Employment – working during
your studies
Tier 4 Students

You are allowed to work in the UK if;
o
your Entry Clearance visa in your passport states ‘Work limited as per PBS rules’ OR
o
your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) states ‘Work 10 hrs max in term-time’ or
‘Work 20 hrs max in term-time’
If these statements do not appear on your visa, check with the International Office if you are able to work.
The PBS rules allow Tier 4 students to work within the following limits;
Type of student:
Term-time:
Vacations:
Degree
20 hours maximum per week
Full-time
Postgraduate
20 hours maximum per week
20 hours maximum per week all year
round, as programmes do not include
long vacations.
Pre-sessional
10 hours maximum per week
Full-time
International Foundation
10 hours maximum per week
Full-time
Programme
The University of Bristol recommends students work no more than 15 hours per week during term-time
in order to leave sufficient time for academic study
Types of work Tier 4 students must not undertake
All students must not engage in business, be self-employed, provide services as a professional sportsperson
or entertainer, or pursue a career by filling a permanent vacancy.
Finding work
The Careers Service has specific information for international students on how to find and gain a job
www.bris.ac.uk/careers/intstuds/index.asp
National Insurance (NI) number
You should apply for a NI number if you have started, or are about to start work. To make an appointment for
an interview, telephone JobCentre Plus on 0845 600 0643. For further information please see the Careers
Service website; www.bris.ac.uk/careers/jobshop/nin.asp
Voluntary Work
Voluntary work is a useful way to gain valuable work experience, useful knowledge, develop strengths and
skills, meet people in Bristol and find out about our business culture. It can enhance your CV if you plan to look
for work in the UK. Within the immigration rules, voluntary work is considered in the same way as paid work
and is included in the number of hours you are allowed to work. There are many opportunities for voluntary
work in Bristol:
Student Community Action (SCA) is based in the Student’s Union and has opportunities for helping at one
event to a regular commitment: www.ubu.org.uk/activities/volunteering/getinvolved/
Bristol Volunteering – helps volunteers find suitable volunteering positions in the city.
Tel: 0117 989 7733, Email: info@volunteerbristol.org.uk, www.bristolvolunteers.org.uk/
Other local organisations include:
At-Bristol
www.at-bristol.org.uk/volunteer.html
Bristol Zoo Gardens
www.bristolzoo.org.uk/volunteer
University Hospitals Bristol
www.uhbristol.nhs.uk/work-for-us/volunteering/
National organisations include:
Volunteering England
www.volunteering.org.uk/
Citizens Advice Bureau
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/join-us.htm
European Economic Area (EEA) Students
Students from countries within the EEA are able to work without any restrictions on the number of hours.
However, all students, regardless of nationality, are bound by the University regulations for students regarding
working during their course of study and you are expected to work no more than 15 hours per week during
term-time in order to leave sufficient time for academic study.
Student Visitor Visas
Those on student visitor visas are not allowed to work, this means you cannot undertake paid or unpaid
employment (including voluntary work) or work placements which are part of your course.
International Advice and Support Centre
3rd Floor, Richmond Building, Queens Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LN
Tel: +44 (0) 117 331 8572. Fax: +44 (0) 117 331 8556
Email: os-as@bristol.ac.uk
bristol.ac.uk/international-office
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