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After graduation: Visa, graduate schemes, and jobs

What to do once you graduate from your course is always a difficult decision. Here we highlight your options, and give you all the information you need: how to apply, how much it costs, how long it takes, and more help about starting your career.

Finding work after you graduate

As an international student, the process of getting work might be different to what you’re used to at home. There are additional rules and limitations that overseas students need to bear in mind to comply with the conditions of your visa while working.

Graduate schemes and entry-level jobs

Finding your first full-time job after you graduate can be a challenge, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the UK jobs system. There are a few types of roles that you can get after university, each with its own strengths, weaknesses and application requirements.

Graduate visa

After you’ve studied in the UK, and achieved a relevant degree or equivalent qualification, you can apply for a graduate visa. Discover what is it, how to apply, what the requirements are, and how long it might take.

Graduates: ten must-dos for work experience

Securing an excellent work experience opportunity alone isn't enough; demonstrating to employers how you squeezed the most from it, counts too. Sheffield Hallam University’s employability adviser Jill Valentine explains how.

What do employers look for in graduates?

Employers are often looking for grads with at least a 2:1 under their belt. But it’s not just good marks they’re looking for when sifting through job applications.

2015 End of Cycle Report videos

To accompany the 2015 End of Cycle Report a series of short videos are available. These videos, recorded by current and graduate members of the UCAS Data Scientist Internship Programme, focus on specific areas of the report and highlight the key findings.

2016 January deadline analysis report videos

To accompany the 2016 January deadline analysis report 'UK application rates by the January deadline', a series of short videos are available. These videos, recorded by current and graduate members of the UCAS Data Scientist Internship Programme, focus on specific areas of the report and highlight the key findings.

Amy, Level 6 design engineering technical apprentice

Amy Lauder is in her third year of a four-year Level 6 graduate apprenticeship with aerospace company Leonardo. She will qualify with a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design and Manufacture from the University of Strathclyde.

Career Finder

Promote your apprenticeship, internship, placement, and graduate vacancies on ucas.com

Career goals: Lawyer

Oxford graduate Anke takes the stand to testify on what the life of a lawyer is really like.

Career support at university

University is a critical time for developing your future career. As an international student in the UK, you can access a wealth of support from your university and their dedicated careers teams. You’ll be able to get help on everything from improving your job application process, finding work experience while you’re studying, or getting a graduate role in your chosen industry.