Planning to go home
You've not even arrived and we're already talking to you about going home, but if you want to work in your home country it is important to think about a few things while you're here:
- don't forget your home network. Keep up with the latest news about employers you wish to work for. Keep in touch with your contacts. Use Social Media to post about the interesting and relevant things you do while you're here. And let them know when you're coming back
- use the international student resources on our website to start looking for jobs
- as a graduate of the University, you'll be able to use our Alumni network. This will help make new contacts with Strathclyde Alumni
Looking to stay in the UK
If you want to stay in the UK after your study visa finishes, do your research and plan. You MUST NOT overstay your visa as this is against the law.
Visas
The Graduate Route Visa allows international students to stay in the UK for two years (three years for Doctoral students) to look for or start work. This Visa does not require sponsorship from an employer. Nor does it count towards residency status.
UKCISA has up-to-date information on all the visa options suited to international students wanting to remain.
You can find complete information on all the types of working visas available on the Work Visa section of the UK Government’s website.
The Careers Service CANNOT advise on visa options. We are not qualified or trained to do so.
The International Student Support Team can offer student visa advice and will issue updates on visa options on their website when there is new information to share.
Looking for work
Graduate schemes in the UK start recruiting up to a year before the job starts. If you're looking to get this kind of job, you may need to start applying as soon as you arrive.
Target Jobs has information for international students on working in the UK. It's a good resource for researching UK graduate employers.
The Careers Service has lots of information and advice on every stage of the recruitment process. Do research each employer on their website before applying.
Employer information can be very useful when researching the labour market. It can help identify companies and organisations you may wish to apply to.
Check out the Key Dates below to get an idea of when things happen.
Key dates
These dates are a rough guide to Graduate Recruitment in the UK. Some companies recruit all year round or at different times. Do your research if there is a specific company you'd like to work for.
- August to September – many Graduate Employers open their graduate schemes for applications to jobs starting the following September
- October to January – this is the busiest time for job applications. You'll have a lot going on with studying. Plan to stay organised
- February to April – interviews and assessment days take place around now. Use the resources on the Careers Website and attend events to help you to prepare
- May onwards – it's time to start planning for when your course finishes. If you're not sure what you want to do, make an appointment with a Careers Consultant to discuss your options
Continuing with study
We have a whole section on our website dedicated to Postgraduate Study.
Prospects will help you to research the courses on offer in the UK.
jobs.ac.uk advertises research and PhD opportunities.
Remember to research your visa options. If you're starting a new course, you'll need a new visa.