UK Graduate Route Visa: Everything international students need to know

Last updated 28 October 2026.

The UK Graduate Route visa, also known as the Post-Study Work Visa, allows eligible international students to remain in the UK after successfully completing an eligible degree. It provides an opportunity to gain work experience, search for employment and begin building a career in the UK without needing employer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route.

The UK Graduate Route visa (also known as the Post Study Work Visa or Graduate visa) allows eligible international students to stay and work in the UK after completing their degree.

Most bachelor's and master's graduates currently receive up to two years, while PhD graduates receive three years.

From January 2027, however, the Graduate Route for most bachelor's and master's graduates will reduce to 18 months, making this an important consideration for students planning to study in the UK.

This guide explains who is eligible, how long the visa lasts, what the new rules mean, and how to apply.

How long does the UK Graduate Route Visa last?

Up until the end of 2026 most graduates receive:

• 2 years after completing a Bachelor's degree

• 2 years after completing a Master's degree

• 3 years after completing a PhD

There is no employer sponsorship required.

Applications must normally be made before your Student visa expires. The rules change from January 2027.

Can international students stay in the UK after graduation?

Yes. International students who complete a degree at a UK university can apply for the Graduate Route visa. This allows them to stay in the UK for two years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or three years after a PhD, and work without employer sponsorship.

In September 2019, the UK government announced plans to reintroduce the two-year post-study work visa as the new "Graduate Route." It was formally launched in July 2021 as part of the government's International Education Strategy, designed to make the UK more competitive for international students and help employers retain skilled graduates.

The Graduate Route has proven enormously popular since its reintroduction, but policy is shifting again. From January 2027, the visa duration for bachelor's and master's graduates will be reduced from two years to 18 months, making the September 2026 intake the last cohort eligible for the full two-year route.

What is the UK Post Study Work Visa?

The PSW visa (Post-Study Work visa) is the former name for the UK Graduate Route visa. It allows international students who complete a UK degree to stay and work in the UK for two years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or three years after a PhD.

The Graduate Route visa is the UK’s new 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.

UK Graduate Route visa: eligibility, duration, costs and 2027 changes

The UK Graduate Route visa allows eligible international students to stay in the UK after completing an eligible course, giving them time to work, look for employment or gain professional experience without needing an employer to sponsor them.

However, the rules are changing. From 1 January 2027, the standard Graduate visa duration for most non-doctoral graduates will fall from two years to 18 months. In its October 2026 Budget, the government also announced plans to extend the visa to two years for graduates from high-compliance universities where there are strong labour market outcomes.

The detailed criteria for this new provision have not yet been published, so students should not assume that their university or course will qualify.

This guide explains the current eligibility requirements, how long graduates can stay, the application process and costs, and what the announced changes could mean for international students planning to study in the UK

What is the UK Graduate Route visa?

The Graduate Route, commonly called the Graduate visa, is a UK immigration route for eligible international students who have successfully completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider.

It allows graduates to remain in the UK for a limited period to work, look for work or gain experience. Unlike the Skilled Worker route, it does not normally require a job offer or employer sponsorship when you apply.

The Graduate Route is not a direct route to settlement. If you want to remain in the UK after your permission expires, you will generally need to qualify for another immigration route.

You can find the latest official requirements on the UK government's Graduate visa guidance.

How long does the Graduate Route visa last?

The duration depends on the qualification you complete and when you apply. The government has also announced a future provision for certain graduates of high-compliance universities.

Eligible bachelor's and master's graduates applying for the Graduate Route by 31 December 2026 can receive a two-year visa. Under the published standard rules, the duration falls to 18 months for eligible bachelor's and master's graduates applying from 1 January 2027. However, the October 2026 Budget announced a two-year visa for graduates who qualify under a new provision for high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes, although the detailed eligibility criteria are still awaited. PhD and other doctoral graduates remain eligible for a three-year Graduate visa under the published rules.

The two-year provision announced in the Budget is not a blanket entitlement for graduates of every UK university. The government has referred to high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes, but further information is needed to establish which institutions and graduates will qualify.

The existing published rules provide for a three-year Graduate visa for doctoral graduates. The announced reduction in the standard duration does not reduce this to two years.

When does the 2027 change apply?

The standard reduction applies to the date you apply for the Graduate visa, not the date you begin your course.

Under the published rules, eligible non-doctoral graduates who apply by 31 December 2026 can receive two years' permission. Applications made from 1 January 2027 fall under the 18-month standard duration.

This means that starting a course before 2027 does not, by itself, guarantee a two-year Graduate visa. For example, a student beginning a one-year master's degree in September 2026 would usually finish in 2027 and apply after the new standard duration takes effect.

The new Budget announcement may provide a two-year option for qualifying graduates, but the criteria and arrangements need to be clarified before students can establish whether they will benefit.

For the latest position, check the official Graduate visa guidance.

Graduate Route eligibility requirements

The Graduate Route is available to eligible international students who meet the relevant immigration and course requirements. A job offer is not required, but completing a UK degree alone does not automatically guarantee eligibility.

You will generally need to meet the following conditions:

• Be in the UK when you apply. Graduate visa applications must be made from within the UK.

• Hold eligible immigration permission. You must have permission as a Student or under the relevant previous Tier 4 (General) Student route when applying.

• Have completed an eligible course. Your qualification and study must meet the Graduate Route requirements.

• Have studied with an eligible provider. Your education provider must meet the relevant sponsorship and compliance requirements.

• Have your successful course completion reported. Your university or education provider must have told the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course.

You do not have to wait until your graduation ceremony or until you receive your degree certificate. However, you must wait until your education provider has confirmed your successful completion to the Home Office.

If you are uncertain about your eligibility, speak to your university's international student advice team before applying.

Which qualifications are eligible?

The Graduate Route covers eligible UK bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, doctoral qualifications and certain other eligible courses.

The duration is determined by the qualification and the rules applicable when you apply. A higher qualification held previously does not necessarily determine the duration of your Graduate visa; the relevant course you have completed is what matters under the rules.

If you are studying a course that does not lead to a conventional bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, check the official eligibility guidance carefully. Some other qualifications can qualify, but eligibility depends on the specific course and the applicable rules.

University and course requirements

Your university or education provider must meet the requirements for the Graduate Route. In particular, the published rules require the applicant to have been sponsored by an eligible Student sponsor that is a higher education provider with a track record of compliance.

This is important for students considering private providers, pathway programmes or specialist institutions. Do not assume that every institution offering a course in the UK will support a Graduate visa application.

The new two-year provision announced in the October 2026 Budget introduces a further distinction. The government has said that graduates from high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes will be eligible for an extended two-year duration. However, it has not yet published the detailed criteria needed to determine which institutions or graduates will qualify.

Until the government provides further details, students should treat this as an announced policy rather than a confirmed entitlement linked to a particular university.

Can your dependants stay in the UK?

Your partner and children may be able to apply to stay in the UK as your dependants on the Graduate Route, subject to the applicable requirements.

In general, dependants must already have permission as your dependants under the Student route to qualify for the Graduate Route. There are limited exceptions, so the rules should be checked against your circumstances.

You cannot assume that a partner or child who was not eligible as your Student dependant can simply join you when you switch to the Graduate Route.

If your family circumstances have changed during your studies, check the current government guidance or obtain regulated immigration advice before applying.

How to apply for a Graduate visa

Applications are made online through the UK government's official service. The key steps are:

1. Check your course completion. Ask your university whether it has reported your successful completion to the Home Office. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony, but you cannot apply before the completion notification has been made.

2. Check your immigration status. You must apply while your Student visa or relevant Tier 4 permission remains valid.

3. Prepare your details and documents. You will need your passport or other accepted identity document and the information required for your UKVI application. The precise process depends on your circumstances.

4. Complete the online application. Follow the instructions on the official Graduate visa application page.

5. Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. The applicable charges are payable as part of the application process.

6. Complete identity checks. You may be able to use the UKVI ID Check app or may be asked to attend an appointment, depending on your circumstances.

7. Wait for a decision. GOV.UK states that decisions usually take around eight weeks once you have applied, proved your identity and provided the required information.

You can generally remain in the UK while waiting for a decision if you submitted a valid application before your existing Student permission expired. Check the official guidance if your circumstances are unusual or you are unsure about your immigration status.

Common application mistakes to avoid

• Applying too early: Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed your course.

• Missing your visa expiry date: You must apply before your existing Student permission expires.

• Assuming your university's status: Check that your provider and course meet the relevant requirements.

• Relying on an expected graduation date: Your application depends on the formal completion notification, not simply the end of your exams or dissertation.

• Using outdated information: Immigration requirements and fees can change. Check GOV.UK immediately before applying.

How much does the Graduate visa cost?

The Graduate Route has two main government charges: the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

The current GOV.UK guidance lists the application fee as £937 and the IHS as £1,035 per year. The total depends on the duration of permission granted.

Graduate visa durationApplication feeImmigration Health SurchargeCombined total18 months£937£1,552.50£2,489.502 years£937£2,070£3,0073 years£937£3,105£4,042

These figures are based on the charges currently published by the government. Check the official Graduate visa cost guidance before applying, as fees may change.

You should also budget for your living expenses while looking for work, including accommodation, food, transport and other essentials. The amount required will depend on where you live and your personal circumstances.

The shorter standard duration from January 2027 reduces the time available to look for employment while holding Graduate permission. The new two-year provision announced for certain university graduates could affect planning for those who qualify, but the eligibility details remain to be confirmed.

When comparing the cost of studying in the UK, remember to include tuition fees and living costs as well as post-study visa expenses. You can also explore UK university scholarships for international students to see whether funding could reduce your overall study costs.

What work can you do on the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route gives eligible graduates considerable flexibility to work in the UK. You do not normally need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply, and you can look for work after completing your course.

Graduate visa holders can generally:

• Work in most jobs, including full-time and part-time roles.

• Look for employment or apply for graduate schemes.

• Undertake multiple jobs where permitted.

• Be self-employed or work on a freelance basis.

• Gain experience in different sectors while planning their next career step.

There are restrictions. For example, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson, and the Graduate Route does not provide access to public funds. Other requirements may apply to regulated professions, including professional registration or qualification recognition.

The route can be useful for graduates who have not secured a job before finishing their studies. However, it does not guarantee employment, sponsorship or a longer-term right to remain in the UK.

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.

Examples of jobs for Graduate visa holders

Graduate visa holders may work across a wide range of sectors and role types, depending on their qualifications, skills and the opportunities available. Examples include:

• Entry-level and graduate scheme roles in technology, finance, consulting, healthcare and education.

• Internships, placements and work experience.

• Roles in marketing, communications, creative industries and digital services.

• Freelance or self-employed work, where permitted.

• Other jobs while searching for a role that fits their longer-term career plans.

There is no general requirement for a job to meet the Skilled Worker skill or salary criteria simply for you to take it on the Graduate Route. Those requirements become important if you later seek to switch to a sponsored work route.

Switching to another UK visa

The Graduate Route is temporary and cannot be extended. Graduates who want to remain in the UK after their permission expires may be able to switch to another immigration route if they meet its requirements.

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker route is one possible option for graduates who secure an eligible job with an employer licensed to sponsor workers.

Requirements include an eligible role, sponsorship from the employer and meeting the applicable salary and other criteria. The requirements vary by job and individual circumstances, so check the current rules rather than relying on a single salary figure.

If you hope to switch to this route, begin researching eligible employers and roles well before your Graduate visa expires. Finding a suitable job and completing the sponsorship process can take time.

Global Talent visa

The Global Talent route may be suitable for people who can demonstrate the required talent or promise in an eligible field. It does not generally require a conventional job offer or employer sponsorship, but applicants must meet the relevant endorsement or eligibility requirements.

It is a specialist route and will not be suitable for every graduate.

Scale-up visa

The Scale-up route may be an option for eligible workers recruited by qualifying UK scale-up businesses. It has specific sponsorship, employment and salary requirements, which should be checked against the current government guidance.

Other routes

Depending on your plans and circumstances, other routes may be relevant, including the Innovator Founder route for eligible entrepreneurs, certain health and care work routes, or the High Potential Individual route for qualifying graduates of eligible overseas institutions.

Each route has its own conditions. Holding a Graduate visa does not automatically make you eligible to switch to another category.

What do the 2027 changes mean for international students?

The standard reduction from two years to 18 months means that many future graduates will have less time to gain UK work experience and pursue a longer-term immigration option.

For students deciding where and when to study, the key considerations are:

• When you expect to apply: Under the published standard rules, applications made from 1 January 2027 receive 18 months for eligible non-doctoral graduates.

• Whether your university may qualify for the new provision: The Budget announcement refers to high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes, but the criteria are not yet clear.

• Your career plans: Consider the likely time needed to find work, gain experience and meet the requirements of a potential future visa.

• Your overall study budget: Include tuition fees, living costs, scholarship funding and visa expenses in your calculations.

• Your alternatives: Compare course quality, employer links, graduate outcomes and other destinations as well as visa duration.

The Budget announcement creates a potential exception to the standard 18-month duration, but it is too early to assume that any specific university or course will qualify. Students should use the published rules for planning and revisit the position as the government releases more detail.

Frequently asked questions

Is the UK Graduate Route visa being reduced to 18 months?

Yes. Under the published rules, the standard duration for eligible bachelor's and master's graduates applying from 1 January 2027 is 18 months. Doctoral graduates continue to qualify for three years under the published rules.

Has the government announced a two-year Graduate visa for some university graduates?

Yes. The October 2026 Budget announced a two-year duration for graduates from high-compliance universities where there are strong labour market outcomes. The detailed eligibility criteria and implementation arrangements have not yet been published in the official material reviewed for this guide.

Will every graduate from a UK university qualify for the two-year option?

No such blanket entitlement has been announced. The government has described a specific group of high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes. Until the criteria are published, students should not assume that their institution or course will qualify.

Does the Graduate visa last three years for PhD graduates?

The published rules provide three years for PhD and other doctoral graduates. The standard reduction to 18 months applies to eligible non-doctoral graduates.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a Graduate visa?

No. You do not normally need a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply for the Graduate Route. You must still meet the course, immigration and other eligibility requirements.

Can I extend my Graduate visa?

No. The Graduate visa cannot be extended. If you want to stay in the UK for longer, you may be able to switch to another immigration route if you meet its requirements.

When should I apply?

You must apply from within the UK after your education provider has notified the Home Office that you successfully completed your eligible course, and before your existing Student permission expires. The date you apply determines the standard duration under the published rules.

How much does a Graduate visa cost?

The current government guidance lists a £937 application fee, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. At the current published rate, the combined cost is £2,489.50 for 18 months, £3,007 for two years and £4,042 for three years. Check GOV.UK before applying in case the fees change.

Final thoughts

The Graduate Route remains an important option for international students who want to gain work experience in the UK after their studies. However, the standard duration is scheduled to fall to 18 months for eligible non-doctoral graduates applying from 1 January 2027.

The October 2026 Budget has announced a two-year duration for graduates from high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes. The details are still needed to determine who will qualify, so students should avoid making decisions on the assumption that their university will be included.

Before choosing a course, compare the full cost of studying, available scholarships, career opportunities and the immigration routes you may be eligible for after graduation. Always check the latest UK government Graduate visa guidance before making an application.

Last updated: 28 October 2026. This guide is for general information and is not immigration advice. Rules, fees and eligibility criteria can change. The specific eligibility and implementation details for the two-year Graduate visa provision announced in the October 2026 Budget remain to be confirmed.