UK Minimum Wage 2026 for International Students: What £12.71 an Hour Really Means on a 20-Hour Cap

The UK minimum wage per hour changed on 1 April 2026, and the new rates matter to anyone planning to study in the UK. International students on a Student visa can only work limited hours, so the hourly rate decides how far part-time pay goes. This guide shows the three rates, what a 20-hour week earns before tax and the work limits that protect your visa. Read it before you accept your first shift.

Quick answer (updated October 2026): From 1 April 2026, the UK minimum wage per hour is £12.71 for ages 21 and over, £10.85 for ages 18–20 and £8.00 for under 18s and apprentices. A 20-hour week at £12.71 is about £254 before tax.

UK Minimum Wage Per Hour in 2026: The Three Rates  

The rate depends on your age, not on whether you are a student. From 1 April 2026, the UK minimum wage 2026 rates are:

1. £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over, known as the National Living Wage

2. £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20

3. £8.00 an hour for under 18s and eligible apprentices

The 21 and over rate is up from £12.21, a rise of 50p, and the 18 to 20 rate is up from £10.00. Most university students are 18 or over, so the first two rates matter most. The UK minimum wage per hour is reviewed every April, so check GOV.UK for the current figure before you accept a job.

What a 20-Hour Week Actually Earns  

Here is what a full 20 hours a week pays at the UK minimum wage 2026 rates. The UK minimum wage per hour sets the pay, but your hours set the total. Weekly pay is 20 multiplied by the rate, and monthly pay is the weekly figure multiplied by 52 and divided by 12.

Age band	Hourly rate	Weekly (20 hours)	Monthly (average)
21 and over	£12.71	£254.20	£1,101.53
18 to 20	£10.85	£217.00	£940.33

These figures are before income tax and National Insurance, which may apply depending on your total earnings. The monthly figure is an average that assumes you work the full cap every week of the year. Real pay varies with term dates, shifts and how many hours employers offer. Student visa work hours are a limit, not a guarantee of work.

Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK: Work Limits  

Part-time jobs in the UK for international students are allowed, but within strict limits. Your student visa work hours depend on your course and sponsor, so check your visa conditions, because the UK minimum wage 2026 rates apply only to the hours you are allowed to work. Most students on a degree-level course can work up to 20 hours a week in term time, while students below degree level can usually work up to 10 hours. During official vacations, you can usually work full time.

The limits are counted week by week, from Monday to Sunday, and hours from different jobs add together. Working more than your permitted hours can put your Student visa at risk. Some types of work are not allowed at all, and self-employment is one of them.

Employers must carry out a right to work check before you start. Part-time jobs in the UK for international students usually follow that step, so keep your documents ready. For help finding part-time jobs, our team can guide you. Always check the current wording on GOV.UK.

Does the Pay Cover Your Living Costs?

Even at the UK minimum wage per hour, part-time pay helps but is not a funding plan. Hours are capped, shifts vary, and jobs can take time to find. Expected earnings from part-time jobs in the UK for international students usually don't count toward the funds you must show for your visa, so plan your budget around your savings and funding first. Compare your likely earnings with the cost of living in the UK for students before you rely on them.

Check the cost of living in the UK for students in your city before you arrive, because rent, travel and food differ across the country. We do not quote figures here, since they change. Our arrival support can help you settle in during your first weeks.

Frequently asked questions  

Is the minimum wage the same for international students?  

Yes. The UK minimum wage rate for 2026 depends on your age, not your visa or student status. It is £12.71 at 21 and over and £10.85 at 18 to 20. Most employers must pay at least the rate for your age band.

How many hours can an international student work in the UK?  

Part-time jobs in the UK for international students follow your visa limits. On a degree-level course, you can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time; below degree level, the usual limit is 10 hours. Check your sponsor's rules.

Can I work full time in the holidays?  

Usually yes, during your institution's official vacation periods, if your visa allows work. Your sponsor sets term time, not your class schedule, so confirm the dates before you plan extra shifts.

Final thoughts  

The UK minimum wage per hour is £12.71 for ages 21 and over, but your 20-hour cap decides what you earn, so plan around the cap and not a full-time income from part-time jobs in the UK for international students. Stay within your visa work limits and confirm the latest rates on GOV.UK before you accept a job. Planning to study in the UK? Book free counselling.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Pay rates are those in force from 1 April 2026, and work limits depend on your course, sponsor and visa conditions. Always confirm current rates and rules on GOV.UK before you accept a job.