Stage 8 · Lesson 6 of 8
The UK Graduate Route
Degree-level students on a UK Student visa can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term, and full time in official vacations. After you complete a degree successfully, the lets you stay and work without a sponsor, meaning no employer has to back your visa.
It is the UK's visa. As of 2026-09, gov.uk says it lasts two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates get three years.
You must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires. A one-year masters leaves little time to job hunt during the course, so start in the first term.
Common trapplanning on an older, longer Graduate Route length.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 2 cheat sheet entries come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with
- GuideFreeStudent visa (GOV.UK)
UK Home Office
Official UK work conditions for students and the link to the Graduate Route