The UK Post Study Work Visa: A Complete Guide
The UK has long been a top destination for international students, and one of the key reasons is the opportunity to work after graduation. The UK Post Study Work Visa, officially known as the Graduate Route, allows students to remain in the UK and work for up to two years after completing their degree.
If you’re an international student, this guide explains the latest post-study work visa rules in the UK, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and work opportunities.
Post-Study Work Visa UK eligibility criteria
The UK Post Study Work Visa is designed to help international graduates transition into the UK job market. Unlike the Skilled Worker Visa, it does not require employer sponsorship, offering greater flexibility in job hunting and career development.
To qualify, you must:
Be in the UK at the time of application
Apply before your current student visa expires
Studied for the full duration of your course (at least 12 months in most cases)
Apply with your valid passport, BRP card and CAS reference number.
In addition, your university must have informed the Home Office that you have completed your course. You do not need to wait until you have graduated to apply.
Once you have successfully applied for the UK Post Study Visa it allows you to:
✔️ Work in any role or industry without employer sponsorship
✔️ Look for employment or be self-employed
✔️ Do voluntary work
✔️ Travel in and out of the UK freely
However, there are some restrictions:
❌ You cannot claim public benefits
❌ You cannot work as a professional sportsperson
The visa is valid for two years (or three years for PhD graduates). To stay in the UK beyond this period, you will need to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, which requires securing a job with a salary of at least £38,700.
How much does the UK Post Study Work Visa cost?
The cost of applying for the UK Post-Study Work Visa in 2025 includes:
Application Fee: £822
Healthcare Surcharge: £1,035 per year
This means the total cost for a two-year visa would be around £2,892.
When was the UK Post Study Work Visa introduced?
The Graduate Route was introduced in July 2021 to attract more international students following the UK’s exit from the European Union. It has played a key role in boosting higher education and the economy by allowing skilled graduates to contribute to the workforce.
In 2024, the UK government ordered a review of the visa’s impact due to concerns about immigration levels. The Migration Advisory Council (MAC), an independent body of labour market economists and migration experts, found that the visa is achieving its objectives, with no evidence of significant abuse. As a result, the visa remains in place under the new Labour government, which has confirmed its commitment to the policy, ensuring international students can continue benefiting from it in 2025 and beyond.
What are your career prospects with a Post-Study Work Visa?
If you're considering the UK post-study work visa in 2025, you may wonder about job prospects. Employment data on the Graduate Route up to 2023 shows positive trends:
73% of graduates on the visa were employed at some point during the financial year
61% were in work for at least half of the financial year
62% secured employment within their first month on the visa
The median salary for graduates was £26,460 per year
Top industries hiring graduate visa holders include:
Administrative & Support Services – 25%
Health & Social Work – 16%
Professional, Scientific & Technical Fields – 14%
The Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) surveys all UK university graduates 15 months after graduation to track their career and study progress. The latest Graduate Outcomes survey, published on 23 June 2024, highlights the strong employment prospects for international graduates from the class of 2021/2022:
75% of international graduates were in employment.
70% of those in work secured permanent or open-ended contracts.
91% of international graduates employed in the UK were in medium or high-skilled roles.
10% were self-employed, freelancing, or running their own business.
These figures demonstrate the value of a UK degree in preparing graduates for career success, whether in employment or entrepreneurship.
How to make the most of your university Careers Service
Your university’s Careers Service is a valuable resource designed to help you secure employment after graduation. They have access to exclusive graduate recruitment platforms, where you can find advertised roles tailored to your skills and aspirations. They also organise careers fairs, employer events, and visits from top graduate recruiters—so stay informed about upcoming opportunities and make the most of them.
Beyond job listings, your Careers Service offers one-to-one support to give you a competitive edge. Whether you need help crafting a standout CV, refining job applications, or preparing for interviews and assessment centres, their expert guidance can make a real difference. Best of all, most university Careers Services continue to support graduates for up to three years after graduation. If you don’t land your ideal job straight away, take advantage of their expertise to help you get there.
How to choose the best University for job opportunities
If you’re planning to stay in the UK after graduation, choosing the right university can make a big difference. Here are some factors to consider:
📍 Location matters – Universities in major cities or regions with high employment rates offer better job prospects. Look for institutions near thriving business hubs or growing industries.
🎓 Career Services & employability support – A strong Careers Service can boost your chances of securing a job. Check if they provide:
Internship and placement opportunities
Career fairs and networking events with top employers
Dedicated CV and interview support
💼 Work experience & industry connections – Universities that offer real-world learning experiences, such as consultancy projects, business competitions, or research collaborations, can help you build valuable industry connections.
Don’t forget your scholarship search!
If you’ve identified a shortlist of universities that align with your career goals, the next step is to compare available scholarships. Funding options can make studying in the UK more affordable, reducing financial stress while you focus on your career.
Use our UK Scholarship Finder to explore and compare scholarships that can help support your education.
Good luck with your UK scholarship search!