed. Only PhD or research degree students, or government-sponsored students on courses over 6 months, can bring family.
In short
- This post is general information; it does not assess anyone's own situation. It is based on GOV.UK pages and the Immigration Rules (Appendix Student) as they were on 17 October 2026.
- Work: full-time students at a higher education provider can work up to 20 hours a week in term time at degree level and above, and 10 hours below degree level; full time during official vacations. Other courses (including part-time courses) carry no right to work.
- Self-employment, running a business, and working as a professional sportsperson, sports coach or entertainer are not allowed.
- Family: a partner and children can only be brought by PhD or research degree students and by government-sponsored students on courses over 6 months.
- After graduating you can switch to the Graduate visa and, under conditions, to a Skilled Worker visa.
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Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Immigration Rules Appendix Student
- GOV.UK: Student visa, family members
- GOV.UK: Student visa, extend your visa
- GOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa, switch to this visa
- GOV.UK: Graduate visa
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