UK Graduate visa (PSW) 2026–27: fee, rules & the 2027 cut
How long you can stay and work in the UK after your degree, what the Graduate visa costs, and how the change on 1 January 2027 affects students starting now.
The UK Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after a UK degree. It lasts 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027 (3 years after a PhD). It costs £937, plus the healthcare surcharge of £1,035 for each year. You must apply from inside the UK, before your Student visa expires, once your university has reported that you completed your course.
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How long is the UK Graduate visa?
| When you apply | Bachelor's or master's | PhD or other doctorate |
|---|---|---|
| On or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years | 3 years |
| From 1 January 2027 | 18 months | 3 years |
Source: GOV.UK Graduate visa, checked 23 October 2026. The date that counts is when you apply, not when you started your course.
How much does the Graduate visa cost?
- Application fee: £937.
- Immigration Health Surcharge: usually £1,035 for each year you'll be in the UK, paid upfront.
- Some doctors, nurses and care workers may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa instead, which has no surcharge.
Who can apply, and when?
- You must be in the UK on a Student (or Tier 4) visa.
- You must have completed an eligible UK bachelor's, postgraduate or other course for the minimum period.
- Your university must have reported your successful completion to the Home Office. You don't need to wait for your graduation ceremony or certificate.
- Apply before your Student visa expires. Decisions usually take up to 8 weeks, and you can stay in the UK while you wait.
What can I do on a Graduate visa?
- Work in most jobs, look for work, and be self-employed.
- Do voluntary work, and travel abroad and return.
- You can't claim most public funds, and you can only study on it if the course isn't eligible for a Student visa.
- Partners and children who are already your dependants can apply to stay. Most taught master's students can't bring dependants on the Student visa in the first place; see our spouse and dependants guide.
How should students starting now plan around the 2027 change?
- Starting a 1-year master's in September 2026 or January 2027? You'll finish in 2027 or later, so you'll get 18 months, not 2 years. Plan your job search for that window.
- Use the 18 months well: start applying for jobs that sponsor the Skilled Worker visa during your final term.
- Compare countries: our post-study work comparison shows Canada, Australia, Ireland and Germany side by side.
- Read the UK student visa guide for the first step.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 23 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is PSW in the UK for Indian students?
2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years.
How much does the UK Graduate visa cost?
£937 to apply, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of usually £1,035 for each year of the visa.
Can I apply for the Graduate visa from India?
No. You must be in the UK on your Student visa when you apply, before it expires.
When can I apply for the Graduate visa?
As soon as your university has reported to the Home Office that you completed your course. You don't need to wait for graduation.
Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a work visa?
Yes. Many graduates move to the Skilled Worker visa when an employer sponsors them, if they meet that visa's salary and skill rules.
Does Abbacy help with UK post-study plans?
Yes. We help you pick courses and universities with strong employer links so you can use your Graduate visa well, free of charge.
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