In 2025, the UK’s post-study work landscape is shifting in ways that matter for Indian students. As these changes unfold, students are asking some very practical questions.
“Will the Graduate Route still help me gain UK work experience?”
“Is the job market strong enough for international graduates?”
“Has the higher salary threshold made sponsorship unrealistic?”
“If the post-study visa stay is now only 18 months, is the UK still worth it?”
These concerns are increasing because of policy changes that will take effect between 2025 and 2027.
Participants on Reddit and Quora are somewhat confused about PSW and the difficulty of securing skilled jobs. It can feel overwhelming for students who want clarity before committing to a one-year master’s program.
However, the reality is not so lopsided.
The UK still offers a straightforward post-study work pathway through the Graduate Route. Indian students continue to be the largest group benefiting from it, and the core value of the visa has not disappeared. What has changed is the level of planning required to make the most of it.
In this post, I will explain what has actually changed, who still qualifies, and how Indian students can approach the new system with confidence. The goal is simple. Provide you with the truth so that you can make informed decisions instead of relying on speculation.
What is the Graduate Route Visa UK?
The Graduate Route is a visa that allows students who complete a UK degree to stay back and work in the UK. It does not require employer sponsorship. It allows graduates to explore the job market freely. Even with the upcoming changes, this basic value remains intact.
For Indian students who want UK work experience, this is still the most accessible visa route available.
“International students bring huge benefits to high streets, workplaces and campuses across the country. They contribute billions to the UK economy each year.” – Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK (June, 2025)
Recent changes to the UK Post-Study Work Visa
Over the past year, three developments have changed how Indian students think about the post-study work period.
- The Graduate Route stay will be reduced from two years to eighteen months starting 1 January 2027.
Students applying before that date will still receive the full two-year stay. Students applying after the date will receive eighteen months. For one-year master’s students starting in 2025 or 2026, this timing becomes important because they will likely graduate close to or after the implementation date.
- Skilled Worker sponsorship is becoming selective.
From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary for a UK Skilled Worker visa jumps to £41,700 (from the earlier ~£26,200 range). Only a few exceptions remain at £33,400 , such as STEM PhD holders, roles on the Immigration Salary List, and new entrants.
The higher salary thresholds mean some entry-level roles no longer qualify for sponsorship.
This does not mean sponsorship is disappearing. It means it is more concentrated in fields where skill shortages remain.
- Universities face stricter compliance rules.
The government has increased expectations around completion rates, refusal rates, and enrolment quality. Institutions failing to meet the criteria risk penalties or loss of sponsor status.
For students, this means one thing. You must choose universities with strong compliance records and better academic support. The era of enrolling in any low-ranked institution simply to enter the UK is fading.
What all this means for Indian students
The UK has not closed its doors. It has raised the bar for long-term stay, which means planning is critical. Students who arrive with clear goals, aligned courses, realistic budgeting, and early job search efforts are still securing sponsorship and building UK careers.
“We have a proud tradition as an outward-looking nation, investing and trading abroad, and welcoming the creativity, ideas and diversity of those who come to contribute here.” – Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (May, 2025)
The students who struggle the most are usually those who pick random courses, underestimate living costs, or rely heavily on part-time work to survive. The policies highlight the importance of preparation, not pessimism.
We have seen many Indian students overcome tough odds. Take the case of Abhinaya Murthy, who faced multiple loan rejections before joining LSE. Through GradRight, she secured both an affordable loan and a scholarship, which made her UK journey far more manageable.
Eligibility for the UK Post-Study Work Visa
Most online lists repeat the same checklist. Instead of that, here are the eligibility points that actually influence your outcome.
- You must complete an eligible degree at a university with a valid sponsor licence.
Most UK universities qualify. Some private colleges or institutions with compliance issues may not. Always verify.
- You must be inside the UK on a valid Student visa when you apply.
If you leave the UK after finishing your dissertation and before submitting your Graduate Route application, you lose eligibility. This is a common mistake students make.
- Your university must notify the Home Office that you have completed your course.
This internal step can sometimes be delayed during busy months, and your ability to apply depends on it. You do not need to wait for your graduation ceremony.
- You must meet the minimum physical study requirement.
For programs twelve months or longer, at least twelve months must be completed in the UK. For shorter programs, the entire duration must be completed in the UK. Heavy online or distance components can create complications.
- You can only use the Graduate Route once.
If you plan to pursue two UK degrees, you must think carefully about when to use your Graduate visa, especially if your longer-term goal involves sponsorship or switching to another work visa.
When and how to apply for the Graduate Route Visa
You apply after completing your course, and before your Student visa expires. The most important trigger is the moment your university updates the Home Office that you have completed your course. Some institutions send these updates quickly. Others take a few weeks, especially during peak completion periods. Your ability to apply depends entirely on this internal confirmation, not your graduation ceremony.
The application itself is straightforward and happens online. There is no interview, no proof of funds, and no academic documents needed beyond your passport and previous visa details.
Cost, processing time, and duration
The application fee is £880 and the Immigration Health Surcharge stands at £1,035 for each year. For most Indian students completing a master’s degree, this is manageable.
The decision timeline is officially up to eight weeks. Some students receive decisions faster. A few experience small delays during high-volume months. What matters is that you remain inside the UK while waiting. Any travel outside the UK will void your application.
Students often worry about rejection but refusals are rare. If you have completed your program properly and remained in the UK, the process tends to be smooth.
What you can and cannot do on the Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route is popular because of its flexibility. You can work in almost any job, at any skill level, full time or part time. You can change employers, hold two jobs at once, or take up short-term projects. You can explore different industries and understand where your skills fit into the UK market. For students who want to build experience quickly, this freedom is extremely valuable.
You can also be self-employed. Many Indian students take advantage of this by freelancing in design, content, analytics, software development, or tutoring while they search for a full-time job.
Strategies and tips for Indian students
This is the part that makes the biggest difference. The Graduate Route is useful only if you treat it as a launchpad, not a safety net.
The students who do well in the UK choose courses that lead to skilled jobs. They start networking early. They take internships or part-time roles aligned with their careers. They use the eighteen to twenty-four months not only to work, but to prepare for sponsorship or another long-term visa.
Here are some practical strategies that Indian students find useful:
- Build a focused job search plan by month three of your program.
Waiting until graduation reduces your options. The UK hiring cycle moves more slowly than many expect, and early applications help you stand out.
- Choose industries that sponsor consistently.
Tech, engineering, healthcare, data, finance, supply chain, and advanced manufacturing still sponsor international graduates. These sectors value skill more than nationality. A number of Indian students rely on GradRight to compare UK courses that lead to well-paying jobs.
- Strengthen your profile with UK experience.
Even a few months of relevant part-time work can signal readiness to employers. Many companies prefer candidates who already understand UK workplace culture.
- Stay financially prepared.
The Graduate Route is not a substitute for strong budgeting. Students who plan their finances well can focus on building careers instead of juggling survival.
- Treat the eighteen-month version of the visa positively.
For students affected by the 2027 change, the shorter window can act as a motivator. Focused students often secure skilled roles well within this time, especially if they plan early.
When used wisely, the Graduate Route remains a powerful opportunity for those who think strategically.
Many students have told us that having a transparent platform like GradRight made their UK journey easier. A bit of clarity around funding and planning reduces the stress that comes with the Graduate Route.
Conclusion
To put it briefly – there is no real cause for concern. The Graduate Route continues to offer Indian students an enriching opportunity to stay in the UK after their degree and prepare for long-term career paths. The upcoming changes require better planning, but they in no way affect the value of the route itself.
If you need any assistance to study in the UK don’t hesitate to write to us.Our experts are always there to guide and support you.
