Part-Time Work at University UK 2026
Working part-time is one of the smartest financial decisions a student can make. Even modest earnings significantly reduce borrowing and improve your CV.
Does Part-Time Income Affect Student Finance?
Your own income does not affect your maintenance loan entitlement. Maintenance loans are assessed on parental or household income, not your personal earnings.
Realistic Earnings at 15 Hours Per Week
| Hours Per Week | Annual Earnings (at £12.21/hr) | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 8 hours | £5,083 | £424 |
| 12 hours | £7,619 | £635 |
| 15 hours | £9,524 | £794 |
15 hours is generally considered the safe maximum for full-time students to protect grades.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students
On-campus roles — libraries, cafeterias and admin understand exam schedules. Apply early as competition is high.
Tutoring — if you have strong grades, platforms like Tutorful connect you with students paying £20 to £50 per hour.
Retail and hospitality — evening and weekend shifts work well around daytime lectures.
Freelance work — design, coding or writing done entirely around your schedule.
Protecting Your Grades
Students working more than 20 hours per week during term time have lower average grades on average. Many work more during holidays and reduce hours during exam periods.
National Living Wage figures are for 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest rates.