International Student Life

If you are a full-time student on a student visa, you can work whilst you are in the UK and still be actively enrolled and engaged with your studies. If you hold a Short-term study visa or any other visitor-type visa, you cannot work at all.

In most cases, your BRP (or your online immigration status on the UKVI website) will state how many hours you can work. The typical allowances are as follows:

Undergraduate students

• 20 hours a week during term-time 
• Full-time hours during the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays 
• Full-time hours between successfully completing the course and your visa expiring (wrap-up period)

Postgraduate Taught students

• 20 hours a week during term-time 
• Full-time during the Christmas and Easter holidays
• Full-time hours between successfully completing the course and your visa expiring (wrap-up period)
• No summer holiday for these students (* please see the exceptions below)

Postgraduate Research students' typical allowance

• 20 hours a week during term-time
• Full-time hours between successfully completing the course and your visa expiring (wrap-up period)
• No holiday periods throughout the study, although you may have written permission of your Director of Studies to engage in full-time employment 

Studying below the degree level

• 10 hours a week during term-time
• Full-time hours during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays
• Full-time hours between successfully completing the course and your visa expiring (wrap-up period)

To see the current academic calendar for the term dates, visit our key dates webpage.

Wrap-up period is the period between your award being confirmed at an academic board and your visa expiring. If you have no studies or modules to engage with during the summer holiday or your wrap-up period, then you can work full-time only once you have been confirmed as ‘completed in program’ for all assessments at an academic board.

*Please note that some postgraduate 18-month programs may be eligible for a summer holiday. The eligible students will be contacted and issued with an updated confirmation of student status letter, reflecting the holiday period.

If your course includes a mandatory work placement that is an assessed part of your course, then you can work full-time hours on the placement during term-time. Whilst on the work placement you will continue to be monitored for attendance and must report any absences to your placement supervisor at both your organisation and the university. You can continue to work 10/20 hours a week during term-time in work not related to your studies.

If the placement is in any way optional or not assessed, then you can only work under the same conditions listed in the table above.

The following work is prohibited, regardless of whether it is part-time or full-time:

• A full-time permanent vacancy (the employment must be temporary)
• Self-employment or engaging in business activity
• A doctor or dentist in training
• Professional sportsperson or entertainer

Engaging in business activity is defined as “working for a business in which you have a financial or other significant beneficial interest in a capacity other than as an employee”. Self-employment is included in this. Examples of this would be:

• Setting up a business as a sole trader or under a partnership arrangement and that business is either trading or establishing a trading presence
• Being employed by a company in which you hold shares or 10% or more (including where the shares are held in trust for you)
• Working for a company where you also hold a statutory role, such as a director

You may choose to work online during your studies, allowing you to take up employment either within the UK or internationally. This flexibility is advantageous and convenient, particularly for managing your time and commitments. However, it is crucial to adhere to the regulations regarding working hours for international students. During term time, you must ensure you do not exceed the number of hours you are permitted to work, as specified by your visa conditions. Overstepping these limits can have serious repercussions on your immigration status and your ability to continue your studies. Always stay informed about your work restrictions and manage your employment accordingly to avoid any potential issues.

Voluntary work is separate, but it is subject to the same restrictions as paid employment. Examples of differences are as follows:

• Voluntary workers will usually have a contract that requires them to perform the work. Usually to attend at particular times and carry out specific tasks. The employer would usually be contractually required to provide the work
• A voluntary worker is usually remunerated for their work (for example, getting free or highly discounted accommodation while working)
• Volunteers do not have a contract nor any obligation to work specified hours
• Volunteers will not be remunerated, although they may sometimes receive reasonable travel expenses
• Volunteers usually help a charity or voluntary or public sector organisation
• Voluntary hours are in addition to paid hours, therefore the maximum total number of 10/20 hours per week during term time will apply. For example, if you have worked 15 hours for your paid job in a week, then you will only be allowed to undertake a maximum of 5 volunteering hours within the same week

You must report any error you notice on your BRP/e-visa to UKVI immediately. You have to complete the online form on the government's website. 

Once UKVI sends you an email acknowledging and confirming the error, the BRP (if you still have a physical BRP) will need to be posted to them for a new one to be created.

You must report any error you notice on your BRP/e-visa to UKVI immediately. You have to complete the online form on the government's website. 

Once UKVI sends you an email acknowledging and confirming the error, the BRP (if you still have a physical BRP) will need to be posted to them for a new one to be created.

There is a time limit (or ‘cap’) on how long you can be in the UK on a Student visa. You must provide the University with details of any previous courses you have studied in the UK and under what visa categories to ensure that you can study at Derby without worrying about the time limit. The time limit depends on what courses you have studied and/or will be studying in the UK.

Time limit for study below degree level?

The time limit for University of Derby available courses that you can study at below the degree level (RQF level 5 or below) is two years. This includes courses such as the International Foundation Programme, HNDs and Foundation degrees. Any course that leads to a qualification at or below RQF level 5 is included in this time limit.

Time limit for study at or above degree level?

The time limit for any study undertaken at degree level (RQF level 6) is five years. This primarily applies to undergraduate courses such as Bachelor's degrees. Students undertaking a Postgraduate or Research course will have to comply with the course length limitations specified in the University's Academic Regulations. 

UKVI count in months and will include the total length of your visa when calculating the time limit. This includes the extra periods that are granted after the end of your course. Please use the above table for reference.

Are there any exceptions?

Any time spent in the UK studying courses in the following subject areas will be exempt:

• Architecture
• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine and Science
• Certain Music and professional Law courses

The only eligible courses at Derby are those within the Architecture subject area.

If applying for a visa means you will be over the time limit then you may not be able to apply for another Student visa. You will need to speak to an adviser with regards to your options. Please email InternationalCompliance@derby.ac.uk for further discussion.

Below degree-level study

Please note that you can only switch courses in the UK if you are studying at degree-level or above (Bachelor, Masters, Research). If you are studying the International Foundation Programme or a two-year Foundation degree and wish to switch courses you will have to return to your home country to apply for a new visa.

Degree-level study – switch to a course that is the same level but is shorter

You can switch courses as long as they are linked as mentioned at the top of this section. UKVI will be informed that your new course is shorted, which will lead to your visa being shortened, which will shorten your overall visa. Your new wrap-up period will start from when the new course is due to be completed.

If the courses are not linked, you will have to apply for a new Student visa from outside of the UK.

Degree-level study – switch to a course that is the same level and length

You can switch courses as long as they are linked as mentioned at the top of this section. UKVI will be informed that you have switched to a new course, but no further action will be taken.

If the courses are not linked you will have to apply for a new Student visa from outside of the UK.

Degree-level study – switch to a course that is the same level but is longer

You will need to apply for a new Student visa to cover the new course end date. This can be done in the UK within three months of your original visa expiry date but only if you are switching to the version of a course that includes a mandatory work placement year. Otherwise you will have to apply for a new visa outside of the UK.

Degree-level study – switch to a course that is at a higher level

You will not be able to switch to a course that is at a higher level before you have successfully completed your current course. Upon successful completion of your current course, you will be able to apply for further education and for a new visa that will allow you to study your new course. This is not seen as a switch in your course, but a progression in your studies.

Degree-level study – switch to a course that is at a lower level

This will not be allowed to switch in the UK. You will have to apply for a new visa from outside of the UK if the course change is allowed.

If you withdraw from your course, either by your choice or the decision of the university, your withdrawal will be reported to UKVI, who will then begin the process of cancelling your visa. Cancelling is the act of shortening a visa. UKVI will send you a letter to confirm that your visa has been cancelled and will expire in 60 days, regardless of how much time you originally had left. The university will email you before you are reported.

What happens if I decide to take a break from my studies?

If you decide to take a leave of absence or an authorised break for more than 60 days due to personal, financial, or academic reasons, then this will also be reported to UKVI. Similar to a withdrawal, you must return to your home country as your visa will be cancelled within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

What if there is a break in studies because there are no modules running?

You may be in a situation where you have an involuntary break in your studies. This could likely be caused because you have to repeat previously failed modules in order to continue with your course and they are not running until the next semester. If you are in this situation, where you are not enrolled on any modules for a semester, it is similar to a leave of absence, and this will also be reported to UKVI. You must return to your home country as your visa will be cancelled and will expire within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

When does the 60-day countdown begin?

We cannot predict when the 60 days will begin as it depends on how long it takes for the UKVI to issue the cancellation letter to you. Therefore, we strongly advise that you count 60 days from the date that we email you.

What if I complete my course early?

If you complete your course earlier than the date that was originally given in your CAS, this will be reported to UKVI as well. Your visa will be cancelled, but you will still be entitled to the “wrap-up period” and your visa will expire two months (if your course was less than 12 months long) or four months (if your course is 12 months or longer) after your new course end date. You will receive an email before you are reported so you should use the date of the email to countdown to your new expiry date.

If you decide to take a leave of absence or an authorised break for more than 60 days due to personal, financial, or academic reasons, then this will also be reported to UKVI. Similar to a withdrawal, you must return to your home country as your visa will be cancelled and will expire within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

You may be in a situation where you have an involuntary break in your studies. This could likely be caused because you have to repeat previously failed modules in order to continue with your course and they are not running until the next semester. If you are in this situation, where you are not enrolled on any modules for a semester, it is similar to a leave of absence, and this will also be reported to UKVI. You must return to your home country as your visa will be cancelled and will expire within 60 days. The university will email you before you are reported.

We cannot predict when the 60 days will begin as it depends on how long it takes for the UKVI to issue the cancellation letter to you. Therefore, we strongly advise that you count 60 days from the date that we email you.

If you complete your course earlier than the date that was originally given in your CAS, this will be reported to UKVI as well. Your visa will be cancelled, but you will still be entitled to the “wrap-up period” and your visa will expire two months (if your course was less than 12 months long) or four months (if your course is 12 months or longer) after your new course end date. You will receive an email before you are reported so you should use the date of the email to countdown to your new expiry date.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa is a single visa that allows travel to 26 countries. To see the countries listed on the Travelling to the EU and Schengen area websites, please follow the government's information. 

What type of Schengen visa do I need?

There are three types of visas that you could apply for, depending on your circumstances.

• Short Stay visa: This is the most common type of visa and what you are most likely to use. This is for you if you are travelling within the Schengen area as a tourist or attending a conference. This visa is valid for up to three months in any six-month period
• Airport Transit visa: If you are going through the international transit area of an airport of a Schengen member state, but are not going to leave this area before you fly on to your next destination
• Transit visa: If you are passing through one or more Schengen member states on your way to another country outside the Schengen zone

How do I apply?

You will need to download the application form from the embassy of the country you are travelling to. If you are travelling to multiple countries, then the country where you will spend the majority of your time, otherwise the country that you will travel to first.

Each country is different, so you may be required to post the application or apply in person at one of their offices in London or a consulate in another city. You can find the list of British embassies, high commissions or consulates on the government's dedicated webpage.

How long will it take to process the application?

Usually around four weeks. You must ensure that you give yourself enough time to apply so as not to miss your trip. You can apply up to three months before you are due to travel.

Can I travel after I have completed my studies?

Most countries will require you to have at least six months left on your visa, so you could face difficulties if you decide to travel after you have completed your course. You will need to check with the relevant embassy.

Please note that the travel letter cannot be provided as there is no studies left to return in the UK for. Therefore, travelling after studying is a decision for students to consider.

What documents will I need?

This will also vary between countries, but in general you will need the following:

• A completed application form
• Your passport or travel document
• Photograph(s)
• Purpose of the visit (this will be a letter from your course leader if the visit is related to your course, an invitation letter if visiting family or evidence of bookings or reservations if tourism)
• Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your trip. In most cases this will be bank statements covering the last three months
• Medical and travel insurance covering around €30,000
• A letter from the university confirming your student status, which you can request by following the link to Travel Authorisation Letter Request

If you would like to travel during term time, you would need to submit a travel authorisation form to get a travel letter from the university. Please find the link to the Travel Authorisation Letter Request. Please be aware that your travel letter request could be rejected. We strongly advise you not to book any non-refundable travel tickets before you receive our approval.

We can only offer a CAS for a Student visa extension if the modules you are retaking require you to attend on-campus classes or be present on campus to complete assessments. The International Student Compliance Team will make this assessment when processing the CAS request. If you are an undergraduate student, the extension of your Student visa should be within the 5-year maximum period of study.

We can only issue a CAS to extend your visa in the UK if there are no gaps in your studies. Therefore, if you need to retake a module and there is a gap of a semester between your visa expiring and the start of your retake module, this will be considered a gap in your studies. In this case, you will need to leave the UK and apply for a new visa to return closer to the start date of your retake module.

Can I extend my visa if the graduation ceremony takes place after my visa expires?

We cannot extend the visa for you to attend the ceremony as you are not required to attend any on-campus classes or present on campus to complete assessments. You can explore other visa options, such as the Standard Visitor visa to let you re-enter the UK.

Can I extend my visa if I have a work placement to do?

If you are required to add a work placement to your programme of study, you must ensure that the mandatory work placement is an approved and assessed part of your programme. Once the work placement is approved, you may need to apply to extend your student visa to complete your studies. You will only be able to obtain a CAS within the 3 months prior to your visa expiry date when you apply to extend your stay in the UK.

Can I extend my Student visa if I wish to start a new course after completing my course?

You will be able to extend your current Student visa if the start date of your new course of studies is not more than 28 days after the end of your current visa. If the start date is later, you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

How do I apply for visa extension?

You will receive a notification 3 months before your visa expiry date, however to apply for a CAS to extend your current Student visa or if you require further information, please email to visa@derby.ac.uk. Please be mindful that you can only apply for a CAS within the 3 months before your current visa expires if you will apply for visa extension inside the UK, or 6 months before your current visa expires if you will apply for a new visa to switch or return on your course from outside the UK.

Do I need to meet the maintenance requirement when applying for a Student visa extension?

If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date you will be applying to obtain your CAS, or if you are a national of a country listed on the government page (please access the government page on money you need), you will automatically meet the financial requirement.

If you have been in the UK less than 12 months or, if you are currently outside the UK, you will need to prove you have enough money to support yourself, unless you are a national of a country listed on the government page. Please refer to the government's website for more information of Maintenance funds. 

Additionally, there is the requirement to adhere to academic progression.

For further useful resources, the government's page on extending your visa as well as UKCISA providing information on applying in the UK.

If you are required to add a work placement to your programme of study, you must ensure that the mandatory work placement is an approved and assessed part of your programme. Once the work placement is approved, you may need to apply to extend your student visa to complete your studies. You will only be able to obtain a CAS within the 3 months prior to your visa expiry date when you apply to extend your stay in the UK.

We cannot extend the visa for you to attend the ceremony as you are not required to attend any on-campus classes or present on campus to complete assessments. You can explore other visa options, such as the Standard Visitor visa to let you re-enter the UK.

You will be able to extend your current Student visa if the start date of your new course of studies is not more than 28 days after the end of your current visa. If the start date is later, you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

You will receive a notification 3 months before your visa expiry date, however, to apply for a CAS to extend your current Student visa or if you require further information, please email visa@derby.ac.uk. Please be mindful that you can only apply for a CAS within the 3 months before your current visa expires if you will apply for a visa extension inside the UK, or 6 months before your current visa expires if you apply for a new visa to switch or return on your course from outside the UK.

If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date you will be applying to obtain your CAS, or if you are a national of a country listed on the government page you will automatically meet the financial requirement.

If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months or, if you are currently outside the UK, you will need to prove you have enough money to support yourself, unless you are a national of a country listed on the government page, which can also be used for more information on Maintenance funds. 

Additionally, there is a requirement to adhere to academic progression.

For further information on extending your student visa, please refer to the government's webpage. The UKCISA also provide additional information about applying in the UK via the student route.