Finished your degree in the UK and thinking about sticking around for work? You’re not alone. The UK’s Post-Study Work Visa — officially called the Graduate Visa — is designed to help international students like you stay and kick-start a career. But how much does it cost in 2025? And who exactly qualifies? This guide walks you through the latest eligibility rules, fees, and everything else you need to know before applying for the UK graduate visa in 2025.
Key Takeaways
What Is the UK Graduate Visa?
The Graduate Visa, commonly referred to as the UK Post-Study Work (PSW) Visa, allows international students who’ve completed an eligible degree in the UK to remain in the country and work — or look for work — without needing a job offer. This visa was reintroduced in 2021 to boost the UK’s appeal among international students, and it remains a major pathway in 2025.
The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years after completing your degree (or three years if you completed a PhD or other doctoral qualification). You can work in any sector, at any skill level, or even be self-employed.
Who Is Eligible for the Graduate Visa in 2025?
To apply for the UK graduate visa in 2025, you must meet a few specific conditions:
First, you must have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD. The course must be from a licensed student sponsor, which includes most UK universities. You must have studied in the UK on a valid Student Visa, and most of your course should have been completed while physically present in the country.
Your university must have confirmed to the Home Office that you completed your program. Without this confirmation, which they usually send automatically, your application won’t go through.
Also Read: Can You Move to the UK Without a Job Offer on a Global Talent Visa?
Finally, you must apply from within the UK before your current Student Visa expires. You cannot apply from abroad.
What Is the Cost of the PSW Visa in the UK in 2025?
Now, let’s talk money. In 2025, the application fee for the UK Graduate Visa is £822, which must be paid online at the time of your application. On top of that, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — a mandatory charge that gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service.
The IHS in 2025 is £1,035 per year, so you’ll pay:
- £2,070 for a two-year visa
- £3,105 for a three-year visa (PhD holders)
So, the total cost for most applicants doing a bachelor’s or master’s degree will be £822 + £2,070 = £2,892. It’s not exactly cheap, but keep in mind that the visa lets you work full-time with no salary threshold or sponsorship requirement.
Do You Need a Job Offer to Apply?
One of the biggest advantages of the PSW visa is that you don’t need a job offer to apply. You don’t need to have any job lined up at all. This gives you the freedom to look for employment after graduation, explore different industries, or even take on part-time work while figuring out your next move.
Also Read: Are New Visa Rules Shutting Out Skilled Green Workers in the UK?
You can work as a freelancer, start your own business, or take up full-time employment in any field — even one unrelated to your degree. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there are no minimum salary rules or sponsor requirements.
Can You Switch to Another Visa Later?
Yes — and this is often part of the long-term plan. Once you’re on the Graduate Visa and you find a qualifying job, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency (also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain) after five years.
However, the time spent on the Graduate Visa does not count toward those five years. Still, it’s a valuable stepping stone that gives you time to build UK work experience, adjust to the job market, and boost your chances of securing a sponsored role later on.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Applying for the Graduate Visa is relatively straightforward, but you’ll still need to prepare a few essentials:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from your Student Visa
- Confirmation from your university that your degree was completed
- Payment of the visa fee and health surcharge
Everything is submitted online, and you’ll typically verify your identity using the UK Immigration ID Check app. There’s usually no interview or complex paperwork, as long as your university has sent your details to the Home Office.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Visa?
The Home Office aims to process Graduate Visa applications within eight weeks. However, many applicants in 2025 are reporting decisions within 2 to 4 weeks, especially if you apply early and your documents are in order.
You can stay in the UK while your application is being processed, even if your Student Visa expires during that time, as long as you submitted your Graduate Visa application before it did.
Final Thoughts
The UK Graduate Visa in 2025 continues to be one of the most attractive post-study work routes for international students. With no job offer required, the freedom to work in any sector, and the option to switch to longer-term visas later, it offers both flexibility and opportunity.
While the total cost — including the IHS — can feel steep, the return on investment can be significant if you use the time to gain solid work experience, network, and secure a sponsored role. If you’ve recently graduated or are close to finishing your degree, the Graduate Visa is your bridge to staying and working in the UK, without jumping through too many hoops.
Reference: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/how-much-it-costs
