Working while you study helps pay day-to-day costs and gives you first experience. But the rules are very different in the UK and the US, and breaking them can cost you your visa. Here is what is allowed as of October 2026.
In the UK: the Student visa
During your studies
- 20 hours a week at most during term, for a course at bachelor's level or above.
- 10 hours a week for a course below bachelor's level (such as some foundation years).
- Full time during the university's official vacations.
- Not allowed: self-employment, professional sport and permanent full-time jobs.
Common jobs are in hospitality, retail, university services and tutoring.
After graduation: the Graduate Route
You apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK once your degree is confirmed. It lets you work in any sector, or look for work, without a sponsoring employer:
| When you apply | Visa length |
|---|---|
| By December 31, 2026 | 2 years |
| From January 1, 2027 | 18 months |
| After a PhD | 3 years |
To stay longer, you then switch to another visa, such as Skilled Worker with a job offer.
In the USA: the F-1 visa
During your studies
- On campus: up to 20 hours a week during term, full time during vacations (library, dining hall, assistant jobs).
- Off campus: not allowed without authorization. Unauthorized work is a serious violation of F-1 status.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
CPT allows an internship linked to your program, usually after one year of study. Your university authorizes it, and it must be part of the curriculum.
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- 12 months of work in your field of study, usually after graduation.
- 24 extra months (STEM OPT) for science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees, so 36 months in total.
- You apply to USCIS after your university's recommendation.
To watch: on October 8, 2026, DHS published a proposal for a $70,000 fee for a first OPT and $30,000 for later ones, payable by the university. Comments close on November 9, 2026. It is not in force, and nothing changes for students today.
The trap to avoid: counting on work to fund your studies
For both visas, you must prove your funds before you leave. A student job cannot replace that proof, and it is not enough to pay tuition. See the cost of studying in the UK and in the USA.
UK or USA for work?
- For working during your studies, the UK is more flexible: you can work off campus from the start.
- For experience after graduation, US STEM OPT (up to 36 months) lasts longer than the Graduate Route, but it is limited to your field of study.
Compare every criterion in USA or UK: which to choose?
Want a program that leads to a job? We point you to the fields with the best prospects. See Study in the UK and Study in the USA.
