Suppose you're a student from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, or anywhere else in the Middle East and North Africa, and you're planning to study in the UK in 2026. In that case, you probably have one big question on your mind: Can I work in the UK after graduation? The short answer is yes. Thanks to the UK Graduate Route, international students can stay in the UK and work after they finish their studies. Here's everything you need to know;
The UK Graduate Route is a post-study work visa. It allows international students to stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years if you finished a PhD) after graduating from a UK university. You don’t need a job offer to apply. You can look for work, do internships, or even start your own business.
You can apply if:
- You completed a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD at a UK university.
- Your visa at the time of graduation is a Student visa (Tier 4).
- You studied in the UK physically for at least part of your course.
This means if you're from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, or any MENA country and you graduate in 2026 from a UK university, you’re eligible.If you finished a:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, you can stay for 2 years
- PhD or doctoral degree, you can stay for 3 years
During this time, you can work full-time in almost any job (except professional sports).
You can apply even if you don’t have a job yet. This is one reason why many MENA students search for “UK post study visa without job offer”—and yes, it exists.
There are no limits on the type of work you can do. You can:
- Work in your field (engineering, IT, finance, marketing, healthcare)
- Join internships or graduate training programs
- Try part-time or short-term jobs while you search
- Start a business or work as self-employed
Many students from the MENA region search for “how to get a job in the UK after graduation as an international student.” The Graduate Route gives you time and freedom to figure that out.
To apply, you need to:
- Submit an online application through the UK Home Office website
- Pay the application fee (£822 as of now — check for updates)
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £1,035 per year
You must apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.
After the Graduate Route Ends:
If you want to stay longer, switch to another visa. Options include:
- Skilled Worker visa (with job offer and sponsorship)
- Startup or Innovator visa (if you launch your own business)
Can You Bring Your Family?
Only if they were already dependents on your Student visa. You can’t add new dependents while on the Graduate Route.
Tips for MENA Students Planning to Graduate in 2026:
- Start job hunting early
- Attend university career fairs and use career support services
- Look for UK companies that sponsor work visas
- Budget for the visa and IHS fees
- Keep your documents (passport, visa, certificates) valid and ready
In summary, the Graduate Route is a great opportunity for MENA students to start a career in the UK after university. You get two or three years to work, explore options, and build your path forward.
Need help planning your study and career path in the UK? BESA Group supports students across the MENA region, Contact us today to book a free consultation and get tailored advice for your UK journey.
