Working in the UK during and after your degree
Working during your degree
20 hours a week in term time, full time in vacations. Wages: £10.00 to £12.21 an hour (National Minimum and Living Wage rates).
Working after you graduate
Graduate Route: 2 years after a bachelor's or master's, 3 years after a PhD. Unsponsored. You can work in any job or be self-employed. Apply from inside the UK before your student visa ends.
The Graduate Route lets you stay for two years after a bachelor's or master's (three after a PhD) to work at any skill level, without a job offer in hand. From there many students move to a Skilled Worker visa. Rules are reviewed often, so we confirm the current position with you before you apply.
Sectors hiring graduates
| Sector | Demand |
|---|---|
| Health and social care | High |
| Software, data and AI | High |
| Engineering and construction | High |
| Finance and professional services | Medium to high |
| Hospitality and retail | Medium |
| Teaching | Medium to high |
Subjects that lead to these jobs
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much study gap is accepted for a UK master's?
Most universities accept a gap of two to five years if you can explain it: work, family, an exam attempt, or a business. Gaps longer than that are still possible with relevant work experience. We help you write the explanation the university and the visa officer both want to see.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Your first year's tuition fees (minus anything already paid) plus living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 elsewhere for up to nine months. The money must sit in your or your parents' account for 28 days before you apply. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in the UK?
Not directly from a student visa. The usual path is Student visa, then Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa with an employer, and after five years on qualifying visas you can apply for settlement. The rules changed in 2025 and may change again, so treat this as the current picture, not a promise.
Do I need IELTS for the UK?
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter, or your school English marks, instead of IELTS, especially for students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Others insist on IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. We check each course before you spend money on a test.