International students

You can use the service at any stage of your degree or postgraduate study. Check Seeing a Careers Consultant for information on our appointment times or visit Career Hub to book sessions online.

Issues discussed at Careers and Employability with international students

We discuss a variety of topics with Keele's international students. The most frequently discussed are:

• Availability of work experience during your time as a student.
• Opportunities for employment in the UK after your studies.
• Researching and applying for postgraduate study in the UK.

Please note: Under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Part V) Keele Careers and Employability is not allowed to offer advice on issues of immigration. Our main activity is the "provision of basic information on which a person can act or the signposting of that person on to an appropriate advice provider."

Working in the UK after your studies

Graduate route

Most Student Visa holders will be able to apply for the Graduate Route which will give you two or three years (depending on the kevel of your course) to remain in the UK after your course to work or look for work.

• You must have successfully completed the course that your CAS was issued for.
• The course must be an eligible qualification (most PhDs, Masters and Bachelors are eligible; you can check the UK Government website or have a conversation with our Immigration, Compliance and Advice team.
• You must have lived in the UK for at least 12 months, or the entire duration of your course if it is less than 12 months long.
• You must have paid your entire Tuition fee to the University.
• For more information, please contact Immigration, Compliance and Advice, and keep checking the calendar of events.

Skilled Worker visa

The Skilled Worker visa for people coming to the UK with a skilled job offer. The employer needs to be on the UK Border Agency list of licensed sponsors. This is the main option for students wanting to gain employment in the UK after completion of their degree. Students must have a job from an employer before their student visa expires.

Skilled Worker visa allows employers to recruit people from outside the UK to work. Employers do this through issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship to a job applicant. The Certificate of Sponsorship comprises of a reference number that must be quoted when the person applies for the visa from the UK Border Agency.

Applicants need to have:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship provided by a licensed sponsor.
• A minimum salary - how much depends on the type of work you do
• do a job that’s on the list of eligible occupations
• English language skills
• Money in savings to support yourself and application fees. How much will depend on a few factors. Find out more here Skilled Worker visa: How much it costs.

Working in the UK during your studies

Many international students are allowed to work in the UK during their studies. There are several things for you to consider:

• Your BRP or digital status will give you the number of hours you are permitted to work each week. For Student Route Visa holders studying at degree level courses it is twenty hours per week and below degree level it is ten hours per week.
• UKVI consider a week to be Monday to Sunday.
• University term dates can be found here.
• You may also be able include a work placement/internship as part of your degree; please ensure you speak to our Immigration, Compliance and Advice team before committing to such an opportunity.

If you are allowed to work, you will be able to work unlimited hours during University holidays.

• Undergraduate students: You may work full time during the University holidays. These holidays are Christmas, Easter and Summer.
• Post graduate Taught students (PGT- Masters): You can work full time during the Christmas and Easter holidays. The summer holidays you are expected to be doing your dissertation and you are restricted to the permitted number of hours on your BRP.
• Post graduate Research students (PGR- PhD): You are only allowed to work the permitted number of hours that are on your BRP even during the University holidays as you have no set term times.

Sources of information on visas

The Home Office
This department leads on immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime policy and counter-terrorism and works to ensure visible, responsive and accountable policing in the UK.

The Council for International Education (UKCISA) 
Founded in 1968, UKCISA is an independent organisation that seeks to protect the interests of students from the UK wishing to study abroad as well as the interests of overseas students wishing to study in the UK. The UKCISA website provides information sheets for students who wish to work in the UK during their studies or after their studies. Students are also able to telephone the UKCISA Advice Line on 020 7788 9214. It is open from 1300 to 1600 hours Monday to Friday.

Workpermit.com  
Information on immigration and visas for the UK and other countries.

International Student Support  
Advice and guidance on a range of student issues. 
Drop-In available Mon-Fri, 10am to 4pm, Tawney Building.
For answers to frequently asked questions please visit International Student Support’s Frequently Asked Questions.

Further information

Some additional websites:

Prospects 
For general information on your options as a student.

UK Trade and Investment
A government organisation supporting companies in the UK trading internationally and overseas organisations trading in the UK.

Jobcentre Plus  
Information on job opportunities.

China - Britain Business Council
Information for businesses but contains a useful links page.

British Chamber of Commerce
Provides country and market profiles.

Immigration Law Practitioners' Association
Provides a list of immigration law practitioners.

Adviceguide
Online Citizens Advice Bureau advice.

GradLink
Graduate jobs and careers website for international students.