How to Get a Job in the UK
Your Step-by-Step Guide for International Students. Achieve your career goals in the UK with expert help and practical tips!
The United Kingdom has solidified its place as a top destination for International students, who now represent the largest group of international students in the country. This popularity isn't just for the UK's world-class education; it's for the clear career opportunities that follow. The Graduate Visa is the most critical tool for your success, granting you two years of post-study work experience without needing a sponsor.
This visa acts as your direct bridge to the UK job market. It provides essential time to find a role that can lead to a long-term Skilled Worker visa, turning your academic investment into a professional career. This article is your complete roadmap. We will explain these vital visa pathways, detail the most in-demand jobs in the UK, and outline the practical next steps after graduation to help you build a successful future.
Part-time Jobs for International Students in the UK
Balancing work and study is a common practice for international students. A part-time job can help you manage living expenses, gain valuable UK work experience, and build your professional network.
- Visa Rules: If you are on a Student visa for a full-time, degree-level course, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Holiday Work: During official university vacation periods, you are allowed to work full-time (unlimited hours).
- Types of Jobs: Popular part-time roles include working in university libraries or cafes, retail assistants, hospitality staff, tutoring, and administrative roles.
Types of UK Work Visas for Graduates
After completing your degree, your journey doesn't have to end. The UK government offers several visa routes for talented international graduates to stay and work.
1. The Skilled Worker Visa
This is the primary visa for long-term, skilled employment in the UK.
- What it is: A visa that allows you to work in the UK for a specific, licensed employer in an eligible skilled role. This visa route can lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.
- Key Requirements for Graduates:
- You must have a "certificate of sponsorship" (a job offer) from a Home Office-licensed employer.
- The job must be on the list of eligible occupations.
- Salary (New Entrant Rate): As a graduate switching from a Student visa, you benefit from the "new entrant" rate. You must be paid at least £33,400 per year OR 70% of the "going rate" for your specific job, whichever is higher.
2. The Health and Care Worker Visa
This is a specific type of Skilled Worker visa for qualified doctors, nurses, and other health professionals.
- Key Benefits: It has a lower salary threshold, and applicants (and their dependants) are exempt from paying the annual Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Salary: The "new entrant" rate for Health and Care roles is a minimum of £25,000 per year. However, many roles, such as those in the NHS, are on national pay scales. For example, a newly qualified nurse starts at NHS Band 5, with a salary of £31,049+.
3. The Graduate Visa
This is the most popular route for new graduates and is designed to give you time to find a skilled job.
- What it is: The Graduate visa (also known as the Post-Study Work, or PSW, visa) gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your degree. PhD graduates get 3 years.
- Key Features: You do not need a job offer to apply. You can work in almost any job, be self-employed, or use the time to find a role that will sponsor you for a Skilled Worker visa.
- Important Costs: You must be prepared for the mandatory fees. The application fee is £880, and you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront for the entire visa, which is £1,035 per year (totalling £2,070 for a 2-year visa).
- Dependants (Critical Update): Only students on PhD or other research-based postgraduate courses can bring dependants (spouses or children) on this visa. Students on taught Master's or Bachelor's courses cannot bring dependants on this visa.
4. India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
This is a fantastic (but competitive) route specifically for younger Indian citizens.
- What it is: A temporary visa that allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
- How to Apply: This visa is only available via a ballot. You must enter the ballot and be selected to apply.
- Status: All ballots for 2025 are now closed. Details for the 2026 ballots are expected to be published by the UK Home Office.
- Key Requirements & Costs:
- Be an Indian citizen between 18 and 30 years old.
- Have a qualification at Bachelor's degree level or higher.
- Have at least £2,530 in savings.
- The application fee is £319, and the IHS is £776 per year (totalling £1,552 for 2 years)
Eligibility Criteria for UK Work Visas
While each visa has unique rules, most work routes require you to:
- Prove Your Identity: You'll need a valid passport.
- Have Academic Qualifications: You must show you have successfully completed your UK degree (for the Graduate visa) or meet the skill level for the job (for the Skilled Worker visa).
- Meet Language Skills: You must prove your knowledge of English (usually by having a UK degree or passing an approved test).
- Have a Valid Job Offer: This is essential for the Skilled Worker visa, but not for the Graduate or Young Professionals visas.
Work Culture in the UK vs. India
Adapting to a new work environment is part of the journey. Here are a few differences you might notice:
- Work-Life Balance: The UK strongly emphasises work-life balance. Working hours are typically fixed (e.g., 9-to-5), and overtime is not always expected, unlike in some Indian corporate cultures.
- Punctuality: Punctuality is taken very seriously in the UK, both in business and social settings.
- Communication: Communication is often more indirect and polite. Direct confrontation is rare, and feedback is usually given diplomatically.
- Hierarchy: UK workplaces tend to have a flatter organisational structure. First names are commonly used for all colleagues, including senior managers.
Top In-Demand Jobs in the UK with Salaries
The UK has a high demand for skilled professionals across various sectors. Here are some of the top fields for graduates, with realistic starting salary expectations.
| Job Title | Typical Graduate/Starter Salary | Why it's in demand |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse (RN) | £31,049+ (NHS Band 5 Start) | A critical skills shortage in the NHS means qualified nurses are always in high demand. |
| Software Engineer | £30,000 - £40,000+ (Higher in London) | The tech sector is booming. Skills in AI, cybersecurity, and data science are especially valuable. |
| Mechanical Engineer | £26,000 - £35,000 | A core part of the UK's advanced manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. |
| Business Analyst (IT) | £28,000 - £36,000 | Companies need experts who can bridge the gap between technical teams and business goals. |
| Financial Analyst | £28,000 - £35,000 (Significantly higher in London) | London remains a global financial hub, with constant demand for skilled analysts. |
| Marketing Executive | £25,000 - £34,000 | Digital marketing, SEO, and content creation skills are essential for all modern businesses. |
| Social Worker | £30,000 - £35,000 (Newly Qualified) | A vital public-sector role with consistent demand across the UK. |
Disclaimer: Salaries vary greatly based on location (London salaries are much higher), company size, and your specific skills.
Securing jobs in the UK after your studies is an exciting and achievable goal. This article has outlined your key pathways, from the valuable part-time experience during your course to the career-launching Graduate Visa and the long-term stability of the Skilled Worker Visa. The opportunities for international students are vast, especially in high-demand sectors like tech, healthcare, and finance. But navigating the complex transition from student to professional can be daunting. Your next steps after graduation are the most critical. Don't leave your future to chance. As your dedicated study abroad partner, AECC is perfectly positioned to guide you. To get personalised, expert advice on your visa options and career strategy, book a free consultation with an AECC counsellor today and take the definitive next step to secure your professional future in the UK.