Student vs Graduate: which UK visa is right for you?
The Student visa gets you studying in the UK; the Graduate visa lets you stay and work for 2 years (3 for PhDs) after you finish - most students use them in sequence.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Student visa (Student) | Graduate visa (Graduate) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | For people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider. | For international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work. |
| Government cost | ~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate) | ~£880 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK) | ~8 weeks |
| Length of stay | Length of course (up to 5 years for degree level) | 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) |
| Where to apply | Outside or inside the UK | Inside the UK only |
| Work rights | Part-time work in term, full-time in holidays (course dependent) | Work at any skill level, including self-employment, no sponsor |
| Points-tested | Yes | No |
| Pathway to PR | Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Graduate or Skilled Worker afterwards. | Does not directly lead to settlement; switch to Skilled Worker to build an ILR pathway. |
Which is right for you?
Student visa (Student)
For people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider.
Full Student guide →Graduate visa (Graduate)
For international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work.
Full Graduate guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Student or Graduate?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Student visa (Student) is the lowest at ~£524 application; IHS ~£776/year (student rate). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Student or Graduate?
Indicatively Student visa (Student) is the quickest at ~3 weeks (outside UK), ~8 weeks (inside UK). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Student and Graduate?
Student visa (Student) is for for people aged 16 or over with a place on an eligible course at a licensed UK education provider. Graduate visa (Graduate) is for for international students who have completed an eligible UK degree and want to stay to work or look for work.