Are you planning to study in the UK this year? Balancing your academics with professional experience is a top priority for international students. Understanding UK part-time jobs in 2026 and the updated rules for the post-study work visa is critical for your financial planning and long-term career success.
This guide summarises the key work regulations and visa updates international students need to know for the 2026 intake in the UK.
Rules to Work While Studying in the UK 2026
As an international student on a valid UK Student Visa, you have strong legal working rights in the UK. If you enrol in a full-time degree-level program, the government allows you to work while studying in the UK for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time (40+ hours) during official university holidays.
This flexibility can significantly contribute to your living costs while helping you gain valuable UK work experience across sectors such as retail, hospitality, tech, and university administration.
How Much Can You Earn? (April 2026 Wage Updates)
When looking for UK part-time jobs in 2026, it is essential to know your legal earning rights. The UK government has announced significant increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, effective from April 1, 2026. Here is the updated national minimum wage:
- Aged 21 and over: £12.71 per hour.
- Aged 18 to 20: £10.85 per hour.
- Under 18 / Apprentices: £8.00 per hour.
Example: If you are 21 or older and work a maximum of 20 hours a week, you will earn at least £254.20 per week and £1,016 per month. This can help cover essential expenses such as groceries, transport, and utilities by doing UK part-time jobs in 2026.
Recent Changes to the UK Graduate Route
If your goal is to stay and work full-time after your graduation, pay close attention to the latest rules regarding the post-study work visa in the UK.
The government has confirmed upcoming structural changes to the UK graduate route. Previously, this visa granted Master’s and Bachelor’s graduates 2 years to stay and work. However, for applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027, the visa length will be officially reduced to 18 months.
What does this mean for you?
If you join a standard 1-year Master’s program in September 2026, you will graduate in late 2027. Because you will apply for your post-study work visa after the January 2027 deadline, your post-study work visa will be valid for 18 months.
PhD Graduates: Good news! Doctoral students will continue to be eligible for a 3‑year visa under the UK Graduate Route in 2026. They are not affected by the rule change.
Maximising Your Future Career
While the duration for the post-study work visa in the UK is shifting to 18 months for new graduates, the core benefits remain highly attractive. It is an unsponsored visa, meaning you do not need a job offer to apply.
You can work in any sector, at any skill level, or even start your own business. To make the most of your time, start building your corporate network through UK part-time jobs in 2026 so you can transition directly into a high-paying role upon graduation. Networking is essential if you want to build a strong, long‑term career in the UK.
Planning to secure your future in the UK? Navigating university applications, visa rule changes, and finding how to legally work while studying in the UK can feel overwhelming. Aspire Global Pathways (AGP) is here to simplify your journey.
Our British Council-certified counsellors will guide you toward the best universities and ensure your study plan perfectly aligns with the latest visa rules. Contact AGP today for a free profile assessment and secure your 2026 seat!
Below are answers to common questions about working while studying in the UK in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1: How many hours can I work while studying in the UK in 2026?
International students enrolled in full-time degree programs in the UK can legally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university holidays.
2: What is the minimum wage for UK part-time jobs in 2026?
From April 2026, the minimum hourly rate for UK part-time jobs in 2026 will be £12.71 for students aged 21 or over and £10.85 for students aged 18 to 20.
3: How long is the post-study work visa in the UK valid for?
For Master’s and Bachelor’s students graduating and applying on or after January 1, 2027, the visa will be valid for 18 months.
4: Do PhD students get a longer UK graduate route visa?
Yes! The new 18-month rule does not affect PhD graduates; they will continue to receive a 3-year post-study work visa like before.
5: Do I need a job offer to apply for the UK graduate route visa?
No, it is an unsponsored visa. You can apply for it and stay in the UK to actively look for work without having a job offer.