Study in UK Post-Study Work 2026

Post-study work is often the ROI question for UK. Details below; full destination context is in the country guide.

Can I Work While Studying in the UK?

Yes. Student visa holders can generally work up to 20 hours/week during term time at degree level, and full-time during official vacation periods. Work must not involve self-employment or professional sporting activity, both of which are prohibited under the Student visa route.

What Is the Graduate Route? (UK Post-Study Work Visa)

After completing an eligible UK degree, the Graduate Route lets you stay and work without a job offer or sponsor — open work rights for most roles and employers.

Duration (check your application date against gov.uk):

• Bachelor’s and Master’s: 2 years for applications before policy changes; 18 months for many non-doctoral applications from 1 January 2027 onward
• PhD and other doctoral qualifications: 3 years

Eligibility snapshot:

• You must apply while in the UK with a valid Student visa (or recent Student permission)
• Your sponsor must confirm you completed the qualifying course
• You need a CAS for the Graduate Route from your sponsor before you apply
• English and criminality checks apply as listed on the current route guidance

What it is not: a permanent visa. To stay beyond the Graduate Route, most people switch to a Skilled Worker visa (job offer, licensed sponsor, salary threshold — often around £41,700 general minimum, with lower thresholds for shortage occupations and some PhD roles).

Planning tip: If immigration after study matters, compare the Graduate Route window with USA OPT and Canada PGWP before you pick the one-year UK Master’s purely on tuition.