🇬🇧 United Kingdom
UK graduate route visa and post study work visa UK 2025 options including Skilled Worker programs for international graduates seeking UK stay back options after study.
Why the UK?
The UK offers international students excellent post-study work opportunities through the Graduate Route Visa and Skilled Worker programs. With no application fees for the Graduate Route and straightforward pathways to skilled work, the UK remains a top destination for international graduates.
UK Fast Facts: 83% of Graduate Route visa holders find skilled employment, and the program has helped over 100,000 international graduates since 2021.
🎓 UK Graduate Route Visa - Post Study Work Visa UK 2025
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓Successfully completed a UK degree course
- ✓Studied on a Student visa in the UK
- ✓Completed course within the last 5 years
- ✓Not previously used Graduate Route visa
- ✓Sponsored by a licensed Student sponsor
Visa Duration by Degree
Undergraduate Degree
2 years on Graduate Route visa
Master's Degree
2 years on Graduate Route visa
PhD Degree
5 years on Graduate Route visa
What You Can Do:
- • Work in any job at any skill level
- • Look for work without restrictions
- • Start your own business
- • Travel freely in and out of the UK
- • Study part-time courses
- • Bring your partner and children
- • Extend your visa once
- • Apply for Skilled Worker visa
🏠 UK Stay Back Options for International Students
Post Study Work in the UK
The UK offers excellent UK stay back options for international students after graduation. The Graduate Route visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to 5 years after completing your studies.
- ✓Stay up to 5 years after PhD completion
- ✓2 years for undergraduate/master's degrees
- ✓Work in any job at any skill level
- ✓Bring family members
Pathway to Settlement
Your time on the Graduate Route counts towards settlement in the UK. After working for 5 years, you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Settlement Route:
- • 5 years of skilled work
- • Meet English requirements
- • Pass Life in the UK test
- • Apply for settlement visa
💼 Skilled Worker Visa
Key Requirements
- ✓Job offer from licensed UK employer
- ✓Salary of at least £28,800 per year
- ✓English language proficiency
- ✓Maintenance funds requirement
- ✓Certificate of Sponsorship
Salary Thresholds
Standard Rate
£28,800 per year (£2,400 per month)
New Entrant Rate
£23,040 per year (£1,920 per month)
For recent graduates under 26Going Rate
Industry-specific minimum salary
Higher of the two rates applies🏛️ Top UK Universities
University of Oxford
World-renowned research university with excellent postgraduate programs
University of Cambridge
Leading research institution with strong postgraduate offerings
Imperial College London
Specialized in science, engineering, medicine and business
UCL (University College London)
Comprehensive university with diverse postgraduate programs
University of Edinburgh
Historic university with strong research and teaching reputation
University of Manchester
Leading research university with extensive postgraduate options
What's Your Next Step?
⏰ How Long Can I Stay After Graduation in UK?
Graduate Route Visa Duration
Skilled Worker Visa Duration
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Graduate Route: Must apply before Student visa expires
- • Timeline: Apply within 5 years of completing UK degree
- • Skilled Worker: Requires sponsor license and minimum salary
- • Healthcare: May need to pay for NHS treatment
- • Official Sources: Always check gov.uk for latest information
- • Brexit: Post-Brexit rules apply to new applications