The International Office
Advice online
Visa advice:
Post Study Work Scheme
(working in the UK after your studies)
The Post Study Work Scheme allows International graduates to apply for permission to stay in the UK to work for up to two years after their studies.
**Regulations and processes are being updated frequently. We aim to keep you informed of changes, however we strongly advise you to check the relevant pages on the UKBA website on the day that you post your application.**
Applications from inside the UK only
What type of work can I do?
You can do any work, be self-employed or set up your own business. You cannot take employment as a doctor in training.
When can I apply?
After the Board of Studies have passed your final results and have officially agreed to award you the degree. This is generally about a month before your graduation ceremony. Please ask your department for the exact date.
You must apply within 12 months of first being notified by the University that you have been awarded the qualification, which is the Date of Award stated on the letter from the University, which is required as evidence.
We advise you to apply at least 4 weeks before the last day of your current leave to remain as a student in the UK and after your graduation ceremony.
You are allowed to work full-time on a temporary contract for a maximum of 4 months with a student visa after you have completed your course (when you have finished your last exam or, if you must do a dissertaion, when you have submitted). You may however continue to work after posting your application to the Home Office, even if this is longer than 4 months.
Who can apply?
- Individuals who have student leave (student visa) or
- Individuals who currently have leave under the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS), International Graduates Scheme (IGS) or Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
Dependants - If you have any dependants with you, they will need a seperate application form. If submitted at the same time as your form it will be free (unless it is for a child 18 years or over). If submitted at a later date, it will cost £395. See the UKBA website for more information>>
Dependants that are in the UK and that are international graduates may apply under the Post Study Work Scheme in their own right, but they are unable to switch in the UK. They will have to leave the UK and make an application for entry clearance from overseas.
How much is it to apply?
£400 for postal applications
£600 for applications made in person at a Public Enquiry Office (for which you need an appointment).
£205 outside the UK.
How do I apply?
Download an application form from the UKBA website (the International Office does not keep copies of the form). It is also important that you download and read the policy guidance to the application form.
What documents do I need to include?
Under Tier 1 (Post Study Work) under the new Point Based immigration system an applicant must score 75 points for attributes, 10 points for English language (automatic if you score 75 points under attributes) and 10 points for maintenance (funds). If the applicant does not score enough points, the application will be refused. There is an online point-based calculator here. You can find more information about how to calculate points on the UKCISA website.
You must send the following documentswith your application to the address on the front page of the form (all need to be originals):
- Your current passport and all other old travel documents or passports that show your valid student leave
- 2 recent passport photos
- Police Registration Certificate (if you need one)
- Your graduation certificate
- Original letter from the University which has to include the date of award of your degree. Please email towhom@bath.ac.uk stating that you need a POST STUDY WORK LETTER and also state the address for where you want the letter to be sent.
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot ask for this letter until you have been awarded your degree.
- If you are unable to provide your graduation certificate this letter will also include a confirmation that the graduation certificate will be issued.
- Evidence of maintenance funds/financial status
- you must have had a minimum of £800 in your bank account (UK or overseas account) for the last consecutive 3 months to qualify if applying in the UK and more if your family members are applying with you. You may wish to open up a seperate savings account and keep at least £800 in there for 3 consecutive months before you apply.
- All evidence must be dated no more than one month before the application is submitted. You are able to provide stamped and signed statements printed at the bank, but it is advisable to provide an original letter from the bank confirming the authenticity of the statements provided.
- Sponsor's consent
- If you are currently sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency, or you were being sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency 12 months ago or less. See more information here.
Change of Circumstances Form
You should use this form to notify the UK Border Agency of any changes to your details if you are in the United Kingdom. This includes:
- changes to an application before it has been decided;
- changes to an application after it has been decided; and
- the type of change, for example, to your contact details.
More information can be found on the UK Border Agency Website.
Will the International Office send my application for me?
No. We are able to advise you whilst you are still a student here. However, we are unable to offer a checking and posting service as you will no longer be a student and Post Study Work Scheme is not part of the Home Office Student Batch Scheme.
I am returning home for a holiday - can I apply from outside the UK?
Yes. Remember you must apply within 12 months of the date of receiving your results. Please see www.ukvisas.gov.uk for more details.
I have already had 12 months leave to remain under the International Graduate Scheme, can I apply for PSWS?
Yes, you can apply for another 12 months under the transitional arrangements for students who had valid IGS leave on June 30th 2008.
What do I do if my leave to remain expires before I graduate?
Come to the International Office for advice during a drop-in advice session.
Looking for work?
Advice is available from the Careers
Advisory Service, located in Norwood 2.7, near the Students'
Union shop. Information on their services for graduates can be found
on their website.
Can't find the answer to your questions?
If you need further advice about PSWS, please see the UKCISA website for more information or please come along to a drop-in advice session at the International Office.