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UK post-study work
UK Graduate visa for Indian students: 2 years now, 18 months from 2027
The UK Graduate visa lets you stay and work after your degree without a job offer. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026 you receive 2 years, and if you apply on or after 1 January 2027 you receive 18 months, while PhD graduates receive 3 years. The application fee is £937, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of usually £1,035 per year.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- Apply by 31 Dec 2026
- 2 years
- Apply from 1 Jan 2027
- 18 months
- PhD or doctorate
- 3 years
- Application fee
- £937
- Health surcharge
- Usually £1,035 a year
What the Graduate visa is
The Graduate visa is the UK's post-study work route. It lets you work, or look for work, at any skill level and in any sector, with no sponsor required. It cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you find a qualifying job. See our UK student visa guide for the study stage.
How long you can stay: the 2026 to 2027 change
| When you apply | Master's or bachelor's | PhD |
|---|---|---|
| On or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years | 3 years |
| On or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months | 3 years |
What this means for you: the length depends on the date you submit your application, not the date you started your course. A one-year master's that finishes in 2027 will normally lead to an application in 2027, and therefore to 18 months. Check the date you expect to apply before you commit to an intake.
Eligibility and timing
- 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 completed an eligible UK bachelor's, postgraduate or other eligible course, and your education provider must have told the Home Office that you successfully completed it.
- You apply before your Student visa expires. You can apply once your provider reports completion; you do not need to wait for your certificate or graduation ceremony.
What the Graduate visa costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £937 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually £1,035 per year of your stay |
| Example for 18 months | £937 plus about £1,553 in surcharge, depending on how the surcharge is calculated |
Fees change, so confirm the amounts on GOV.UK. See the study-stage budget in our UK cost guide.
Step-by-step: applying for the Graduate visa
- Finish your course and wait for your university to report completion.
- Check your visa expiry and apply before it ends.
- Apply online from inside the UK, pay the fee and the health surcharge, and prove your identity.
- Use the time well: look for graduate roles, internships and employers that can sponsor a Skilled Worker visa, and read our UK work rules.
Planning a UK degree around the new Graduate visa rules?
AbroBot compares UK intakes and course lengths against the visa dates, so your post-study window is as long as possible.
Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
How long is the UK Graduate visa for Indian students?
2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, and 3 years for PhD graduates.
How much does the UK Graduate visa cost?
The application fee is £937, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £1,035 per year of your stay.
Can I extend the Graduate visa?
No. It cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
Do I need a job offer for the Graduate visa?
No. It is open, so you can work or look for work without a sponsor.
When should I apply for the Graduate visa?
Before your Student visa expires, and after your provider has reported that you completed your course.
Do I have to apply from inside the UK?
Yes. You must be in the UK when you apply.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.