The Graduate visa requires completion reported to the Home Office by a licensed sponsor, an eligible course, and an in-country application before the Student visa expires.
Completing a UK master's does not automatically produce a Graduate visa. At application time, the applicant must be in the UK, hold a valid Student or Tier 4 visa, and have completed an eligible course with the same licensed sponsor that sponsored that visa.
The provider must have told the Home Office that the course was completed successfully. Applicants do not need to wait for graduation or a certificate, but they must apply before the Student visa expires.
Academic presence in the UK also matters. For courses lasting 12 months or more, the general rule requires at least 12 months of study in the UK; shorter courses generally require the full course duration. Official exceptions must be checked against the individual case.
Application date changes the duration. Applications made by December 31, 2026 may result in two years; applications made from January 1, 2027 generally receive 18 months. PhD and other doctoral graduates remain eligible for three years.
Published government costs include a £937 application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, usually £1,035 for each year. The Graduate visa cannot be extended, although eligible graduates may switch to another visa.
Choosing a course on the assumption of an automatic two-year work route can distort cost, timing, and return, especially for applications made in 2027.
Compare WIDER's three UK master's programs and verify the sponsor, course, required presence, and likely application date on GOV.UK before saving your shortlist.
Compare three UK master's programs