UK Student Visa & Graduate Route: Your Pathway to Study and Work
The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students, offering globally recognised qualifications and exciting career opportunities. If you want to study in the UK, you’ll need a Student Visa—and after graduation, you may be eligible for the Graduate Route, which allows you to stay and work without sponsorship.
At ORBIT, we guide students through every stage of the process—from securing a Student Visa to extending your stay under the Graduate Route—so you can focus on building your future.
Student Visa (to study in the UK)
Who can apply
• International students aged 16+ who have an offer from a licensed UK education provider.
• Must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the institution.
Requirements
1. CAS from institution – proof of admission to a recognised course.
2. Financial evidence – must show enough money to pay tuition fees and living costs (amount depends on location and course).
3. English proficiency – usually proven by an approved test or prior English-language education.
4. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – payment for NHS access.
5. Application form & biometrics – online application, fingerprints, and photograph.
Visa length
• Covers the duration of the course plus a short extra period after it ends (how much depends on course length).
Graduate Route (Post-Study Work / PSW)
Purpose
• Allows students who have completed an eligible UK course to stay and work (or look for work) without needing sponsorship.
Eligibility
• Must currently hold a valid Student visa.
• Must have successfully completed a qualifying course (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate).
• The university or college must report successful completion of your course to the Home Office.
• Must apply before your student visa expires.
Duration
• 2 years for graduates of bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
• 3 years for PhD or doctoral graduates.
Rights
• Can work in most jobs (no sponsorship needed).
• Can switch later to a Skilled Worker visa or other work routes if eligible.
Costs & processing
• Application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge is required.
• Decisions usually take up to 8 weeks.