Your complete blueprint to securing post-study work opportunities, transitioning to the Skilled Worker visa, and launching your career from Hatfield.
Finishing your degree at the University of Hertfordshire is a massive achievement. Located in Hatfield, just a short train ride from the bustling opportunities of central London, the university equips you with industry-ready skills. However, once graduation caps are tossed and the celebrations wind down, the immediate question for international students is clear: what comes next? Understanding the University of Hertfordshire graduate route visa is your gateway to staying and working in the UK without needing a pre-secured job offer.
Introduced to help international graduates kickstart their professional lives in the UK, the Graduate Route allows you to live and work—or look for work—at any skill level for a set period after successfully completing an eligible degree. For undergraduate and master’s graduates, this grants you two full years of unrestricted working rights, while PhD graduates receive three years. It is a vital stepping stone for anyone hoping to build a global career without the immediate pressure of finding an employer willing to sponsor a traditional work visa.
"The location of Hatfield made it so easy to network in London while keeping living costs manageable. Getting my graduate route visa approved was the stress-free bridge I needed between studying and landing my dream corporate role." - Ananya Sharma, MSc International BusinessBefore submitting your graduate visa application, you must meet specific Home Office requirements. As a student at the University of Hertfordshire, your eligibility relies heavily on your academic standing and immigration history.
Budgeting correctly is vital when transitioning from student status to a working professional. When planning your graduate visa application, you must account for both the application fee and the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS).
| Expense Item | Estimated Cost (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Visa Application Fee | £822 | Standard Home Office processing fee per applicant. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year | Calculated for the full duration (approx. £2,070 for 2 years). |
| Biometric Enrolment | Free / Varies | Dependent on whether you use the UK Immigration: ID Check app. |
While the post study work visa gives you breathing room, it is non-extendable. This means you must plan your long-term career strategy during your time on the Graduate Route. Many graduates use this window to secure sponsorship jobs with companies operating in sectors like tech, engineering, business analytics, and healthcare.
To transition successfully to a Skilled Worker Visa, you need to find an employer with a valid Home Office sponsor licence who can offer you a job meeting the minimum salary thresholds and skill level requirements. Hertfordshire’s proximity to major commercial hubs means employers are well-versed in hiring international talent.
No. You must be physically present in the United Kingdom, and your previous visa must be a valid Student Visa or Tier 4 Visa.
Dependents can only apply if they were already in the UK as your dependents on your Student Visa. New dependents cannot be added under the Graduate Route guidelines.