PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Increase Working Hour Cap and Allow Independent Work for International Students

Increase the weekly working hour limit for international students from 20 to 28 hours during term time. Allow international students to take part in independent work, so they can engage in modern forms of employment and develop experience relevant to their studies and future careers.

Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 7/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 7/100,000

Background

The government itself states that international students need £1100 to £1600/month for living expenses. Students are struggling to meet essential needs, such as housing and food, while staying within a 20h cap. 
Restricting independent work prevents students from taking part in flexible forms of employment that align with today’s market.
If the UK wants the best and brightest it must allow students to work enough to cover their basic needs, creating competitiveness as a global study destination.