UK • Post-Study Work

Graduate Route (PSW): Stay & Work After Studies

The Graduate Route lets you remain in the UK, gain work experience and plan your next visa step.

Updated Jul 2025 4 min read Team Destiago

For many students, UK studies are just the first step. The Graduate Route offers a chance to gain UK work experience after completing your degree.

Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Route?

You typically need to complete an eligible course in the UK, hold a valid Student Visa and apply from inside the UK before your current visa expires.

Basic Idea
Graduate Route = stay back, work freely, and later explore skilled routes based on your experience.

1. Duration of Stay on the Route

Most bachelor’s and master’s graduates can stay up to two years, while PhD graduates may get up to three years on the Graduate Route.

2. Work Flexibility & Job Types

You can take full-time or part-time jobs, work at any skill level and even switch employers without needing fresh sponsorship on this route.

3. Planning Your Next Step After Graduate Route

The route itself doesn’t lead directly to settlement, but it gives you time to gain experience and later switch into skilled worker or other long-term categories.

Think of the Graduate Route as your “launch pad” for building UK experience and planning your next visa.