UK Graduate Route and Post-Study Work Visa: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

The UK Graduate Route visa, also known as the Post‑Study Work Visa, is one of the most important pathways for international students who want to build a career in the UK after completing their studies. It offers flexibility, independence from employer sponsorship, and a valuable opportunity to gain UK work experience. With upcoming changes in 2027, this guide provides everything you need to know to plan effectively.

What is the Graduate Route visa?

The Graduate Route visa is the UK’s main post‑study work visa designed for international students. It allows those who have successfully completed a UK degree to remain in the country to work, look for work, or even start their own business.

Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate Route does not require employer sponsorship, a minimum salary threshold, or a job offer before applying. This flexibility makes it one of the most attractive options for international graduates. Holders can take up jobs at any skill level, pursue internships, or explore self‑employment opportunities — giving them valuable time to build careers or entrepreneurial ventures in the UK.ties.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for the Graduate Route visa, international students must meet several conditions:

  • Valid Student visa: You must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application.

  • Compliance with visa conditions: You must have followed all visa rules during your studies, including attendance and work restrictions.

  • Successful completion: Your university must confirm that you have successfully completed your degree.

  • Licensed institution: Your university must be a licensed Student sponsor with a track record of compliance.

Degree levels

  • Bachelor’s degree: Eligible for 2 years of stay (see upcoming changes below).

  • Master’s degree: Eligible for 2 years of stay (see upcoming changes below).

  • PhD/Doctoral degree: Eligible for 3 years of stay.

Visa status

  • Must hold a valid Student visa at the time of application.

  • Must have complied with visa conditions during study.

Institution requirements

  • Your university must be a licensed Student sponsor.

  • The institution must confirm successful completion of your course.

Dependants

  • Dependants are eligible only if they were dependants on your Student visa during your course.

Duration and upcoming changes

  • Current duration: 2 years for Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates.

  • Change from January 2027: Reduced to 18 months (2 years for PhD graduates).

  • Strategic timing: Students starting in January 2026 are the last to qualify for the full 2 years.

Timeline of changes

  • 2021: Graduate Route introduced.

  • 2025: Policy change confirmed.

  • 2027: Implementation of reduced duration.

Application process

Step‑by‑step guide

  1. Confirm award: Ensure your university has updated your record.

  2. Prepare documents: Passport, BRP/eVisa, award confirmation.

  3. Apply online via the official UK visa portal.

  4. Pay fees: Application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

  5. Provide biometrics: Either via app or visa centre.

  6. Await decision: Typically processed within weeks.

Common mistakes

  • Applying before award confirmation.

  • Incorrect document details.

  • Delayed payment of fees.

Costs and financial planning

  • Application fee: Payable at submission.

  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Covers access to NHS services.

  • Living costs: Accommodation, food, transport, and job search expenses.

Work permissions

  • Permitted: Full‑time, part‑time, internships, self‑employment (with restrictions).

  • Not required: No sponsorship or minimum salary threshold.

  • Restrictions: Cannot extend beyond maximum duration; no access to public funds.

Examples of Graduate Route jobs

  • Entry‑level roles in tech, finance, healthcare, and education.

  • Internships leading to permanent positions.

  • Freelance or entrepreneurial projects.

Transition to other UK work visas

Skilled Worker Visa

  • Requires sponsorship from a licensed employer.

  • Minimum salary thresholds apply.

  • Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable.

Global Talent Visa

  • Requires endorsement from approved bodies.

  • No job offer required.

  • Duration: Up to 5 years.

Scale‑up Visa

  • For high‑growth companies.

  • Initial sponsorship required, then unsponsored work permitted.

Other pathways

  • Innovator Founder visa.

  • Health and Care visa.

  • Start‑up visa.


What are your career prospects with a Post-Study Work Visa?

If you're considering the UK post-study work visa in 2026, 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 in July 2025, highlights the strong employment prospects for international graduates from the class of 2022/2023:

  • 88% of graduates (that’s UK and international) were in some form of work or further study 15 months after finishing their degree. This is slightly down from previous years (89% in 2021/22 and 90% in 2020/21).

  • For international graduates, full-time employment fell from 59% to 58%, and unemployment increased from 9% to 11%.

Regional opportunities

  • London: Finance, tech, creative industries.

  • Manchester: Digital, media, engineering.

  • Birmingham: Manufacturing, healthcare.

  • Edinburgh: Finance, research, education.

International comparisons

  • Australia: Post‑study work visas up to 4 years.

  • Canada: Post‑Graduation Work Permit up to 3 years.

  • USA: OPT program up to 3 years for STEM graduates.

Common pitfalls

  • Delays in award confirmation.

  • Visa timing gaps.

  • Assuming extensions are possible.

  • Ignoring salary thresholds for Skilled Worker visa.

FAQs

  • Can I extend the Graduate Route visa? No.

  • Do I need a job offer to apply? No.

  • Can I be self‑employed? Yes, with restrictions depending on your profession.

  • Can my dependants join me? Only if they were dependants on your Student visa.

  • Can I switch to Skilled Worker visa? Yes, if you meet requirements.

  • Is the Graduate Route open to January 2026 intake? Yes, and it is the last intake eligible for the full 2 years.

Timeline planning

  • January vs September intakes: January 2026 intake is the last to qualify for the full 2 years.

  • Milestones: Offer acceptance, CAS issuance, program start/completion, award confirmation, visa application.