UK Work Visa: Bilal MBA Digital Marketing
UWS London, UK
Writer: Bilal, MBA Digital Marketing
University
of the West of Scotland London, UK
Hi,
My
name is Bilal and I completed MBA Digital Marketing from University of the West
Scotland (UWS), London campus, UK.
In
this article, I will highlight my personal experiences pertaining to post-study
life, working and Visa Policies during my MBA in Digital marketing at UWS
London, UK.
I
am sharing authentic information on ethical grounds to elucidate (explain)
Working hours while studding not only in UWS but also at other universities across
the United Kingdom (UK). I also added my personal insights about Visa options
available after graduation in UK.
My
Goal is to inform students about current and future UK Government laws related
to post-study visas, working rules and policies. Additionally, this article will help clear common misconceptions that
students have before applying to UK universities with respect to work and visa
options or post-study visa opportunities.
So,
I will come to the main point about working while studding in the UK.
Working While Studying:
Part-time Working Hours:
In
UK, students are allowed for part-time work up to 20
hours per week during study.
Full-Time Working Hours:
I studied in UWS London and deeply understood
full-time working rules UK government. After completion of the degree, students
can’t work full time in the UK until their Graduate Route visa Is granted.
Now,
as a student of UWS I will share my experiences about post-study work
visa
Post-Study Work Visa & Graduate Route
After
completing degree from university, a student is given permission from the UK
government for Post-study visa this is officially called UK Graduate Route.
So
far as Graduate Route visa is concerned, this visa allows international studies
to stay and work in UK for a certain period of time after completing graduate
degree program.
Duration of Post-Study Work Visa
Duration
of post-study work visa is determined by degree level Bachelor’s, Master’s and
PhD.
As
I got admission in 2025 in UWS London. So, I will provide you authentic
information about it.
UK Government Policies for Post-Study Work Visa
UK
Government regulates its rules and regulations regarding about Post-Study Work Visa
The Visa Name vs The Study Level
In
the UK Graduate Route is the official name of visa. It is related to person who
completes his or her degree level or program.
This
visa comprises of Graduate Level (Bachelor’s) and Postgraduate Level (Master’s
& PhD)
Verified information 2025/2027 Policy comparison
The
table below highlights the degree program with duration of stay in the United
Kingdom (UK) after completing degree.
|
Degree Level |
Official Visa Category |
Stay (Applying Before Jan 1, 2027) |
Stay (Applying On/After Jan 1, 2027) |
|
Bachelor’s (Graduate) |
Graduate Route |
2 Years |
18 Months |
|
Master’s (Postgraduate) |
Graduate Route |
2 Years |
18 Months |
|
PhD / Doctoral (Postgraduate) |
Graduate Route |
3 Years |
3 Years |
Analysis of Bilal’s Information:
Why
information provided by Bilal is very important for new or upcoming
students in UK.
Mr. Bilal spent
his time at University of the West Scotland, London and therefore his
information is valuable for students and the most crucial takeaway is
Important Reminder on Dependents:
After
2025, the rules for dependents under the Graduate route have become more strict
in the UK.
Who can Switch to Graduate route dependents?
Only
dependents who are already in the UK on a valid Student dependent visa can
switch to the Graduate route.
Who can bring dependents?
Students
of PhD programs, and those on government-sponsored scholarships can bring dependents.
Who can’t Bring dependents:
Students of Master’s
programs (e.g., MBA, MSc, MA) and most other graduates cannot bring new
dependents during their studies or under the Graduate route
students
of Master’s programs (e.g., MBA MSc, MA, etc.) and most other graduates cannot bring new dependents
in the UK during their studies or under the Graduate route.
The Exception:
Those
who are already living in the UK as student dependents (students dependent
visa) can apply to become Graduate route dependent once their parents or spouse
has graduated.
This
means new dependents can’t be brought to the UK under the Graduate route. Only
those who are already in the UK as student dependent can become Graduate route
dependents.
Reference/Source:
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), Graduate Route Visa
(Post-Study Work Visa),
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/working/graduate-route/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Accessed: December 17, 2025)
Remember:
Graduate
route visa is not extendable, but you can switch to other visa categories, such
as:
Skilled Worker Visa
Innovator Founder Visa