For thousands of Nigerian students, graduating from a UK university is the culmination of a major dream. But a new, pressing question often follows the celebration: “What’s next? How can I stay and work in the UK?”
The good news is that the UK government has a clear pathway designed for graduates just like you. It’s called the Graduate Route, also known as the Post-Study Work (PSW) visa.
This guide will break down everything you need to know, from applying for the Graduate Route visa to finding jobs and, crucially, how to turn this opportunity into a long-term career in the UK.
Part 1: The Key to Staying – The UK Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route is the single most important tool for international graduates. Think of it as a 2-year bridge (or 3-year bridge for PhD graduates) connecting your student life to your professional career.
What is it?
It’s a visa that allows you to stay and work or look for work, in the UK for two years (three years for PhD/doctoral graduates) after you’ve completed your course.
The Single Biggest Benefit:
You do not need a job offer to submit your application. You do not need employer sponsorship. You can work in almost any job, at any skill level, to gain vital UK work experience.
What you CAN do on the Graduate Route:
- Work in most jobs, including being self-employed.
- Look for work.
- Travel abroad and return to the UK.
- Do voluntary work.
What you CANNOT do:
- Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
- Extend this visa. It’s a one-time opportunity.
Part 2: Are You Eligible? The Checklist for Nigerian Students
To apply for the Graduate Route, you must meet specific requirements.
- You must be in the UK: You cannot apply for this visa from Nigeria or any other country. You must apply from inside the UK.
- You must have a valid Student Visa: Your application must be made while your Student visa (or Tier 4 visa) is still valid.
- You must have completed a UK degree: (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) to have your Student visa issued.
- Your university must give the OK: Your university (as a licensed Student sponsor) must notify the UK Home Office that you have completed your course. You cannot apply until they have done this.
- You must have studied in the UK: You must have studied in the UK for a minimum period (usually at least 12 months for courses longer than a year).
Important Note for Sponsored Students: If your course fees and living costs were paid by a government or an international scholarship agency, you must get a letter of consent from that sponsor to apply for the Graduate Route.
Part 3: How, When, and How Much to Apply
Timing and cost are critical. Here’s the breakdown for the 2024/2025 period.
When to Apply
There is a “golden window” for your application:
- AFTER your university has informed the Home Office of your successful completion.
- BEFORE your current Student visa expires.
Do not leave the UK after your course ends if you plan to apply for this visa, as you must apply from within the UK.
How to Apply
The application is done online on the official GOV.UK website. You will need to:
- Complete the online form.
- Prove your identity, usually via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app on your smartphone. This allows you to scan your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or passport.
- Pay the required fees.
You can expect a decision within approximately 8 weeks.
The Cost: Fees for the Graduate Route Visa
You must have the funds ready to pay for two separate things:
- The Application Fee: £880
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory fee that gives you access to the NHS. It costs £1,035 per year.
Here is the total cost you must pay upfront:
| Visa Type | Application Fee | IHS Cost (2 x £1,035) | Total (2-Year Visa) |
| Bachelor’s/Master’s | £880 | £2,070 | £2,950 |
| PhD/Doctoral | £880 | £3,105 (3 x £1,035) | £3,985 |
Part 4: The 2-Year Plan: Finding Jobs for Nigerian Graduates
Your 2-year Graduate Route visa is not the final destination; it’s your opportunity to prove yourself and find a long-term career. Your goal during this time is to find a job with an employer who can sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.
What jobs are in demand?
While you can take any job, focus on finding graduate-level roles in high-demand sectors. This increases your chances of finding a company willing to sponsor you.
Top sectors for Nigerian graduates in the UK include:
- Information Technology: Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, AI.
- Healthcare: Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy (the NHS is a major employer).
- Finance & Banking: Financial Analysis, Accounting, FinTech (especially in London).
- Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, and Electrical Engineering.
- Legal Services: Law firms, in-house legal departments.
How to find a job:
- University Career Services: This is your best first stop. They have experience helping international students.
- LinkedIn & Job Portals: Utilize filters such as “Graduate” and “Entry-Level.” Research companies to see if they are on the Home Office’s official list of licensed sponsors.
- Career Fairs: Attend university and national career fairs to network directly with employers.
Part 5: Beyond the Graduate Route: Your Long-Term Career
The Graduate Route visa cannot be extended. Before your 2 years are up, you must switch to a different visa to stay in the UK.
The most common path is the Skilled Worker Visa.
How to Switch from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker:
- Find a Sponsored Job: You must find a job with an employer who is a Home Office-licensed sponsor.
- Obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Your employer will provide you with this “CoS,” which is a unique reference number for your visa application.
- Meet the Salary Requirements: The job must pay a minimum salary. The standard threshold is high (e.g., £38,700), BUT…
The “New Entrant” Discount: As a recent graduate switching from a Graduate visa, you qualify as a “new entrant.” This means your salary only needs to be £30,960 per year (or 70% of the “going rate” for your specific job, whichever is higher). This makes you much more attractive to employers.
Unlike the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa counts towards settlement. After 5 years on this visa, you can be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which allows you to live and work in the UK permanently.
Your Journey Starts Now
Your UK education has opened the door. The Graduate Route visa is the key that lets you walk through it. Use these two years wisely to gain experience, build your network, and find a company that values your skills. After gradution you can check UK jobs from this UK jobs listing
Start researching licensed sponsors, perfecting your CV, and preparing for your future in the UK today.
