How long can I stay in the UK after my course ends?

Your Student visa will have an end date that is typically 2 to 4 months after your course end date, depending on the length of your course. If your course is 12 months or longer, you usually get 4 months of extra leave after the course ends. If shorter, you get 2 months. You must either switch to another visa, apply for the Graduate Route, or leave the UK before your visa expires.

Can I work full-time after my course ends?

During the wrap-up period after your course ends but while your Student visa is still valid, the same work restrictions apply. You can work up to 20 hours per week if you were on a degree-level course, or 10 hours if below degree level. Full-time work is only permitted during official university holidays. Once you switch to the Graduate Route or a Skilled Worker visa, your work rights change.

What is the deadline to apply for the Graduate Route?

You must apply for the Graduate Route while your Student visa is still valid. There is no specific deadline other than your visa expiry date. However, your university must confirm to the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course before you can apply. Do not wait until the last minute, as processing can take up to 8 weeks.

Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from a Student visa?

Yes. If you find a sponsored job, you can switch from a Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK. You do not need to leave and re-enter. Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship, and you must meet the salary threshold and skill level requirements.

What to Do After Your Student Visa Course Ends

When your course finishes, you have a limited window to take action. The most popular option is the Graduate Route, which gives you 2 years (3 for PhD graduates) to work without a sponsor. You can also switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsored job, start a new course, or leave the UK. The key is to act before your Student visa expires.

Your Timeline After Course Completion

When your course ends, the clock starts ticking. Your Student visa includes a wrap-up period after the course end date, but this is shorter than many students expect. For courses of 12 months or longer, you typically get 4 months of additional leave. For shorter courses, you get 2 months.

During this wrap-up period, your Student visa conditions still apply. You cannot work full-time (except during official holidays), and you must apply for your next visa or leave the UK before the expiry date. Check your BRP or eVisa for the exact date.

Option 1: The Graduate Route

The Graduate Route is the most popular choice for students who want to stay in the UK after their course. It gives you 2 years of unsponsored work permission (3 years for PhD graduates). You can work in any job at any level.

To qualify, you must have successfully completed a degree at a UK university that holds a Student sponsor licence. Your university must report your completion to the Home Office. The application fee is 822 GBP plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. See our Graduate Route requirements guide for full details.

Apply as soon as your university confirms your completion. The Graduate Route cannot be extended, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa at any time during the 2 years.

Option 2: Switch to a Skilled Worker Visa

If you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, you can switch directly from your Student visa to a Skilled Worker visa without leaving the UK. Your employer must assign you a Certificate of Sponsorship and you must meet the salary threshold.

New entrants switching from a Student visa may benefit from the new entrant salary rate, which allows a lower threshold for the first few years. This makes it easier to qualify for sponsored roles in sectors like education, healthcare, and engineering.

The Skilled Worker visa leads to ILR after 5 years, making it a strong long-term option. See our guide on switching from Student to Skilled Worker.

Option 3: Start a New Course

You can apply for a new Student visa from inside the UK if you want to continue studying. For example, if you have completed a bachelor's degree, you could apply for a master's programme. You will need a new CAS from your new institution and must meet the Student visa requirements again, including financial evidence.

Be aware that starting a new course restarts the clock. You would not be able to apply for the Graduate Route based on your previous course once you start a new one. The Graduate Route application must be based on your most recent completed course.

Option 4: Leave the UK

If none of the above options apply, you must leave the UK before your visa expires. Overstaying, even by a single day, can have serious consequences for future visa applications. If you plan to return to the UK later, leaving on time protects your immigration record.

Before you leave, make sure to close any UK commitments: end your tenancy properly, close or maintain your bank account as needed, and keep copies of all UK documents for future reference.

What Not to Do

Do not overstay. The consequences of overstaying are severe: a ban on re-entry, difficulty getting future visas, and potential removal from the UK.
Do not assume your visa lasts longer than it does. Check the exact expiry date on your BRP or eVisa.
Do not wait until the last day to apply. Applications take time to process, and if there is a problem, you need time to fix it.

Next Steps

Start planning at least 3 months before your course ends. Decide which option suits your situation and begin gathering documents early. For more on each pathway:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Graduate visa page and the GOV.UK Student visa page.