If you're an international student nearing the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK, now's the time to read up on graduate visas (also known as post-study work visas).
Arming yourself with some extra knowledge about how graduate visas work will help you to pitch yourself to employers when you're writing those all-important job applications and cover letters, and explain the details to any potential employers who aren't familiar with graduate visas.
What is a graduate visa and who are they for?
A graduate visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a course in the UK. It also gives you permission to work in most jobs, look for work, or be self-employed. If you've completed an undergraduate degree or masters degree, you'll be eligible to stay in the UK for 2 years. If you've completed a PhD, you're eligible to stay in the UK for 3 years.
When should I apply for a graduate visa?
You must apply for your graduate visa before your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa expires.
How much do graduate visas cost and who pays for them?
When you apply for a graduate visa you'll need to pay a £822 application fee plus a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 for each year you’ll be in the UK. These prices are correct as at 20 February 2025. The graduate visa is paid for by the individual, not the employer.
What happens when my graduate visa expires?
It's not possible to extend a graduate visa, but you may be able to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Any more insights that could help me to explain the graduate visa to potential employers?
We asked two of The University of Leeds' career experts for their insights on talking to potential employers about the graduate visa. Heres what careers consultant Marc Steward and peer support assistant Chan lo Lei had to say:
"Most employers in the UK are aware of the Skilled Worker visa as THE visa employers use
to recruit international talent in the UK. This is a visa which requires sponsorship from the company which is employing the relevant international candidate. The employer will pay to do this and there are, amongst other requirements, salary thresholds which must be met to access this visa.
"However, many UK employers do not know about another visa which allows international
talent to work in the UK and which the employer does not have to pay for!
"In July 2021, the UK Government (re)introduced the post-study work visa – more
commonly known as the graduate route visa – for international graduates who want to stay
in the UK after completing their studies.
"The visa allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to 2 years (degree
and Masters graduates) or 3 years (PhD graduates). The graduates pay for the visa, NOT
the employer.
"It is possible for the employer to convert the graduate route visa into a skilled worker visa,
but the key message here is that it IS possible to recruit international graduates into job roles
in the UK with the employer paying nothing but a salary and associated costs."
Information correct as at 20 February 2025