UK Graduate Visa 2025: What You Need to Know About Post-Study Work Rights

When you finish your degree in the UK, the UK Graduate Visa, a post-study work permit that lets international students stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Also known as the Graduate Route, it’s the main way students from outside the UK turn their degree into real work experience. Unlike other visas, you don’t need a job offer before applying—just proof you’ve completed your course at a recognized UK institution. This visa is your bridge from student life to a career, and in 2025, it’s still one of the most accessible pathways for international graduates.

The UK Graduate Visa, a post-study work permit that lets international students stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Also known as the Graduate Route, it’s the main way students from outside the UK turn their degree into real work experience doesn’t require sponsorship, which makes it different from the Skilled Worker Visa. You can work full-time, switch jobs, and even take on multiple roles without restrictions. The visa lasts two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, and three years for PhD holders. That’s plenty of time to find the right role, build your CV, or even start your own business. But you must apply before your student visa runs out—no exceptions. And yes, you can still apply even if you started your course online during the pandemic, as long as you were in the UK by April 6, 2024, and completed your final semester on campus.

What you can’t do is claim public funds, but you can work in almost any job—from retail to research, from marketing to coding. Many grads use this time to land roles in tech, healthcare, finance, or education. Some even use it to qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa later by getting sponsored. The key is to start looking early. Employers know this visa exists, and many actively recruit from universities because they want to keep talented graduates. You don’t need to be in a ‘high-skill’ job to qualify—just any paid job, even part-time, counts toward your time here.

There are a few things that trip people up. First, your course must be at least 12 months long (unless you’re doing a PhD). Second, you can’t extend this visa—you get one shot. Third, you can’t bring dependents unless they were already on your student visa before you applied. And while you can travel in and out of the UK during this time, you can’t stay outside for more than 180 days in a row without risking your status.

You’ll also need to show you have enough money to support yourself—£1,025 if you’re applying from inside the UK, or £1,270 if you’re applying from abroad. That’s not a lot, but it’s a rule. You’ll need bank statements covering 28 days, and they must be recent. No guessing. No promises. Just proof.

Once you’re approved, you can start working immediately. No waiting. No delays. And if you find a job that offers sponsorship, you can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa without leaving the UK. That’s the real goal for many—using the Graduate Visa as a stepping stone, not an end point.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students who’ve been through this. They’ve covered how to find jobs after graduation, what to say in interviews, how to handle housing while job hunting, and even how to manage bills and bank accounts while on this visa. You’ll also see tips on dealing with landlords, understanding utility bills, and staying healthy while navigating a new country. This isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about building a life in the UK after your studies. Whether you’re planning to stay long-term or just want to gain experience, these posts give you the practical, no-BS advice you won’t get from official websites.