Key takeaways
- The UK Graduate Route allows Nepali students to stay for 2–3 years after completing their degree.
- The total cost is around GBP 2,892 (NPR 477,600) for a two-year stay.
- You can work full-time, part-time, or freelance without restrictions.
- The visa cannot be extended, but it serves as a pathway to the Skilled Worker visa.
- Apply before your student visa expires to remain eligible.
Studying abroad is a dream for many Nepali students. The United Kingdom has consistently been one of the most attractive destinations because of its top-ranked universities, globally recognised qualifications, and diverse student communities.
But the real value of studying in the UK comes after graduation. That’s when you can take advantage of the post-study work visa, also called the Graduate Route.
Start your UK journey with expert help today.
At Edvoy, we understand that your long-term goal is not only to earn a degree but also to use it to build a successful career. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to help you understand every aspect of the UK post-study work visa, from eligibility and costs to job opportunities and future immigration pathways. Know more.
Table of Contents
- What is the UK Post-Study Work visa (Graduate Route)
- Why the Post-Study Work visa matters for Nepali students
- Eligibility to apply for the Graduate Route for Nepali students
- Application process for UK Post-Study Work visa
- Costs for Graduate Route application for Nepali students
- Job opportunities on the post-study work visa
- Popular job sectors for Nepali students
- Transition from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker visa
- Living costs in the UK on a Post-Study Work visa
- Mistakes to avoid
- Benefits of choosing the Graduate Route
- FAQs
What is the UK Post-Study Work visa (Graduate Route)
The Graduate Route is a visa that allows international students, including Nepali students, to stay in the UK after completing their degree. It is designed to give you the opportunity to find employment, gain work experience, or even explore entrepreneurship.
Key highlights of the Graduate Route:
- Duration: 2 years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates
- Flexibility: Work in any sector at any skill level
- No job offer required: You can apply even without confirmed employment
- Pathway to Skilled Worker visa: Can lead to long-term work and settlement opportunities
This visa is a stepping stone that transforms your UK education into global career prospects.
Why the Post-Study Work visa matters for Nepali students
As a Nepali student, your investment in a UK degree is significant. The post-study work visa ensures that you have the time and legal right to use your education to build practical skills and experience.
Here are the main reasons it matters:
- You gain international work experience that makes your CV stand out globally.
- You earn in GBP, which has a much higher value compared to NPR.
- You get exposure to global companies and work cultures.
- You have time to transition into the Skilled Worker visa without pressure.
- You can decide whether to build a career in the UK, return to Nepal with global experience, or explore other destinations.
Book a call with our counsellors to know more about studying in the UK.
By staying back in the UK after graduation, you give yourself the chance to maximise your return on investment.
Also read: Study in the UK without IELTS for Nepali students
Eligibility to apply for the Graduate Route for Nepali students
Not every international student qualifies for the Graduate Route. To be eligible as a Nepali student, you must meet the following conditions:
| Requirement | Details |
| Valid student visa | Your student visa must still be valid at the time of your Graduate Route application. |
| Completed the eligible course | You must have completed a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD from a licensed sponsor university in the UK. |
| University sponsorship | Your university must be listed on the UKVI sponsor list and must confirm your course completion to the Home Office. |
| Application location | You must apply from within the UK. Applications cannot be made from Nepal. |
| Health surcharge | You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. |
Also read: UK study visa process for Nepali students
Application process for UK Post-Study Work visa
Applying for the Graduate Route is straightforward if you follow the right steps.
Step 1: Check course and university eligibility
Ensure that your course and institution are eligible. Almost all recognised UK universities are licensed sponsors, but it is always best to confirm.
Step 2: Apply online
Submit your application through the official UK government website.
Step 3: Pay application fees and health surcharge
- Application fee: GBP 822
- Immigration Health Surcharge: GBP 1,035 per year
This means you pay GBP 2,070 for a two-year visa or GBP 3,105 for a three-year visa.
Step 4: Submit biometrics
Book and attend an appointment at a UKVCAS service point for fingerprinting and photographs.
Step 5: Wait for the decision
Processing usually takes around 8 weeks. You should not leave the UK while your application is pending.
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Costs for Graduate Route application for Nepali students
Here is a breakdown of the typical costs for Nepali students applying for the Graduate Route:
| Fee type | GBP | NPR approx. (1 GBP = 165 NPR) |
| Application fee | 822 | 135,600 |
| IHS (2 years) | 2,070 | 342,000 |
| Total (2 years) | 2,892 | 477,600 |
| IHS (3-year PhD) | 3,105 | 511,900 |
Planning ahead is essential because these fees are paid up front.
Need personalised help? Speak to an Edvoy counsellor today.
Job opportunities on the post-study work visa
The Graduate Route gives you flexibility to work across a wide range of sectors. Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, you are not restricted to a specific employer or skill level.
| Job type | Allowed |
| Full-time jobs | Yes |
| Part-time jobs | Yes |
| Self-employment or freelancing | Yes |
| Internships and placements | Yes |
| Voluntary work | Yes |
| Professional training as a doctor or dentist | No |
| Professional sports roles | No |
Popular job sectors for Nepali students
Healthcare and nursing
There’s a high demand for nurses and healthcare professionals in the UK. Salaries typically start from GBP 27,000 per year.
IT and technology
The UK has a growing demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. Salaries range from GBP 30,000 to 50,000.
Finance and business
Nepali students with business or finance degrees can work in accounting, banking, and consultancy, with salaries starting at GBP 28,000.
Hospitality and retail
Entry-level jobs are available in hospitality, customer service, and retail, with salaries from GBP 20,000.
Engineering
Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers are in demand, earning between GBP 32,000 and 48,000.
Transition from Graduate Route to Skilled Worker visa
The Graduate Route cannot be extended, but it is designed to give you time to transition into other visa categories. The most common next step is the Skilled Worker visa.
Requirements for a Skilled Worker visa:
- A job offer from a licensed UK employer
- Minimum salary threshold of GBP 26,200 (or GBP 23,040 for shortage occupations)
- Employer sponsorship
The Skilled Worker visa is valid for 5 years and can eventually lead to permanent residency.
Speak with our experts to navigate the Graduate Route!
Living costs in the UK on a Post-Study Work visa
Understanding living expenses is crucial for budgeting.
| Expense type | Average monthly cost (GBP) | NPR equivalent |
| Rent (shared accommodation) | 400–600 | 66,000–99,000 |
| Food | 150–250 | 25,000–41,000 |
| Transport | 100–150 | 16,000–25,000 |
| Utilities and bills | 100 | 16,500 |
| Miscellaneous | 150 | 25,000 |
Note: London is typically 30–40% more expensive than other cities.
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Mistakes to avoid
- Don’t apply after your student visa expires.
- Don’t ignore the Immigration Health Surcharge when budgeting.
- Don’t delay job searching until the last moment.
- Don’t overlook the Skilled Worker visa pathway.
Benefits of choosing the Graduate Route
- Gain global work experience without sponsorship restrictions
- Improve your CV with UK-based employment
- Explore industries before choosing a long-term path
- Build networks with international employers
- Transition smoothly into the Skilled Worker visa
Whether you're aiming to transition into a Skilled Worker visa or simply enhance your professional portfolio, the Graduate Route is the perfect stepping stone towards a bright future abroad. Let Edvoy help you navigate this exciting journey and make the most of your UK education!
At Edvoy, we’re committed to guiding Nepali students like you through every step of your journey. From securing admission to UK universities to preparing for your post-study work visa, we make sure you are fully informed and supported.
We’ve partnered with leading UK universities and have helped thousands of students successfully plan their education and career abroad. Our advisors will help you choose the right course, university, and visa pathway to achieve your goals.
Book your counselling session with us and get started now.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for the Graduate Route from Nepal?
No, you cannot apply from Nepal. The Graduate Route application must be submitted while you are still in the UK with a valid student visa. If you leave the UK after your visa expires, you will lose eligibility. This rule is in place because the Graduate Route is meant to extend your stay after studies, not restart it from outside the country.
2. Can I bring dependents on this visa?
Yes, but only if they were already dependent on your student visa. This means your spouse, partner, or children can continue to stay with you in the UK under the Graduate Route. However, you cannot add new dependents who were not previously included. This rule is important to consider when planning family arrangements before and during your studies.
3. Can I extend the Graduate Route visa?
No, the Graduate Route cannot be extended beyond its duration of 2 or 3 years. Once it expires, you must either leave the UK or switch into another visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa. This is why many students use this time to find full-time employment with a sponsoring employer, allowing them to remain in the UK longer.
4. Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, you do not need a job offer to apply for the Graduate Route. This is one of its biggest advantages compared to other work visas. The Graduate Route gives you freedom to search for jobs, work part-time or full-time, or even freelance. This flexibility allows you to explore your options without being tied to a single employer immediately.
