Working in the UK

If you are an EEA or Swiss national, you are free to take employment without having to obtain permission. If you are from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia or Slovenia (Accession State Nationals) you are required to register if you want to work under the Accession State Registration Scheme.

Most non-EEA international students on a course of six months or more can work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time and unlimited hours during University vacation time. It is important that you don’t let your studies suffer. In reality most postgraduates find that 7-8 hours per week is the most they can do.

Postgraduate students who are interested in working part-time during their studies should contact the International Student Office for advice. Please contact Vivien van den Berg by email, internationalcornwall@exeter.ac.uk or call 01326 253731 , if you require further clarification on when you are entitled to work more than the maximum of 20 hours per week.

For further information check out the UKCISA information sheet on this topic: http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/student/eea_work.php.

Cornwall is a service-led region so there is part-time work available in shops, hotels and restaurants, etc. in Penryn, Falmouth and the surrounding area. The Careers Advisory Service which is located within Student Services in the Annex can assist you in finding part-time work locally. However please think carefully about how much time you can spare from your studies. You must not risk failing the course or delaying submission of work because of your part-time job.

Can my husband/wife work whilst I study in the UK?

If you, as the student, are allowed to stay in the UK for 12 months or more, then your husband/wife joining you in the UK should be given a passport stamp, which allows him or her to work. This work can be full or part-time. They will not be required to obtain a work permit.

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