Helping you plan your next step

Graduating is just the beginning of your journey. Whether you aim to start your career in the UK or pursue further studies, we're here to support you.

Visa support

Student visas typically expire soon after your degree. If you choose to stay in the UK, we can help guide you to find the right post-study visa for you. Visit our international experience team page for more information or to schedule an appointment with an adviser.

Further study

Depending on your nationality and level of study, you may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, or discounts for progressing to a masters or research degree.

Finding a job in the UK

Our careers service has a lot of experience in helping international students launch careers in the UK. You'll receive a comprehensive support package during your final year and post-graduation, along with guidance on your visa options. Learn more about career support for international students.

As an alumni, you'll also have access to library services, including online journals and research tools to aid your job search.

Please note it’s illegal in the UK to pay someone to find a job for you. Genuine agencies are paid by the employer, not the job seeker. Always be aware of your rights and safety when job hunting.

Post-study work visas

There are several routes available for working in the UK post-graduation including the Graduate route and the Skilled Worker route which also includes the Health and Social Care Worker route. Find more about these routes on the UKCISA website.

Graduate immigration route

Also known as the Graduate visa, it allows you to stay in the UK and work after completing your studies without requiring employer or Sheffield Hallam sponsorship. It also allows you to work with any employer and be self-employed, except for roles as a professional sportsperson or coach.

While this route does not count towards the 5-year settlement requirement, it allows you to switch to other work visas, including access to tradeable points for new entrants in the Skilled Worker route. For more details, visit the UKCISA website. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must hold a UK degree obtained during your current Tier 4 or Student visa period, and submit your application from within the UK.

The visa duration is 2 years for undergraduates and postgraduates, and 3 years for PhD graduates. Please note that masters fall-back awards such as postgraduate diplomas or postgraduate certificates are not eligible.

How to apply

After receiving your final results, the University will inform UKVI of your successful completion. You'll receive a confirmation email within 10 working days. Once received, apply for the Graduate route visa through the UK Government website. Find out more on the UKCISA website.

Any provisional results do not qualify and we also won't report course completion for students with outstanding tuition fees. You will need to pay any outstanding fees at least two weeks before your Student visa expires. Please make sure you only submit your visa application after you have received confirmation that we have reported your course completion to the Home Office.

Dependents

Only dependents who are already in the UK as your Tier 4 or Student dependents (partner and/or child under 18) can apply under the Graduate route. If your dependents are outside the UK and you want them to join you in the UK as dependents on your Graduate visa, they must first join you under the Student route.

Further support

Book a place on one of our Graduate Work visa sessions to learn more and ask any questions you might have. Please make sure you read the Graduate route guidance on the UKCISA website before attending these sessions.

Skilled Worker route

To apply under the Skilled Worker route, you need sponsorship from a licensed employer for a specific job that meets minimum skill and salary levels. This visa is specific to the job role and employer, so if you change either, you will need to make a new application.

This route includes specialist visas, such as the Health and Care Worker visa, which have reduced costs and fast-track processing for eligible jobs. 

The Skilled Worker route counts towards the 5-year settlement requirement, and applications can be made from within the UK or your home country. You can also apply for your dependents to join you from home or switch your visa in the UK. Find more details on the UKCISA website. 

Other routes

You can find all the options listed on the UK Government website under ‘Work Visas’, and the UKCISA website under ‘Working After Studies’. These include some routes that do not require a sponsorship or those for working for an overseas employer. There are also some temporary work options that may be of interest to you. Or you can look for information on British National Overseas, UK Ancestry and Family routes if you are eligible.

Need help?

The international experience team offers guidance on post-study work options and visa applications for international graduates. However, we are unable to offer case advice for non-study related routes. If you are instructing a solicitor for help, make sure they are a member of ILPA (Immigration Law Practitioners Association).

Visit our international experience team page for more information or to schedule an appointment with an adviser.