Student visas

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Publication date: 17.09.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “I will soon finish my degree in the UK, and I would like to continue my career here. How long can I stay in the UK after completing my studies on a Student visa?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

10.09.2025 13:38:01 After completing your studies in the UK on a Student visa, you can generally stay for up to 4 months after your course ends. However, this duration may vary depending on the length and type of course you have completed. If you wish to stay in the UK longer to work or look for employment, you might consider applying for a Graduate visa (also known as the post-study work visa). The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing a degree at undergraduate level or above. For those who have completed a PhD, the duration is extended to 3 years. To be eligible for the Graduate visa, you must apply while your current Student visa is still valid and from within the UK. It's important to check the specific requirements and ensure that your educational institution is a licensed sponsor with a track record of compliance. For more detailed and personalized advice, it might be helpful to consult with an immigration advisor or check the official UK government website regarding visas and immigration.

BASE (basic) 100

GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

16.09.2025 10:03:19 After you complete your studies on a UK Student visa, you are generally permitted to remain for a short “wrap-up” period. The length depends on your course: for programs longer than 12 months, you are usually allowed to stay up to 4 months after the course end date stated on your CAS. For shorter courses (6–12 months) it is typically 2 months, and for courses under 6 months, 1 week. During this time, you may work under the conditions of your visa, but you cannot remain indefinitely. If you wish to continue your career in the UK, you should switch to an appropriate visa before this period expires. The most common route is the Graduate visa, which allows up to 2 years’ stay (3 years for PhD graduates) to work at any skill level. Alternatively, you may apply directly for a Skilled Worker visa if you have a qualifying job offer. Timely application is essential to avoid overstaying.

BASE (basic) 2.11

Nikolay

Consultant

United Kingdom / London

16.09.2025 10:12:47 After completing your course on a UK Student visa, you are allowed to remain in the UK for a short “wrap-up” period. If your course lasted more than 12 months, you may stay up to 4 months after the official end date shown on your CAS. For courses between 6–12 months, the period is 2 months, and for courses under 6 months it is generally 1 week. During this time, you can work within the conditions of your visa but must either leave the UK or switch to another visa before it expires. If you want to build your career in the UK, the main options are the Graduate visa (2 years for most graduates, 3 years for PhD/doctorate) or a Skilled Worker visa if you have a qualifying job offer from a licensed sponsor. Applying before your Student visa ends is essential to avoid overstaying, as this could affect future applications.