Working in the UK
Many students choose to take on part-time work during their studies, however you must ensure that you comply with the legal terms of your visa.
- Online course by Study UK: Preparing for Work
- UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA): Student work guide
Your eligibility to work will be recorded in your UKVI eVisa account. Please note, those holding a student visitor visa are not permitted to work at all in the UK.
If you violate the terms of your visa through work, you are putting your place on your course and your immigration status in the UK at risk - the university is legally obliged to report any students that we are concerned may be breaching the terms of their visa
Paid employment during your studies
Paid employment during your studies
Whether you can work in the UK is dependent on your immigration pathway:
- If you are a full-time student on a Student Route Visa you are permitted to work up to either 10 or 20 hours a week (depending on your course) – for most undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students this would be up to 20 hours.
- If you are planning on studying on a different visa (e.g. Short-term Study Visa, Dependant, Skilled Worker) you may be able to work – it's important that you check the guidance for your individual pathway.
It is extremely important that you ensure that you do not exceed 20 hours per week while it is officially term-time, whether you have lectures or not. You should check the term dates available from your faculty before committing to work in excess of this.
Types of jobs available
Many students choose to work in hospitality and retail, as the hours are flexible to fit around your studies and social life, and the Highlands and Islands are highly popular tourist areas with lots of activity in this sectors during the summer months.
You may also be able to work in a role related to your studies, for example; many Adventure Studies students based in Fort William gain experience at the local mountain resort Nevis Range.
Your Student Association also advertises jobs and offers experience through internships that could be a real boost to your work experience, as well as help you get involved with student activities around UHI.
Assessed work placements
Assessed work placements
Many of our courses involve work placements to help you gain practical experience in your field. If you are on a Student Route Visa, these work placements must not be paid.
If you undertake a work placement that is an integral and assessed part of your course, we have a legal obligation to report your work placement and duration to UK Visas and Immigration.
You must complete a work placement form before starting the placement, which will be provided by your lecturer.
Graduate careers service
Graduate careers service
Our exclusive Handshake platform was designed by the UHI Careers and Employability Team to help our graduates secure their dream jobs – it connects you directly with top employers, who can easily find and reach out to you on the platform too.
You can arrange appointments for advice and coaching, optimise your CV, carry out mock interviews, book national and international careers events, and take part in an array of activities to help manage and develop your career.
