
International students who wish to work in the UK after completing their Masters degree have several options. Students on a Student Route visa can work in the UK during their studies, provided they do not exceed 20 hours per week and do not engage in specific restricted activities. After graduation, international students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to two years, or three years for PhD graduates. This visa provides flexibility in terms of employment, allowing graduates to work in any sector and change jobs without restriction. Additionally, the UK offers other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, and UK ancestry visa, each with its own requirements and eligibility criteria. It is important for international students to research and understand the specific conditions and limitations of each visa route before making an application.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can international students work in the UK after a master's degree? | Yes, international students can apply for the Graduate Route visa which allows them to work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. PhD graduates can work for up to three years. |
| What are the requirements for the Graduate Route visa? | International students must have successfully completed their degree at a recognised higher education provider. They must also hold a current Tier 4 (Student Route) visa when they apply. |
| Are there any restrictions on the type of work that can be done? | No, students on the Graduate Route visa can do any kind of employment or be self-employed. |
| Are there other visa options for international students who want to work in the UK? | Yes, there are other visa options such as the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, and UK Ancestry visa. |
| Can international students work in the UK during their master's studies? | Yes, students on a Student Route visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. They can also do full-time work placements if they are an assessed and integral part of their course. |
| Are there any restrictions on the type of work that international students can do during their studies? | International students on a Student Route visa cannot be self-employed, set up a business, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. |
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What You'll Learn

Work visa options
International students on a Student Route visa can work in the UK during their studies, provided they do not work for more than 20 hours per week during term time, engage in business or self-employment, or fill a permanent full-time vacancy.
After completing their Master's degree, international students can apply for a post-study work visa, such as the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates). This visa does not require sponsorship from an employer, and graduates are free to do any kind of work or be self-employed.
There are other work visa options available for international students, such as the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a qualifying job offer from an employer with a sponsor license. The Global Talent visa is another option for those who are internationally recognized in specific fields such as arts, humanities, natural sciences, and engineering. For citizens of certain Commonwealth countries, the UK Ancestry visa allows them to work in the UK if they can prove that a grandparent was born in the UK or qualifying territories.
It is important to note that the availability of these work visas may depend on individual circumstances, and international students should research the requirements and eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
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Work placement restrictions
International students on a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 student visa) can work in the UK during their studies, as long as they adhere to specific conditions. Students pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (for a period of over six months) can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacation periods.
For work placements, there are several restrictions in place. Firstly, the work placement must be an assessed and integral part of the full-time Masters programme, and it must not comprise more than half of the degree. If the work placement meets these conditions, students can work full-time for its duration.
Extracurricular work placements or internships that are not part of the course must be undertaken on a part-time basis, with a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time, or full-time during holidays.
Students on a Student visa are not permitted to engage in business, self-employment, or provide services as professional sportspeople or entertainers. They are also restricted from pursuing permanent full-time vacancies.
After completing their Masters, international students can apply for the UK Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for at least two years. This visa offers flexibility, as continuous employment in the same job is not required, and students are free to explore different career paths. The Graduate visa does not mandate sponsorship by an employer, providing graduates with the opportunity to seek employment or self-employment without prior job offers.
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Employment restrictions
International students on a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 student visa) pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree (for a period of over six months) can work in the UK during their studies, as long as they don’t:
- Work for more than 20 hours per week, except during vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship.
- Engage in business, self-employment, or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
- Pursue a career by filling a permanent full-time vacancy.
Students on a Student visa for a part-time course will not have the right to undertake any work, paid or unpaid, in the UK. Student visa holders can only work on a temporary basis and cannot be employed full-time on a permanent contract.
International students can apply for the UK Graduate Route, which allows them to apply for a post-study work (PSW) visa. This visa is valid for at least two years after completing a master's degree, and three years for a PhD or doctoral qualification. Students do not need to have received a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route, and they are free to do almost any kind of employment in the UK (or be self-employed). The Graduate Route visa does not require continuous employment in the same job, so students are allowed to take time out or change jobs.
There are other visa options available, such as short-term and long-term visas, as well as visas for specific types of employment, like the healthcare worker visa. The Skilled Worker route is a sponsored visa that requires a qualifying job offer from an employer with a sponsor license, and a minimum salary of £30,960. The Global Talent visa is for those who are internationally recognized or likely to become world leaders in arts and culture, humanities and social sciences, natural sciences and medical science research, engineering, or digital technology. The UK Ancestry Visa is for Commonwealth citizens and certain other citizens with a grandparent born in the UK or the Republic of Ireland before 31 March 1922.
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Overqualification
International students pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree in the UK on a Student Route visa are allowed to work during their studies. However, they must not work for more than 20 hours per week, except during vacations or agreed work placements/internships. Additionally, they cannot engage in business or self-employment, nor can they provide services as professional sportspeople or entertainers.
After completing their Masters, international students can apply for the UK Graduate Route, which enables them to obtain a post-study work (PSW) visa. This visa is valid for a minimum of two years, and students are free to pursue almost any type of employment or self-employment in the UK. The Graduate Route does not require students to have a job offer beforehand.
The implications of overqualification can be both advantageous and disadvantageous. On the one hand, overqualified workers may not fully utilize or develop the skills acquired during their Master's programs, potentially leading to skill atrophy. On the other hand, employers can benefit from a more skilled workforce, which may result in increased productivity and small increments in average wages.
While the overqualification of international students in the UK labor market presents certain challenges and considerations, it also underscores the adaptability and versatility of these graduates as they navigate their career paths.
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Student visa requirements
International students on a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 student visa) pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree can work in the UK during their studies, provided they meet certain conditions. These include not working for more than 20 hours per week outside of vacations or an agreed work placement/internship, not engaging in business or self-employment, and not filling a permanent full-time vacancy.
To obtain a Student visa, applicants must be 16 or older and pursuing further or higher education in the UK. Applicants must prove their identity and may need to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if studying for a master's degree or above. They must also demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and pay for their course. The visa costs £524 and applicants typically receive a decision within 8 weeks.
After completing a master's degree, international students can apply for a Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay and work in the UK for at least two years. This visa does not require a job offer, and graduates are free to pursue almost any type of employment, including self-employment. Alternatively, students can switch to other visa routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, or UK Ancestry visa, depending on their specific circumstances and eligibility.
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Frequently asked questions
International students with a Student visa can work in the UK for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacation periods. They are not allowed to be self-employed or set up a business, or be employed as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
The Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for at least two years after completing their Master's degree. Students can work in almost any kind of employment or be self-employed.
To be eligible for the Graduate Route visa, you must have successfully completed your degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. You'll also need to be living in the UK and hold a current Tier 4 visa when you apply.
Yes, there are several other visa options available, including the Skilled Worker visa, the UK Ancestry visa, and the Global Talent visa.
There may be specific immigration requirements for certain professions in the UK, such as teaching. It's important to research the requirements for your desired profession before applying for a visa.










































