This guide covers the rules: hours, pay and what your visa allows. For the jobs students usually find and what they pay, see part-time jobs for international students.
Work Rights on a UK Student Visa
- You can work up to 20 hours per week during term time
- You can work full-time during official university vacation periods
- You cannot be self-employed or work as a freelancer or contractor (GOV.UK)
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
Exceeding 20 hours per week during term time is a serious breach of your visa conditions; your visa can be cancelled and future applications affected. Always track your hours carefully.
Common Part-Time Jobs for Nepali Students
- Restaurant/hospitality — tips can significantly boost earnings; South Asian restaurants often actively look for Nepali staff
- Supermarket and retail — Tesco, Asda, and Lidl regularly hire student workers
- Delivery driving/cycling — Deliveroo, Uber Eats: usually self-employed work, which Student visa holders cannot do
- Care worker — good hourly rates, especially NHS-contracted roles
- University campus jobs — libraries, cafeterias, student union bars, IT helpdesks; convenient and often term-time friendly
How to Find Part-Time Work
- Visit your university's Student Employment Service (most universities have one)
- Check Indeed, Totaljobs, and Reed for part-time roles near campus
- Ask at local restaurants, cafes, and shops directly (many don't advertise)
- Join your university's Nepali/South Asian student society — word of mouth is powerful for finding jobs quickly
Keep reading: Pre-departure checklist · UK cost of living in NPR · Student life in the UK page