Jobs After Graduation in the UK for International Students: Graduate Jobs, Graduate Visa & Career Guide

Graduating from a UK university is an exciting achievement, but it also brings an important question: what should you do after graduation?

Jobs After Graduation in the UK for International Students

For international students, the answer involves more than finding a job. You also need to understand your UK work visa options, post-study visa requirements, types of jobs available, the application process, CV and cover letter requirements, and the career support your university can provide.

You may choose to apply for the Graduate visa and look for work in the UK. You could apply for a graduate job, a graduate scheme or an entry-level role. You could also build experience through internships, volunteering or part-time work, or continue your education.

This guide explains your options after graduating in the UK, including how to apply, what documents you may need, how much the Graduate visa costs, how long the application takes, where to find jobs and how your university can help you start your career.

What Can International Students Do After Graduating in the UK?

There is no single route that every international graduate has to follow.

Your next step will depend on your career plans, qualifications, experience and immigration status.

After completing your course, you may:

  • Apply for the Graduate visa.
  • Look for a graduate job.
  • Apply for a graduate scheme.
  • Consider an entry-level job.
  • Gain additional work experience.
  • Continue your education by extending your Student visa.
  • Move to another visa route if you meet its requirements.

For many international graduates who want to remain in the UK and start their careers, understanding the Graduate Route is an important first step.

UK Graduate Visa: What International Students Need to Know

After studying in the UK and achieving a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, eligible international graduates can apply for a Graduate visa.

The Graduate visa allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK and gives them the right to work or look for work.

It also allows graduates to become self-employed.

The visa lasts:

2 years for eligible undergraduate and master’s graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

3 years for graduates with a PhD or doctoral qualification.

Your Graduate visa starts immediately from the day it is approved.

What Is the Graduate Visa for?

What Is the Graduate Visa for?

The Graduate visa is designed to give eligible international graduates the opportunity to begin their careers in the UK after completing their studies.

With a Graduate visa, you can:

  • Find a job in the UK.
  • Accept employment in the UK.
  • Look for work after university.
  • Work in the UK.
  • Become self-employed.

You do not need employer sponsorship or endorsement to get a Graduate Route visa. You need to have completed a valid UK qualification and meet the relevant requirements.

There are also restrictions to be aware of.

On the Graduate visa, you cannot apply for most benefits or the state pension.

Can You Continue Studying Instead?

If you would prefer to remain in the UK to continue your education, you can extend your Student visa rather than applying for the Graduate Route.

This can be an alternative for students who decide that further education is the right next step after completing their current course.

Who Is Eligible for the UK Graduate Visa?

To apply for the Graduate visa, you should:

Be in the UK.

Currently have a valid Student visa.

Have studied an eligible course for the required minimum period.

Have checked that your university or higher education provider has told the Home Office that you successfully completed your course.

Your education provider therefore plays an important role in your application.

Before applying, make sure your university or higher education provider has confirmed your successful course completion to the Home Office.

When Should You Apply for the Graduate Visa?

You do not have to wait until your graduation ceremony to apply.

You can apply once your university or higher education provider has informed the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course under your current Student visa.

You also do not need to wait for a certificate or for your formal graduation to take place.

It is a good idea to apply early if you have decided that you want to stay in the UK after completing your studies.

Most importantly, if you apply after your course completion has been confirmed and before your current Student visa expires, your immigration status as a student is extended while your Graduate visa application is being considered.

How to Apply for the UK Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa application is made online through the GOV.UK website.

Before beginning your application, make sure you have the necessary identity, immigration and course information available.

You will need confirmation from your education provider that you successfully completed your course.

Documents You May Need for the Graduate Visa

As well as confirmation from your education provider, you will need to provide information and documents to support your application.

These include:

  • Proof of your identity, such as a passport or other identification.
  • Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number.
  • Proof of your current Student visa.
  • Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or your eVisa.

If you received a scholarship or bursary, you may also be asked to provide proof of those funds if they paid for your course fees or living costs.

Preparing these details before you apply can make the application process easier.

How Much Does the UK Graduate Visa Cost?

The Graduate visa application fee is £937 per applicant.

You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For Graduate visa applicants, the IHS is currently charged at £1,035 per year. The total depends on the length of your Graduate visa:

  • 18-month Graduate visa: £1,552.50 IHS
  • 2-year Graduate visa: £2,070 IHS
  • 3-year Graduate visa: £3,105 IHS

This means the visa application fee and healthcare surcharge should be budgeted for separately.

There may also be an option to pay for a faster decision if you are eligible for the priority service.

The priority service costs an additional £500 on top of the application fee.

If you use the priority service, you will usually receive a decision within five working days.

Understanding the full cost before applying is important, as the Graduate visa involves both the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

How Long Does a Graduate Visa Application Take?

Once your application and documents have been submitted, you should receive a decision within eight weeks.

If you apply after your course completion has been confirmed and before your current Student visa ends, your immigration status as a student is extended while you wait for a decision.

This means you can stay in the UK while your application is being considered.

However, some applications may take longer.

This could happen if:

  • Documents need to be verified.
  • There are questions about your personal circumstances.
  • Additional checks are required.
  • If your application is expected to take longer, you will be contacted directly.

Can You Cancel a Graduate Visa Application?

You can cancel your visa application.

However, you will only receive a refund if processing of your application has not started.

This is something to consider before cancelling an application.

Can You Travel While Your Graduate Visa Application Is Pending?

You need to be particularly careful about international travel while your Graduate visa application is being processed.

While your application is pending, you cannot leave the UK or travel outside the Common Travel Area (CTA).

If you do, your application will be automatically withdrawn.

This makes it important to consider any travel plans before submitting your application and while you are waiting for a decision.

What Happens When the Graduate Visa Expires?

The Graduate visa cannot be extended.

At the end of your Graduate visa period, you will need to switch to another visa route if you want to remain in the UK to work and meet the requirements for that route.

One option is the Skilled Worker visa that provides permission to stay and work in the UK for up to five years. It requires a sponsored job offer and a minimum salary.

This means that international students who want to build a longer-term career in the UK should think about their future visa options while they are searching for work.

Choosing a university is not only about where you will study or what degree you will earn. It is also about where that degree can take you.

This is why career planning should be part of your university decision from the very beginning. Before you choose a course, consider the skills it can develop, the opportunities it can create and how it fits into your long-term career goals. With ScholarshipKart, you can get guidance at the university application stage, so you are not just choosing where to study, but thinking ahead about where your education can take you.

UK Work Visa Options for International Students and Graduates

UK Work Visa Options for International Students and Graduates

Understanding your immigration status is an important part of planning your career in the UK.

The key visa routes covered here are the Student visa, Graduate Route visa and Skilled Worker visa.

Student Visa: Working While You Study

If you have a Student visa, your working hours are limited to 20 hours per week during term time.

You can work full-time during vacation periods and after your studies end, until your Student visa expires.

However, Student visa holders cannot:

  • Be self-employed.
  • Be involved in business activity.

Take on full-time internships or placements during term time unless they are authorised as integral to their studies.

You should therefore check the conditions of your Student visa before accepting work while studying.

Graduate Route Visa: Working After Your Studies

The Graduate Route allows eligible international students to work in the UK after completing their studies.

You do not need employer sponsorship or endorsement to obtain this visa.

You need to have completed a valid UK qualification, have a valid Student visa and be located within the UK when you apply.

The Graduate Route allows you to work in any type of role.

If you have completed:

An undergraduate or master’s degree, you can stay and work for 2 years (eligible undergraduate and master’s graduates who apply on or before 31 December 2026) and 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

A PhD or postdoctoral qualification, you can stay and work for 3 years.

Skilled Worker Visa: A Longer-Term Work Option

The Skilled Worker visa provides a route to longer-term permission to stay and work in the UK after graduation.

To qualify, you need a job offer from a Skilled Worker Sponsor.

The visa can last for up to five years and requires:

  • A sponsored job offer.
  • A minimum salary.

For graduates planning to remain in the UK beyond their Graduate visa, understanding employer sponsorship and the Skilled Worker route can therefore become an important part of their career planning.

What Jobs Can International Students Get After Graduation in the UK?

Finding your first full-time job after university can be challenging, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the UK job market.

There are several types of roles you can consider.

The main options covered here are:

  • Graduate schemes.
  • Graduate jobs.
  • Entry-level jobs.

Each type of opportunity has different requirements, application processes and career-development structures.

Understanding the differences can help you decide which roles to include in your job search.

Graduate Schemes in the UK

Graduate schemes, often called grad schemes, are full-time permanent roles designed for graduates.

You normally need a relevant degree to apply.

Graduate schemes are designed as a fast-track pathway towards more advanced work, senior positions and greater responsibility.

They can last anywhere from one to four years, although they are most often around two years.

Graduate schemes are usually offered with the expectation that the graduate will move into a job at the same company when the scheme is completed.

This makes a graduate scheme different from a standard entry-level role. It combines employment with a more structured development pathway.

Graduate Scheme Application Requirements

You will usually need a relevant degree to apply for a graduate scheme.

Employers often prefer applicants who graduated recently, with graduates from the last two to three years often preferred.

Graduate schemes can be highly competitive.

Good grades can therefore be useful, but academic achievement is not the only consideration.

Other experience that can strengthen your application includes:

  • Volunteering.
  • Internships.
  • Extracurricular activities.
  • Relevant work experience.

The application process for graduate schemes is usually more detailed than the process for standard graduate or entry-level jobs.

You may be asked to complete:

  • A CV and cover letter application.
  • Online tests.
  • Additional questions.
  • Technical questions.
  • Assessment-centre activities.
  • Presentations.
  • Group exercises.
  • An interview.

When Should You Apply for a Graduate Scheme?

Graduate schemes are normally open for applications during specific periods of the year.

This means planning ahead is important.

Check when your chosen graduate schemes open and close for applications rather than waiting until after graduation.

As an international graduate, you will also need to meet the visa requirements for working in a full-time role in the UK.

Employer sponsorship may be more likely with graduate schemes, but sponsorship is not guaranteed.

Graduate Jobs in the UK

Graduate jobs are full-time, permanent positions specifically open to university leavers with a relevant degree qualification.

Most graduate jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Some positions may require a postgraduate qualification as well.

The exact requirements depend on the industry and the type of work involved.

Graduate Job Application Requirements

Graduate jobs can be highly competitive.

Having a relevant degree may therefore not be enough on its own.

You can strengthen your application by gaining relevant experience through:

  • Volunteering.
  • Work experience.
  • Internships.
  • Research activity.

These experiences can help you demonstrate that you can apply your knowledge beyond the classroom.

As an international graduate, you will also need to meet the visa requirements for working in a full-time role in the UK.

Employer sponsorship may be more likely with graduate roles than with entry-level work, but it is not guaranteed.

Entry-Level Jobs in the UK

  • Entry-level jobs are full-time, permanent positions that are generally open to any applicant.
  • You do not necessarily need a degree to apply.
  • In many cases, you also do not need significant relevant experience.
  • This makes entry-level jobs another option for graduates beginning their careers.

Entry-Level Job Requirements

Anyone can apply for entry-level roles, although individual employers may set their own requirements.

Previous experience is not usually essential, but it can still be useful and may help you stand out from other applicants.

Your degree may also be valuable even when it is not formally required.

Qualifying relevant to the role, or to positions you could progress into later, can support your future development.

International graduates still need to meet the visa requirements for full-time work in the UK.

How to Find a Job After Graduation in the UK

How to Find a Job After Graduation in the UK

Finding work after university may feel different from searching for employment in your home country.

As an international student, you need to understand both the UK recruitment process and the rules that apply to working while holding your visa.

Almost all job vacancies are listed online.

You can search through:

  • Company careers pages.
  • Online job-search websites.
  • University job boards.
  • Your university careers service.
  • Careers fairs.
  • Jobs fairs.
  • Networking events.
  • Professional talks and employer events.
  • When you find a vacancy, carefully read the job description.

It should provide information about:

  • The role.
  • Salary.
  • Location.
  • Responsibilities.
  • Qualifications.
  • Experience requirements.

Before applying, check that you meet the criteria for the position.

The UK Job Application Process: Step by Step

Most job applications in the UK follow a broadly similar process.

Knowing what to expect can make the process less intimidating, especially if the recruitment system is different from the one you are familiar with.

1. Search for Jobs Online

Begin by identifying suitable vacancies.

Look at the employer’s careers page as well as online job-search sites.

Read the entire listing before applying.

Pay particular attention to the required qualifications, experience and other candidate criteria.

2. Apply Online

Once you have selected a suitable role, you can usually apply directly through the vacancy listing.

Depending on the employer, you may be directed to:

  • An online application form.
  • The organisation’s recruitment system.
  • An email address for submitting your CV and cover letter.
  • Follow the employer’s instructions carefully.

3. Complete Pre-Interview Assessments

Pre-interview assessments are more common with larger organisations and graduate schemes.

They can include:

  • Online quizzes.
  • Written technical questions.
  • Tests.
  • Presentations.
  • Group activities.
  • Assessment-centre exercises.

You will normally need to succeed at this stage before progressing to an interview.

4. Attend the Job Interview

Job interviews can take place:

  • In person.
  • By video call.
  • Over the phone.
  • Interview questions are designed to assess whether you are suitable for the role.

Before your interview, study the job description carefully.

Think about:

  • Why you are a good candidate.
  • Which skills you can demonstrate.
  • Which experiences are relevant.
  • How your background relates to the role.
  • In some cases, you may know the questions in advance.
  • Regardless, practising your answers is useful.

You can ask a friend or family member to conduct a practice interview and ask interview-style questions.

5. Receive a Job Offer

  • If you are successful at the interview stage, the employer will contact you with a job offer.
  • This often happens within a couple of weeks of the interview.

When accepting an offer, you will usually be asked to:

  • Sign a contract.
  • Agree to the terms of the position.
  • Agree on a start date.

What Do You Need to Apply for Jobs in the UK?

Your exact application requirements depend on the employer and the role.

However, two important documents for UK job applications are your CV and cover letter.

Preparing both documents carefully can help you present your education, experience and suitability for the role.

How to Write a UK CV as an International Student

A CV is a brief summary of your:

  • Educational achievements.
  • Work history.
  • Professional skills.
  • For UK job applications, a CV is generally one or two pages.
  • You will usually use the same main CV for different applications.

However, you may choose to include or leave out smaller details depending on how relevant they are to the job.

Why Should International Students Get Their CV Checked?

  • The format, content and style of a UK CV may differ from what you are accustomed to in your home country.
  • Your university careers team can help you create and improve your CV.

They can:

  • Give feedback on your CV.
  • Recommend additional experience that may be useful.
  • Help you adapt your CV to particular opportunities.
  • Advise you on formatting.
  • Help you present your education and achievements effectively.
  • Your university may also provide CV-writing resources, cover-letter guidance and a CV-building tool.

How to Write a Cover Letter for UK Graduate Jobs

  • A cover letter is usually submitted alongside your CV.
  • Your CV focuses on your education, achievements, work history and professional skills.
  • Your cover letter explains why you are a good candidate for the specific position.
  • This means your cover letter should normally be different for each job application.
  • Even if you are applying for similar positions, check every cover letter before submitting it.

Make sure the:

  • Company name is correct.
  • Address is correct.
  • Job title and details are correct.
  • Examples and experience are relevant to the role.

A specific and personal cover letter can demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the employer and understand the opportunity.

How Universities Support International Students With Jobs

Your university careers service can be one of the best places to begin your job search.

Every university in the UK has its own careers service.

Depending on the institution, it may be called:

  • Careers team.
  • Careers advice.
  • Careers and employability service.
  • These teams exist to help students improve their job prospects and find work.
  • They are often based in the university’s students’ union or student advice hub.

You may be able to access support through:

  • In-person one-to-one appointments.
  • Phone.
  • Email.
  • Online careers resources.

Many careers teams also maintain job listings and provide guides and templates for job applications.

What Can a University Careers Service Help With?

University careers services can support you at different stages of career planning and job searching.

Career Advice for International Students: Careers advisers can help you understand the job market you will enter after graduation.

They can advise you on:

  • Careers available to graduates in your field.
  • In-demand skills you can develop during your studies.
  • Your strengths, weaknesses and interests.
  • Work experience.
  • Internships.
  • Volunteering.
  • Research programmes.
  • Part-time work.
  • Graduate jobs.
  • Complex or specialised applications.
  • Starting your own business or enterprise.

Some universities also offer specialist appointments for international students.

These may focus on finding work in the UK or abroad after graduation and on visa considerations.

Help With CVs and Cover Letters: Your CV is one of the most important documents potential employers look at during the application process.

Your careers team can review your CV and recommend ways to improve it.

They can help you:

  • Identify useful experience.
  • Shape your CV for particular opportunities.
  • Improve its formatting.
  • Present your education and achievements.
  • Understand UK CV expectations.
  • They can also provide guidance on writing cover letters.

Help Finding and Applying for Jobs: When you are ready to start looking for work, your university careers service is an important resource.

  • Most universities have a jobs board where you can browse opportunities.
  • These may include positions at the university and within academic departments.
  • Your careers team may also recommend specific companies and roles.

Your university may have connections with employers in your field, which can provide opportunities to engage with relevant organisations.

Careers teams can also advise you on:

  • Job-search strategies.
  • Cover letters.
  • Assessment centres.
  • Job-search tools.

Careers Fairs and Networking Events for Students: University careers teams organise events throughout the academic year to help students explore potential careers and connect with employers.

These can include:

  • Jobs fairs.
  • Careers fairs.
  • Networking events.
  • Lectures.
  • Talks from professionals.
  • Talks from companies.
  • Events organised specifically for academic departments.

Department-specific events can be particularly useful because the employers invited may be targeted towards the type of careers relevant to your subject.

Check your university careers team’s event schedule and register for events that match your interests.

How to Gain Work Experience in the UK Before Graduation

You do not need to wait until you graduate to start building your professional experience.

Gaining experience while studying can help you prepare for graduate jobs and graduate schemes.

There are several routes to consider.

Working at Your University

Universities employ students in many different part-time roles.

Campus jobs can be particularly convenient because you can work close to where you study.

Examples include:

  • Students’ union roles.
  • Bars.
  • Cafes.
  • Restaurants.
  • Administrative positions.
  • Research assistant roles.
  • Student ambassador positions.

Student ambassadors may represent the university through activities such as online live chats, open days and campus tours.

These roles can provide experience that you can later discuss in job applications and interviews.

Getting a Part-Time Job

Part-time employment can provide practical work experience while fitting around your studies.

Students can find part-time opportunities with businesses and organisations in their local area.

Popular options include:

  • Bars.
  • Restaurants.
  • Events.
  • Shops.
  • Hotels.
  • Administrative work.

If you are studying on a Student visa, you need to ensure that your working hours remain within the limits of your visa and that your employment does not affect your studies.

Work Experience and Internships

Work experience and internships can help you gain practical knowledge of an industry or an employer you may want to work for in the future.

These opportunities can be:

  • Paid or unpaid.
  • Part-time.
  • Full-time for a short period.
  • Completed during the summer break.
  • Completed after your studies.

Some internships are designed to fit around your studies, while others are structured as full-time opportunities during a break.

Part-time internships completed during term time count towards the 20-hour-per-week limit for students on a Student visa.

Volunteering: Another Way to Build Experience

Volunteering is another way to develop experience during university.

You can find volunteering opportunities through:

  • Your students’ union.
  • Charities.
  • Non-profit organisations.
  • Although volunteering is unpaid, it can help you build experience relevant to your field.
  • It can also demonstrate commitment and interest in your subject.
  • For students on a Student visa, volunteering counts towards the 20-hour-per-week limit.

Graduate Jobs and Schemes as Work Experience and Career Pathways

Entry-level jobs, graduate jobs and graduate schemes provide different routes into employment.

Entry-level roles are junior positions across a wide range of sectors and are open to most applicants.

Graduate jobs are specifically aimed at applicants with a relevant degree.

Graduate schemes are paid roles that combine work and structured training.

Graduate schemes are generally more structured than standard entry-level roles and normally lead to full-time positions with the company offering the scheme.

Because graduate jobs and graduate schemes can be highly competitive, gaining work experience during your studies can help strengthen your applications.

When Should You Speak to Your University Careers Team?

You can contact your careers team at different stages of your studies.

However, starting early can give you more time to act on their advice and prepare for your career.

Engaging with your careers team early in the academic year can help you:

  • Act on career recommendations.
  • Register for useful events.
  • Find work experience opportunities.
  • Prepare for applications.
  • Explore careers related to your degree.

This is especially important for competitive graduate schemes, which are normally open for applications only during specific periods of the year.

How to Arrange a Careers Appointment

Universities offer different ways to access careers support.

Some careers services have regular drop-in sessions that do not require advance booking.

If you want a longer and more personalised discussion, you can often book a career advice or coaching appointment.

Some universities also provide specialist careers appointments for international students.

These can focus on working in the UK or abroad and on visa considerations.

How to Prepare for Your Careers Appointment

Prepare relevant information before meeting your careers adviser.

You should take:

  • Details of your educational history.
  • Your work experience or job history.
  • Details of your current studies and modules.
  • Your educational goals.
  • Your career goals.
  • A copy of your CV, if you have one.

Your careers team may also have online resources that you should review before attending the appointment.

Talk to Your Lecturers and Tutors About Career Opportunities

Your lecturers and tutors can also help you identify opportunities that complement your academic learning.

If you are interested in developing experience in a particular area, ask your tutors for advice.

They may be able to recommend opportunities that fit with your academic programme and your area of interest.

Search Online for Jobs, Internships and Work Experience

Almost every job, internship and work-experience opportunity is listed online and can be applied for directly.

Online job searching should therefore be part of your career strategy.

However, it should not be your only source of opportunities.

Your university careers team, university jobs board, lecturers, networking events, careers fairs and employer connections can all support your search.

A Practical UK Graduate Job Search Plan for International Students

A Practical UK Graduate Job Search Plan for International Students

Starting your career becomes easier when you approach the process in stages.

Before You Graduate

  • Speak to your university careers team.
  • Research careers related to your degree.
  • Identify relevant skills to develop.
  • Look for work experience.
  • Consider internships.
  • Explore volunteering.
  • Consider part-time work.
  • Attend careers fairs.
  • Attend networking events.
  • Talk to lecturers and tutors.
  • Research graduate schemes.
  • Check graduate scheme application periods.
  • Improve your CV.

When You Start Looking for Jobs

  • Search company careers pages.
  • Search online job sites.
  • Check your university jobs board.
  • Explore graduate jobs.
  • Explore graduate schemes.
  • Consider entry-level jobs.
  • Read each job description carefully.
  • Check the qualifications and experience required.
  • Understand your visa requirements.

When Applying for Jobs

  • Prepare your CV.
  • Tailor relevant details to the opportunity.
  • Write a specific cover letter.
  • Check company and job details carefully.
  • Complete online application forms.
  • Prepare for online tests.
  • Prepare for assessment centres where required.
  • Practise interview questions.
  • Use your university careers service for support.

After Receiving a Job Offer

  • Review the employment contract.
  • Agree on the terms of the position.
  • Agree on your start date.
  • Consider your immigration requirements.

Think about your longer-term work visa options if you want to remain in the UK.

Conclusion

A UK degree can open the door to a wide range of professional possibilities, but what you do with that opportunity matters just as much as the qualification itself. The transition from university to employment becomes far more manageable when you approach it with clarity, preparation and a realistic understanding of the opportunities available to you.

The key is not to wait for the perfect job to appear. Start exploring, build experience, speak to the right people and keep improving your applications. Every internship, project, part-time role, volunteering opportunity or conversation with an employer can help you move one step closer to your career goals.

Your next opportunity could be closer than you think. Start exploring UK jobs, graduate opportunities and career resources today, and take the first step towards turning your UK education into a meaningful professional future.

Don’t Wait Until Graduation to Think About Your Career

Your first job search may begin after graduation, but your career journey begins much earlier, with the decisions you make about your course, university and study destination.

Make those decisions with your future in mind. Book a Free Consultation with ScholarshipKart at the university application stage to explore your study options with a clearer understanding of where they could lead. Choose your education with your future career in sight.

FAQs

Can international students work in the UK after graduation?

Eligible international students can apply for the Graduate visa after completing a relevant UK qualification. The Graduate visa allows eligible graduates to stay in the UK and work or look for work.

How long can international graduates stay in the UK after graduation?

The Graduate visa lasts 1.5 years for eligible undergraduate and master’s graduates and 3 years for graduates with a PhD or doctoral qualification.

Do I need employer sponsorship for the Graduate visa?

No. The Graduate Route does not require employer sponsorship or endorsement.

Can I become self-employed on the Graduate visa?

Yes. The Graduate visa allows eligible graduates to become self-employed.

Can I extend the Graduate visa?

No. The Graduate visa cannot be extended. If you want to remain in the UK after it expires, you will need to switch to another visa route if you meet its requirements.

Can I apply for a Skilled Worker visa after graduation?

The Skilled Worker visa is one possible route for graduates who want to remain in the UK to work longer term. You need a job offer from a Skilled Worker Sponsor and must meet the relevant minimum salary requirement.

When should I start looking for graduate jobs?

You can begin preparing before graduation. Starting early gives you more time to build experience, attend careers events, improve your CV and identify opportunities. Graduate schemes are normally open only during specific periods, so advance planning is particularly important.

Can international students apply for entry-level jobs?

Yes. Entry-level jobs are generally open to any applicant and do not necessarily require a degree or significant previous experience. International graduates must still meet the relevant visa requirements for full-time work in the UK.

Can international graduates apply for graduate schemes?

Yes, provided they meet the requirements of the individual scheme and the visa requirements for working full-time in the UK. Graduate schemes generally require a relevant degree and can be highly competitive.

Can my university help me find a job after graduation?

Yes. University careers services can provide career advice, CV support, job-search assistance, application guidance, careers events, networking opportunities and information about work experience.

Can I get work experience while studying in the UK?

Yes, there are several opportunities, including university jobs, part-time employment, internships, work experience and volunteering. However, international students must follow the conditions of their Student visa, including the relevant working-hour limits.

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