After your studies
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.

Stay in the UK after you graduate
Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation.
Discover your options
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.
Continue your journey

More in this section

Succeed in your career

The best possible start to your chosen career 

Get the skills employers want

Our graduates are proven to be among the most desirable in the world, with confident analytical thinking, and excellent communication skills.

Help with every step of your career

Get advice and guidance from your university careers service. 

'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.

Hear Rodney's story
‘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.
Read Rimsha's blog
Did you study at a UK university?
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.
Join today
'Getting to work in the UK as part of my degree was invaluable'

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. 

'Since graduating I've been applying all of the knowledge I gained during my master's in the real world'

‘Since graduating I’ve been applying all of the knowledge I gained during my master’s in the real world’

‘My UK master's is preparing me for an international career’

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.

Other relevant websites
  • UKCISA: working in the UK after you study
  • GradLink: careers site for international graduates of UK universities
  • GraduateLand: career portal for students and graduates across Europe