Graduate Route Visa
2 years of post-study work authorization — no sponsorship needed
The Graduate Route is the UK's post-study work visa, introduced in 2021. It allows graduates of UK universities to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without employer sponsorship. This is one of the most generous post-study work visas in the world — there are no minimum salary requirements, no restrictions on the type of work, and no employer sponsorship needed. For Nepali students, the Graduate Route transforms UK study from a short-term educational experience into a career-launching platform with real professional experience in one of the world's largest economies.
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Top Universities Available
Through our direct partnerships, we help you gain admission to leading universities. Here are some of the top institutions available through our Graduate Route Visa program.
Any UK university on Student Route
All levelsNationwide
The Graduate Route is available to all graduates of UK universities who completed their degree on a Student Route visa. The university must have a track record of compliance with immigration requirements.
Imperial College London
QS #2London
STEM graduates from Imperial have excellent employment prospects. Many transition from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker visa at top employers.
University of Manchester
QS #34Manchester
Manchester's strong industry connections help graduates find employment during Graduate Route. Lower cost of living than London means Graduate Route salaries go further.
University of Edinburgh
QS #27Edinburgh
Edinburgh's growing tech and finance sectors provide opportunities for Graduate Route workers. Scotland's post-study work environment is particularly welcoming.
University of Leeds
QS #75Leeds
Leeds and the wider Yorkshire region have a growing digital and professional services economy. Graduate Route workers benefit from lower living costs.
University of Birmingham
QS #84Birmingham
Birmingham is the UK's second city with a major economy. Graduate Route workers find opportunities in finance, engineering, and professional services.
Eligibility Requirements
Meeting these requirements strengthens your application. Our counselors can help you identify areas to improve and present the strongest possible profile.
- Completed a qualifying degree (Bachelor's, Masters, or PhD) at a UK university while on a Student Route visa
- Must be in the UK at the time of application with a valid Student Route visa
- University must confirm successful degree completion
- No academic integrity concerns or visa compliance issues
- Must apply before Student Route visa expires
- Available only once — you cannot get a second Graduate Route visa
Application Process
We have streamlined the study abroad application process into clear, manageable steps. Our team guides you through each stage to maximize your chances of admission.
Complete Your Degree
Finish your degree program and receive confirmation of your results from the university. You can apply for the Graduate Route as soon as your university confirms you have successfully completed your course, even before formal graduation ceremonies.
Apply Online
Apply for the Graduate Route visa through the UK Visas and Immigration website. The application is straightforward: confirm your identity, confirm your university and qualification, pay the visa fee (£822) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year x 2 years = £2,070), and provide biometric information. No employer sponsorship or job offer needed.
Receive Graduate Route Visa
Processing time: approximately 8 weeks. You can continue to work (if already employed part-time) while your application is being processed. Once granted, you receive a 2-year visa (3 years for PhD graduates) with full work authorization.
Work in the UK
You can work for any employer, in any role, at any salary. There are no restrictions. Common employment sectors for Nepali graduates: technology, engineering, finance, healthcare, consulting, and education. Use this time to gain professional experience and build your career in the UK.
Transition to Skilled Worker Visa (optional)
If you want to stay beyond 2 years, your employer must sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa. Requirements: job offer from a licensed sponsor employer, minimum salary of £38,700/year (or the 'going rate' for your occupation, whichever is higher), and eligible occupation. Many employers are willing to sponsor high-performing Graduate Route workers.
Long-Term Settlement Path
After 5 years on a Skilled Worker visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residency). After 12 months of ILR, you can apply for British citizenship. The timeline: 1 year Masters + 2 years Graduate Route + 5 years Skilled Worker = 8 years to permanent residency, with British citizenship possible at 9 years.
Costs & Scholarships
Understanding the financial commitment is crucial for planning your study abroad journey. Here is a breakdown of typical costs and available funding options.
The Graduate Route is a work visa, not a study program. There are no tuition costs. The only fees are: visa application fee (£822) and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035/year x 2 years = £2,070 for Masters graduates, or £1,035/year x 3 years = £3,105 for PhD graduates. Total cost: £2,892 for 2-year Graduate Route or £3,927 for 3-year Graduate Route.
Graduate Route workers earn market-rate salaries. Entry-level salaries in the UK for international graduates: Engineering: £28,000-40,000. Computer Science: £30,000-50,000. Business/Finance: £25,000-40,000. Healthcare: £25,000-35,000. Education: £25,000-30,000. London salaries are 15-30% higher but living costs are also higher. Most graduates earn enough to live comfortably and save.
During the Graduate Route, you are a working professional. Your employer pays your salary. There are no scholarships involved. The value of the Graduate Route is the 2-3 years of UK work experience and salary. A typical Graduate Route worker earning £32,000/year earns £64,000 over 2 years (approximately NPR 1 crore). This often covers or exceeds the cost of the UK degree.
Costs are estimates and vary by university and city. Call +977-9849998031 or fill out the form for personalized cost estimates based on your preferred universities.
Student Life
Studying abroad is about more than just academics. Here is what you can expect from life as an international student.
The Graduate Route marks your transition from student to professional in the UK. You are now working, earning a salary, paying taxes, and building your career. For many Nepali graduates, this is the moment when the investment in UK education pays off — you are gaining international work experience that will serve your career for decades.
The UK job market is diverse and generally welcoming to international graduates. Key sectors hiring Graduate Route workers: technology (London, Manchester, Edinburgh), engineering (Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol), finance (London, Edinburgh), healthcare (nationwide), and professional services (all major cities). Networking through university alumni groups, LinkedIn, and professional associations is crucial for job searching.
The Nepali community in the UK is well-established, particularly in London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Reading. Community organizations, professional networks, and cultural events provide support and connection. Many Nepali professionals who started on the Graduate Route have gone on to build successful long-term careers in the UK.
Graduate Route Visa — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch jobs during the Graduate Route?
What happens after the 2-year Graduate Route expires?
Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route?
Can I bring my spouse/partner on the Graduate Route?
Is the Graduate Route available for all UK universities?
Ready to Graduate Route Visa?
Get free, expert counseling from StudyUK Nepal. We will help you with university selection, applications, scholarships, and visa processing. Call +977-9849998031 or book online.