🎓 Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) Explained for Indian Students – 2025 Update

If you're an Indian student studying in the UK, the Graduate Route visa—commonly known as the Post-Study Work Visa (PSW)—can be your golden ticket to gaining real-world experience after graduation.

As of 2025, the UK continues to offer this pathway for international students to stay and work after completing their studies. In this blog, we explain what the Graduate Route visa is, who’s eligible, and how to apply—updated for 2025.

🧾 What Is the Graduate Route?

The Graduate Route allows international students who have successfully completed a degree in the UK to stay and work (or look for work) for:

Up to 2 years after a Bachelor's or Master’s degree
Up to 3 years after a PhD or doctoral degree

This visa does not require a job offer—you can work any job, at any skill level.

📌 Who Is Eligible in 2025?

You can apply for the Graduate Route if you:

✅ Completed a UK-recognised degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)

✅ Studied at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance

✅ Held a valid Tier 4 (General) or Student visa at the time of study

✅ Were in the UK during your final term of study

✅ Apply within 2 years of your graduation

Note: Distance learning is no longer accepted for eligibility. You must be physically present in the UK during your studies (especially the final semester).

🗓️ When and How to Apply?

🖥️ Application Process:

Apply online through the UK Government website.
Pay the application fee:
£822 (2025 updated fee)
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
£1,035/year (Total: £2,070 for 2 years or £3,105 for 3 years)

You’ll need:

A valid passport
Your CAS number (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) or share code

💳 Payment is required upfront, so plan your finances.

🛠️ What Kind of Work Can You Do?

On the Graduate Route, you can:

Work full-time or part-time in any sector
Switch jobs freely
Be self-employed or freelance
Apply for internships or graduate training schemes

🚫 You cannot:

Extend this visa
Access public funds
Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

🔁 What Happens After 2–3 Years?

You cannot extend the Graduate Route, but you can switch to other visas, such as:

Skilled Worker Visa (if you get a job offer from a UK employer)
Start-Up or Innovator Visa (if you want to launch a business)
Spouse/Dependent Visas (if applicable)

Many students use the Graduate Route as a stepping stone to Permanent Residency (PR) in the UK through work-based immigration routes.

💡 Pro Tips for Indian Students

Start job hunting early—use university career services, LinkedIn, and UK job boards.
Consider graduate schemes from companies like PwC, Deloitte, NHS, etc.
Stay updated on Skilled Worker visa sponsorship lists—your Graduate Route visa gives you time to transition.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The UK Graduate Route visa is a fantastic opportunity for Indian students to gain work experience, build a career, or even transition to permanent life in the UK.

It offers the freedom to explore your field, earn in pounds, and grow your global career—without the pressure of immediate sponsorship.