The UK Graduate Route visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for 2 years after graduation (3 years for PhD holders). But with high tuition fees and London's sky-high rents, you need to understand what you'll actually take home — not just your gross salary.

What is the Graduate Route Visa?

Introduced in 2021, the Graduate Route (formerly called PSW — Post-Study Work) allows you to:

• Work in any job, at any skill level, for 2 years
• Switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsored role paying £26,200+
• No minimum salary requirement on the Graduate Route itself

Graduate Salaries by Field (HESA 2024)

The UK's Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) publishes annual graduate outcome surveys. Here's what UK graduates earn 15 months after graduation:

After Tax: What You Actually Take Home

UK income tax + National Insurance can take 28–35% of your gross salary. Here's what a CS graduate earning £35,000 actually keeps:

London vs Regional Cities: The Real ROI Gap

London salaries are about 15–25% higher than regional cities — but London rent is 2.5× more expensive. For most graduates, cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Leeds offer dramatically better net take-home pay.

From Graduate Route to Skilled Worker Visa

To switch to a Skilled Worker visa (and eventually apply for ILR — Indefinite Leave to Remain), you need:

• A job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor
• Salary of at least £26,200 (most CS roles far exceed this)
• 5 years of continuous residence for ILR