Jun 06, 2025
Offering international students the chance to live and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation, the Graduate Route Visa is a golden opportunity to kickstart your global career. This post study work visa in UK is one of the key reasons why thousands of students choose the UK for their higher education.
Whether you're planning your studies or approaching graduation, it's natural to have questions about what comes next - how to apply, what the Graduate Route Visa offers, and how to make the most of it. This blog breaks it all down for you, helping you understand the ins and outs of the Graduate Route and how it can shape your future after studying in the UK.
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The UK’s Graduate Route, often referred to as the post-study work visa, allows international students to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years after completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degree (or up to three years for PhD graduates). It's an unsponsored visa, meaning you don’t need a job offer to apply, giving you the flexibility to explore job opportunities, gain work experience, or even switch to a skilled work visa later on.
Introduced in July 2021, this route was designed to make the UK a more welcoming and competitive destination for global talent. It’s one of the many reasons why study in UK for International Students continues to grow in popularity. It’s a straightforward way to transition from education to employment, and a stepping stone to building a global career.
Before you apply for the post study work visa in UK, also known as the Graduate Route, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. The good news? The process is quite student-friendly and doesn’t involve too many hoops to jump through. Here’s what you need to know:
To apply for the Graduate Route (Post Study Work Visa) in the UK, you’ll need to keep a few key documents ready. Here’s a quick checklist:
Applying for the UK Graduate Route (Post-Study Work) visa involves:
For a two-year visa, the total IHS amounts to £2,070, bringing the overall cost to £2,950. Likewise, for PhD graduates eligible for a three-year visa, the total cost comes to £3,985.
Applying for a Graduate Route visa in the UK involves a series of steps to ensure a smooth process. To help you navigate the process, here’s a clear breakdown of each step involved in applying for the Graduate Route visa:
The Graduate Route visa opens up plenty of options once you’ve completed your studies in the UK. Here’s what you can do during this period:
This phase is a great chance to ease into your professional life and make the most of your time in the UK after graduation, all without any sponsorship requirements.
The Post-study work visa in UK for Indian students and other international graduates comes with key advantages:
Once your Post-Study Work (Graduate Route) visa expires, you’ll need to switch to another visa type to continue living and working in the UK. Here are some possible pathways:
Even though the Graduate Route visa is straightforward, rejections can still happen. Some common reasons include:
Double-checking your application and timing it right can help you avoid these hiccups.
To conclude, the post-study work visa in UK opens doors to real-world experience, global exposure, and endless opportunities after graduation. Whether it’s finding a job, starting something of your own, or simply discovering your path, this visa gives you the freedom to explore.
At KC Overseas, we’re here from the very beginning, helping you choose the right UK university and guiding you through every milestone. With expert advice and dedicated support, we help you start strong and go global with confidence.
After submitting your UK Graduate Route visa application, you'll typically receive a decision within 8 weeks. During this period, you can remain in the UK. If additional information is required, processing may take longer.
The UK Graduate Route visa is valid for 2 years for most graduates, and 3 years for those with a PhD or other doctoral qualification. This visa cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the eligibility criteria.
You can apply once your university confirms to the Home Office that you’ve successfully completed your course, just make sure to apply before your student visa expires. You don’t need to wait until your graduation ceremony or receive your degree certificate to get started.
There have been talks around possible changes to the Graduate Route visa, but nothing has been officially announced so far. Since visa policies can evolve, it’s a good idea to regularly check the official UK government website or consult trusted advisors before making any plans.
The PSW (Graduate Route) visa has a very high success rate, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Since there’s no need for a job offer or sponsorship, and the process is fairly straightforward, most students who apply correctly are granted the visa without any issues. Just make sure your university has confirmed your course completion to the Home Office, and that you apply before your Student visa expires.