How to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

For many graduates, the question of what comes after university life is uncertain. With so many different paths to go down, it’s natural to feel stuck.

To continue living in the UK after graduating, you’ll have to apply for a Graduate visa, the common ‘graduate route’ for students studying abroad in the UK.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the whole process, then don’t worry; we’ll run through everything you need to know about staying in the UK after graduation. After this, you’ll know what a graduate visa in the UK is, how to apply for one, and how to navigate post-uni life like a pro. 

Post-Study Work Options in the UK

It’s natural to worry about what comes after uni life before you’ve even sat your last exam. 

However, when it comes to applying for a post-study work visa in the UK, it’s actually essential to be prepared so you don’t miss any application deadlines!

What is the Graduate Route Visa (PSW Visa)?

To be eligible to live and work in the UK after finishing your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you need to apply for a Graduate visa.

It may sound slightly intimidating, but essentially it's a process that grants you permission from the government to stay in the UK for a fixed period after graduating (often 2 or 3 years). This visa will be valid from the day your application is approved, not from your graduation date.

Those who have completed a bachelor's or master's degree can stay in the UK for 2 years on this visa, while PhD graduates can live in the UK for 3 years after being accepted for the visa. With this, you can work for any employer, including self-employed work and freelancing, as a part-time or full-time worker.

Important note: According to the UK's new visa rules, if you apply for a graduate visa on or after the 1st January 2027, the UKVI visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to 18 months after you’ve been accepted.

Post-Study Work Visa UK Eligibility Criteria

According to the GOV.UK graduate visa page, you are only eligible to live and work in the UK after graduation if you meet the following PSW requirements:

• You are currently living in the UK.

• You have a current Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa

• Your university has notified the Home Office that you have completed your degree.

• You studied that course in the UK for at least the minimum period required (For courses longer than 12 months, you need to have been in the UK for at least 12 months of it; if your course was 12 months or less, you must have been in the UK for the full duration of your visa.)

When To Apply for a Graduate Visa in the UK

You should apply for a UK post study work visa after you finish your course, but before your current student visa expires.

You don’t need to be sponsored for this; you can apply on your own merit after completing your studies. It’s the perfect way to get a foot in the door and gain UK work experience after uni life!

How to Apply for the Post-Study Visa in the UK?

So, you’ve checked you’re eligible, and your results are in. Congratulations on passing your degree!

Now, how do you actually apply for the graduate visa in the UK? Thankfully, the process is quite straightforward and all online, perfect for nervous post-grads. 

1. Prepare all your documents (we’ve listed them for you below).

2. Apply online on the official gov.uk website. 

3. Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

4. Upload any scans or photos of the required documents.

5. Hit submit and wait for the results!

While waiting, you can stay in the UK and even start working under certain conditions. To help you out, we’ve even put together a helpful guide on securing your first job with no work experience!

What Are the Requirements for PSW in the UK?

All it really takes to apply for and be accepted for a post-study work visa in the UK is to make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria we discussed before and have all your documents ready. 

However, there are additional graduate visa requirements for those who studied under a Chevening scholarship or whose home government funded their degree. If this is you, you’ll need a green light (permission letter) from that sponsor to apply for the Graduate visa. 

Documents Needed for Graduate Visa Application

To successfully apply for a PSW visa, you’ll need:

• Name and address 

• Your passport (or other valid ID)

• Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) reference number from your student visa

• Proof of your current visa status (a Biometric Residence Permit card or proof of your immigration status if you have an eVisa)

• A letter from your scholarship sponsor (if applicable)

• Proof of relationship for your partner or children (if applying with dependants)

How Much Does a PSW Visa Cost?

Now for the less fun part: paying for it. The UK PSW comes with two main costs: the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Application fee: You’ll need to pay £880 per applicant (including any dependants). This is a one-time fee you pay online when submitting the form.

• Healthcare surcharge (IHS): This is approximately £1,035 per year of the visa granted. For a typical graduate getting a 2-year visa, that means £2,070 total. This surcharge funds your access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

Feeling a bit unsure? You can check how much it’ll cost you here!

How Long Does it Take to Get a PSW Visa in the UK?

Waiting to hear back about your visa application can be nerve-wracking, but in most cases, you’ll get a decision within 8 weeks (about 2 months) of applying. 

As long as you applied before your student visa expired, you are covered by Section 3C leave to stay in the UK while you wait for the application to be processed. If you need a faster decision, you can pay extra for priority services. 

Info for the Graduate Visa in the UK

Now that we’ve covered applying, let’s talk about what life on the graduate visa in the UK actually looks like.

2-Year Post-Study Work Visa in the UK Explained

As mentioned, if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s, you’ll be granted a 2-year Graduate visa, and PhD/doctorate holders get 3 years. 

Once you switch to this, you’re no longer sponsored as a student by your university or college; it’s time to step out into the big, wide world and see what it has to offer! 

You can decide to work full-time, job hunt for a little while to find your passion, or think ahead and secure a job that qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa. The choice is yours! Just know that when your 2 (or 3) years are up, you either need to switch into another visa category or leave the UK.

Graduate visa conditions

What can you actually do on a UK post-study work visa? Quite a lot, fortunately for you. 

While there are some restrictions that we can’t brush past, you do have a lot of freedom for the most part, so you might as well make the most of it.

You Can:

• Work full-time in a job at any skill level.

• Start your own business.

• Do voluntary work for charities or organisations.

• Travel freely in and out of the UK.

• Continue living in the UK with your partner and children.

You Can’t:

• Work as a professional sportsperson (including a sports coach).

• Access public funds (such as housing benefits or unemployment funds).

• Study in a course that requires you to have a student visa (you can do incidental study or take short courses, but you can’t use a Graduate visa to enrol in a full-time degree programme).

Post-Study Life in the UK for International Students

The simple truth is that life after university is anxiety-inducing for any student, whether you’re born and bred in your uni city, or you’ve taken a risk and ventured abroad.

But it’s also kind of exciting, isn’t it? You’re no longer a student, and you now have a lot more choice in how you move forward. To help you find your own two feet, we’ll touch on a few practical aspects of post-study life in the UK. 

Cost Considerations After Your Studies

One of the first things to tackle after years of living as a student is your budget. 

Some expenses are likely to change, and new ones will be added to the list. For a freshly graduated student, it can feel like being thrown in the deep end before you’ve learnt to swim.

To simplify things, just keep these few costs in mind:

• Student loan repayments. You’ll only start paying these once you meet the threshold, so you may have a few years before they even become something to think about.

• Visa switches: Aside from the £3k you just paid for the visa and IHS, you’ll need to consider saving up in case you need to switch to another visa later. The PSW visa is only temporary, after all.

• Loss of student perks: Being a student comes with endless discounts and exemptions. Once that part of your life is over, you’ll have to start paying council tax. If you live alone or only with other non-students, you’ll likely owe Council Tax, which can be £100-£200 per month depending on the area. However, if you rent with students, there are ways to get discounts or exemptions. 

• General living costs: There’s no escaping them, as much as we’d like to. From costs for prescriptions to transport, rent, utilities, and food, you’ll need to budget as you go. 

If you aren’t expecting to come straight out of university with a job (which most people aren’t), make sure you have enough savings to cover you for the time being.

Accommodation Options After Graduation

Once your uni course is up, you’ll most likely be expected to move out of your old shared uni house or university-provided accommodation.

It’s best to plan where you’ll be living after your graduation, so here are some options to explore:

1. Stay in your current city or move?: If you love the city where you studied, you might stay put and look for jobs there. However, if you want to move, but you don’t know where to go, we’ve got an entire blog on the best student cities in the UK to live in, brimming with plenty of job opportunities and courses for those going on to do a master's or PhD. 

2. Private student accommodation: Graduates can stay for a short term, with some contracts ending in June for undergrads or in September for postgrads. Check if you have any leeway before you need to look for alternatives. 

3. Private renting: You could decide to move into a private flat or a shared house, depending on your budget. Short-term options such as subletting a room or month-to-month lodging can offer flexibility for those who need it. We offer short stays and hostel rooms for those who need them. 

4. Moving in with friends: You probably made good friends during uni who you could rent with after graduation. This can make the transition more fun and often cheaper than renting alone.

If you’re unsure what type of housing suits you now, check out our guide on student room types. It’s meant for students, but it explains different setups (studios vs shared flats vs homestays, etc.), which could give you some ideas.

Where to Get Advice About Careers or Next Visas

Graduation is daunting, so it’s okay if you’re unsure what the future holds. There are plenty of resources out there to help you, including alumni career support services at your university or your university’s international student advisers. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs is also an excellent source for students studying abroad, with guidance on working after studies and a student helpline. Websites such as LinkedIn, Prospects.ac.uk, or TargetJobs all have sections for graduates with tips on CVs, applications, and career choices. 

As long as you meet the post-study work visa UK eligibility criteria, you’re free to explore all the job opportunities out there, waiting for you.

FAQs About the Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

Can I Work Whilst Waiting for a Graduate Visa?

Yes. As long as you applied for the Graduate visa before your Student visa expired, you can continue to work under your existing visa conditions while waiting for the decision.

Can I Travel Abroad While Waiting for the Graduate Visa?

No, if you leave the UK (and the Common Travel Area) before your UKVI graduate visa is approved, UKVI will treat your application as withdrawn. 

Once the visa is approved, you’re free to come and go as you please.

Do I Need a Job Offer Before Applying for the Graduate Route?

No, you don’t need to have a job offer or any type of sponsorship before you apply for the Graduate Route. 

Eligibility is based on your studies, not employment, so you can apply even if you have no job prospects at the moment. Periods of unemployment are expected and have no impact on the length or validity of your visa. 

Can I Extend My Graduate Visa After Two Years?

No, you can’t extend a Graduate visa beyond its initial duration. 

If you want to stay in the UK, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa (if you get a qualifying job offer), a spouse/partner visa (if you marry or have a partner who is a settled person), or other work visas like the Innovator, Global Talent, etc.

Get Post-Grad Ready with aparto Students

We hope this blog has made you feel confident enough to apply for the graduate route; just remember to check your eligibility, apply on time, and make the most of those 2-3 years to secure your future career. 

If you need extra support, we’re here for students long after they’ve graduated. Our blogs have lots of useful content, from career tips to city guides and personal development, to help you decide your next steps. 

And if you’re ever in need of a friendly place to stay, we have plenty of beautiful rooms to live and study in across Europe.