Why Parents Deserve Clarity Too
As a parent, funding your child’s international education is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. But the real question is — what happens after the degree? Will they find a job? Will they stay legally? Will this education pay off?
In this guide, we unpack the UK’s post-study work options in 2025 and help you understand what a good outcome looks like — not just for your child’s dreams, but also for your peace of mind.
The Graduate Route Explained (Updated 2025)
The UK Graduate Route allows international students to stay and work for 18 months after completing their degree — without needing a job offer right away. For PhD students, this extends to 3 years.
However, this isn’t a permanent work visa. It’s a stepping stone. Your child will still need to move to a sponsored work visa (like a Skilled Worker Visa) before the Graduate Route ends.
Note: As of 2025, the Graduate Route has been reduced from 24 months to 18 months. This change has created more urgency for students to plan their career transition early.
What’s the Salary Requirement for Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship?
To transition from a Graduate Route to a Skilled Worker Visa, your child must:
- Secure a full-time job offer from a licensed UK sponsor
- Earn a salary that meets the visa threshold, which is currently £41,700 per year or £17.13/hour (as of July 2025)
- Work in an occupation listed in the UK’s eligible skilled occupations list
Some exceptions apply for roles on the shortage occupation list or new entrants — but these are narrower in scope and still require salaries above £30,000.
These figures were updated in July 2025 and now apply to any Certificate of Sponsorship issued after that date.
The Most Reliable Path: Internships → Part-Time → Full-Time
The students who succeed most often follow a smart, strategic path:
- Do relevant internships during study: This builds a CV that UK employers respect.
- Take up part-time jobs in their field: Rather than fast food or retail, smart students find roles that add long-term value.
- Convert to full-time after graduation: Many employers prefer to hire someone they’ve already seen in action.
At Erudmite, we strongly advise students to treat their first 12 months as a foundation-building phase — not just an income-seeking period.
The Reality: Not All Students Use the Graduate Route Wisely
Some students spend the entire 18 months doing odd jobs with no relation to their degree — and end up going home with debt and no career growth.
Others, with proper planning and guidance, land jobs in their field and continue living in the UK or working internationally.
That’s the gap Erudmite aims to bridge.
How Erudmite Prepares Your Child for What Comes After
We’re not just helping students get admitted. We’re helping them build a future.
Here’s how we support post-study success:
- 1-on-1 career counselling to identify industry fit
- Internship guidance through university partnerships and alumni connections
- Profile building for Tier 2 eligible roles
- Access to real-time visa and sponsorship updates
- Parental strategy calls to walk you through long-term outcomes
Realistic Expectations: Will Your Child Stay in the UK Forever?
That depends on the job they find and the visa they qualify for. But even if they don’t settle in the UK permanently, the international experience and CV boost they gain is a long-term asset.
They can:
- Return home and command better jobs with global exposure
- Relocate to other countries (e.g., UAE, Canada, Singapore) with better leverage
- Build international networks that open doors across borders
What You Can Do as a Parent
- Stay informed: Visa rules and job markets change — know what’s happening
- Encourage planning, not just dreaming: Push your child to think 2 years ahead
- Ask the right questions: Don’t just ask about rankings; ask about ROI
Final Word: Support Doesn’t End at Admission
We’ve seen it far too often — students get admission, but have no roadmap for what comes next. That’s where we come in.
At Erudmite, we don’t make promises we can’t keep. But we do prepare your child — and your family — for the real road ahead.
If you’re a parent investing in international education, you deserve clarity, honesty, and strategy.
That’s what we offer.
FAQs:
UK Post-Study Work Options for Parents
1. How long can my child stay in the UK after graduation?
Up to 18 months under the Graduate Route (3 years for PhD graduates).
2. Can they work full-time during this period?
Yes. They can work in any role — no restrictions. However, career-aligned roles are better for visa sponsorship.
3. What’s needed for a Skilled Worker Visa?
A job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, and a minimum salary of £41,700/year or £17.13/hour.
4. Do all degrees lead to high-paying jobs?
Not necessarily. That’s why course selection, internships, and industry alignment matter so much.
5. Can part-time jobs lead to full-time roles?
Yes — especially internships or industry placements. Many employers hire students they already know.
6. What if my child doesn’t get a Skilled Worker visa?
They must leave the UK after the Graduate Route ends. However, the international experience will still boost their employability elsewhere.
7. Does Erudmite help beyond admission?
Absolutely. We offer post-study career guidance, mentorship, and personalised planning for both students and parents.
