UK Graduate Visa: Who Can Apply, How Long It Lasts and What It Costs
In this guide
Quick answer: The UK Graduate visa lets international students stay after their studies. You must be in the UK when you apply, hold a Student visa and have completed an eligible UK course. GOV.UK says it lasts 2 years for a bachelor’s or master’s degree if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 (18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027) and 3 years for a PhD. The application fee is £937, plus the healthcare surcharge, and you cannot extend the visa.
For many students, the Graduate visa is the bridge between study and a longer career in the UK. The rules about timing are strict: you must apply while your Student visa is still valid. This guide explains the facts GOV.UK publishes, so that you can plan the last months of your course.
Who is eligible?
- You must be in the UK when you apply.
- Your current visa must be a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa.
- You must have studied an eligible UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period on that visa. GOV.UK points to a separate page for the course eligibility rules.
- Your education provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed the course. Ask your provider if you are unsure.
How long can you stay?
| Your qualification | Length of Graduate visa |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s or master’s (non-doctoral) | 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 |
| PhD or other doctoral qualification | 3 years |
The visa starts from the day your application is approved. You cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
When should you apply?
- Apply before your Student visa expires.
- You can apply once your provider has told the Home Office that you completed the course. You do not need to wait for graduation or a certificate.
- You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks, and you can stay in the UK while you wait.
How much does it cost?
- Application fee: £937.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 per year of your stay.
GOV.UK’s page was last updated on 9 September 2026, and fees can change, so check the current amounts before you apply.
What can you do on a Graduate visa?
- Work in most jobs and look for work.
- Be self-employed.
- Do certain unpaid voluntary work.
- Travel abroad and return.
You cannot apply for most public funds or the State Pension, and you cannot work as a professional sportsperson. You can study on a Graduate visa only if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. Your partner and children can apply to stay if they are eligible.
Step by step
- Check your eligibility while you are still on a Student visa. Read our UK Student visa guide for the earlier stage.
- Confirm with your provider that it has told the Home Office you completed the course.
- Apply online, then prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need an appointment.
- Plan your next step before the visa ends, because it cannot be extended.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until your Student visa expires before applying.
- Leaving the UK before you apply. You must be in the UK when you apply.
- Assuming that you can extend the Graduate visa.
- Ignoring the change in length that starts on 1 January 2027.
FAQ
How long is the Graduate visa?
2 years for a bachelor’s or master’s if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years for a PhD.
Can I extend it?
No. You may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
Can I work on a Graduate visa?
Yes, in most jobs, and you can look for work or be self-employed.
How much does it cost?
The application fee is £937, and the healthcare surcharge is usually £1,035 per year of your stay.
Do I need to wait for graduation?
No. You can apply once your provider has told the Home Office that you completed the course.
Key takeaways
- Apply from inside the UK, before your Student visa expires.
- Length: 2 years (or 18 months from 1 January 2027), 3 years for a PhD.
- The visa cannot be extended, so plan the switch early.
- Check fees on GOV.UK before applying.
Related guides
- The complete moving abroad checklist
- UK Student visa guide
- UK Skilled Worker visa guide
- Indefinite leave to remain in the UK explained
- How to get a National Insurance number
- Your first 90 days in a new country
This article is general information, not legal advice. Visa rules and fees change often, so confirm everything on GOV.UK before you apply. Last updated: October 2026.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Graduate visa