How the minimum wage applies to students
There is no special “student rate” for the National Minimum Wage in England and Wales. If a student is working and is classed as a worker, they are entitled to the same minimum wage as anyone else of their age. What matters is the person’s age and, in some cases, whether they are an apprentice, not the fact that they are a student.
The one important exception is that genuine student internships or work placements that form a required part of a UK further or higher education course (up to a maximum of one year) do not attract the minimum wage. Unpaid voluntary work for certain charities and voluntary organisations is also outside the rules. Beyond those situations, a working student is entitled to at least the rate for their age.
Current rates from 1 April 2025
The hourly minimum wage rates that apply are as follows.
National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over: £12.21.
18 to 20 year old rate: £10.00.
16 to 17 year old rate: £7.55.
Apprentice rate: £7.55. This applies to apprentices who are under 19, or who are 19 or over but in the first year of their apprenticeship. An apprentice aged 19 or over who has completed the first year of the apprenticeship moves onto the ordinary rate for their age.
How this works for students of different ages
A student aged 21 or over is entitled to the National Living Wage of £12.21 per hour.
A student aged 18, 19 or 20 is entitled to at least £10.00 per hour.
A student aged 16 or 17 who is above compulsory school age and working is entitled to at least £7.55 per hour.
A student who is also an apprentice is entitled to at least the apprentice rate of £7.55 if under 19, or in the first year of the apprenticeship, and otherwise the rate for their age.
Practical points to check
The rate is set by the worker’s age, and it changes automatically when they move into a new age band, for example on their 18th or 21st birthday. Employers must apply the higher rate from the start of the next pay reference period after the birthday.
Deductions and how pay is calculated can affect whether the minimum wage is actually being met. If an employer provides accommodation, only a limited amount can be counted towards minimum wage pay, capped by the accommodation offset of £10.66 per day.
If you believe you are being paid below the correct rate, keep your payslips, contract and records of hours worked. You can raise it with the employer first, and if that does not resolve matters you can report underpayment to HMRC, which enforces the minimum wage, or bring a claim in the employment tribunal for unlawful deduction from wages. ACAS can advise on the process before any tribunal claim.
This answer draws on broad legal knowledge and checks current law, guidance and procedure against relevant sources.
The National Minimum Wage in 2025 - GOV.UKgov.ukThe National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2025legislation.gov.ukNational Living Wage increases to £12.21 - GOV.UKgov.ukNational Living Wage to increase to £12.21 in April 2025 - GOV.UKgov.ukKNOW WHERE YOU STAND
Ready to stop guessing?
The above is just an example answer. Sign up now to get personalised guidance and ask follow-up questions based on your own situation. Bring your legal issue, your contract, or your question. Lawyer Destroyer gives you clear, practical guidance so you can move forward with confidence.