Studying in the UK will transform your career prospects by giving you fresh perspectives, inspiring ideas, critical thinking and a world-renowned degree.
UK graduates are among the most employable in the world.
'Seven in ten international students say that they are progressing further, being promoted quicker and earning more because of their UK education', Universities UK International
After you complete your studies, you’ll benefit from opportunities to apply your learning in real work environments. You’ll have learnt from successful leaders in your field who will have helped you make industry connections before you even finish your studies.
Whatever you decide to do after graduation, you’ll be equipped with the skills and the confidence to take the next step that’s right for you.
'Graduates from UK universities are in high demand among global employers'.
Enter the global jobs market
As a graduate of a UK university, you’ll be in high demand among global employers. International students who have studied in the UK know that their prestigious degrees are valuable and a transformative investment.
You may decide you want to return to your home country or work elsewhere in the world after completing your studies. Speak to your university careers services during your time at university. UK universities have strong links with many global industries, and most have dedicated international careers advisers who can support you in taking your next steps to work internationally.
There are plenty of resources that connect graduates with employers around the world, such as GradLink. Your UK university careers service will be able to direct you to the right resources to support you in learning more about the industry you’re most interested in.
Help yourself prepare for your transition into the global jobs market with our free online course, Preparing for Work, for international students and graduates of UK universities.
'Do your research to work out the best visa for your current situation'.
Securing a visa to stay and work in the UK
There are many options for international graduates who wish to remain in the UK after their studies. The length of your student visa will depend on the duration of your course but will usually end within a few months, so you will likely need to apply for a different visa to remain in the UK.
Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation. Below, we detail the UK government's Graduate Route visa and the Skilled Worker route specifically.
However, we recommend you do your research on the GOV.UK website to work out which visa best suits your current situation. Many other options are available, including short-term and long-term visas and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.
The UK’s Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree have the opportunity to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.
The Graduate Route is unsponsored, which means you can use the time after you graduate to work, or look for work, at any skill level. This is a fantastic opportunity that will help you take your next steps into employment, in the UK.
A skilled worker visa allows you to stay in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. You must fulfil certain requirements to apply for this type of visa – including having a job offer with a minimum salary.
Other visas may better suit your situation. There are lots of options available, including short-term and long-term visas, and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.
You may decide to go into further study after you finish your degree. While enrolled in your course, speak to your academic tutor at your UK university for advice on your next steps. Many UK universities offer fee discounts to their existing students who go on to further study within their institution.
Visit our pages on postgraduate study in the UK, and remember that you may need to extend, or re-apply for, your student visa if you decide to remain in the UK after your studies.
Plan to stay in the UK for further study?
The UK offers a huge range of postgraduate courses, with hundreds of institutions and thousands of courses to choose from. Get practical information on universities, courses and how to apply.
Get advice and guidance from your university careers service.
See more
'The Graduate Route gave me time to explore my employment options without time pressure'
Rodney from Zimbabwe was able stay and work in the UK without the pressure of having to commit to a company long-term and be sponsored to stay in the UK.
‘My master’s prepared me well for the job that I’m doing now’
Find out how Rimsha found a UK-based job in her field, which she started part-time while finishing her dissertation before moving full-time after graduating.
Join Alumni UK for exclusive access to resources to develop your career and new opportunities to help you succeed. Connect with fellow alumni to share experiences, expertise and grow your worldwide professional network. Receive invitations to online events and face-to-face activities organised by the British Council when you return home.
Immediately after graduating, Elton from Indonesia started working at UNIQLO in London. Getting to work during his degree set him up for success, he says.
Find out how Joseph from Nigeria's ambition to become an international journalist on the world stage led him to study international relations in the UK.
