Staying in the UK after study
If you complete your studies at the University and your student visa is still valid, you can stay in the UK and work full time for up to four months. After that time, even if your student visa is still valid, you should leave the UK or extend your leave to remain in the UK in one of the following ways:
Education
You may want to continue your studies by applying for another course of a higher level or in a different area of interest – for example a Masters or PhD degree.
Employment
If you wish to work or gain some work experience after completing your course you may qualify to apply under one of the following schemes:
Please note that work visa categories are currently under review by the government, please keep yourself up to date with the latest information on the UKBA Website.
Tier 1 (Post Study Work)
Please note Tier 1 (Post Study Work) will close on 5th April 2012.
For information about the options for working in the UK after your studies from 6th April onwards please visit the UKCISA website.
International students from outside the EU are able to apply for a 2 year work visa, the Tier 1 Post Study Work visa. Applications can be made in the UK (before your current visa expires) or at your nearest British Embassy if you are in your home country. You will be able to apply when your degree has been awarded and have 12 months from that date to make an application.
Please note - Post Study Work (PSW) can only be granted upon the award of your degree (Undergraduate - BSc/BA/BEng/MEng, Postgraduate - MSc/MA or MPhil/PhD). You cannot apply for Post Study Work with a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. Therefore make sure that you have no outstanding debt to the University (tuition, accommodation or other fees) before you complete your studies to ensure you are awarded before the end of your student visa. Otherwise you will be required to return home to await notification of the award and apply to return to the UK from there.
Every application for PSW will require a letter from the Registry Student Centre to confirm the award in addition to your degree certificate (see section H2 of the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) application form. This can be requested by e-mailing Examinations giving the following information:
Full name
Date of Birth
Student ID
Title of Programme
Year of Graduation
Purpose - for PSW application
Address to which you wish the letter to be sent
Unless you are presented your Bachelors degree certificate at a degree conferment ceremony, all certificates will be sent by post to your home address approximately two weeks after the award has been made. If you wish to receive the certificate in the UK and to ensure that you receive it in time to make PSW application, you should notify the Registry of a contact address with valid dates.
Further advice and information about how to apply for the Post Study Work Visa can be found on the UKCISA information sheet: Working in the UK after your studies
Application forms and information can be found on the Post-study Workers section of the UK Border Agency website.
The International Student Office is unable to advise on Post Study Work applications.
If you wish to take legal advice when making your PSW application visit The Law Society website to find a solicitor.
Tier 2 General
If you are fortunate to be offered a job upon completion of your studies, the company will become your sponsor which will allow you to apply for leave to remain as a skilled migrant. Full details can be found on the UK Border Agency website.
