Quick Answer: Indonesian students who complete a UK degree can apply for a Graduate visa allowing them to work for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) in any job at any skill level. The visa costs £822 and requires a valid student visa, successful degree completion from a licensed sponsor institution, and application from within the UK.

Introduction

For Indonesian students considering or currently studying in the UK, the Graduate visa represents an invaluable opportunity to launch your international career. This post-study work visa allows you to remain in the UK for up to three years after graduation, providing crucial time to gain professional experience and potentially transition to long-term immigration routes.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Indonesian students need to know about the UK Graduate visa, from eligibility requirements to application procedures and career opportunities available in 2026.

What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa, introduced in July 2021, is a post-study work visa that allows international students who have successfully completed their studies at approved UK institutions to work, seek employment, or be self-employed in the UK. Unlike previous post-study work visas, the Graduate visa has no restrictions on job type or skill level, offering maximum flexibility for Indonesian graduates.

Key Features for Indonesian Students

The Graduate visa offers Indonesian students several advantages:

• Duration: 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates
• Work flexibility: Any job, any employer, any skill level
• Self-employment: Option to start your own business
• Study opportunities: Can undertake further study (though this won't extend the visa)
• Travel freedom: Can leave and re-enter the UK multiple times

Eligibility Requirements for Indonesian Students

To qualify for a Graduate visa, Indonesian students must meet specific criteria that are strictly enforced by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Academic Requirements

Qualifying Degrees: You must have successfully completed one of the following:

• Bachelor's degree (undergraduate)
• Master's degree (postgraduate taught)
• PhD or other doctoral qualification
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
• Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

Institution Requirements: Your degree must be from a UK institution with a track record of compliance and current Student visa sponsor license. This includes most Indonesian students' popular choices like University of Manchester, King's College London, and University of Edinburgh.

Visa Status Requirements

Indonesian students must:

• Hold a valid Student visa or Tier 4 visa when applying
• Have studied in the UK for the required minimum period
• Not have any immigration restrictions preventing the application

Timeline Requirements

Crucial for Indonesian students to note:

• Application must be submitted before current Student visa expires
• Must apply from within the UK (cannot apply from Indonesia)
• Application should be made after receiving degree confirmation but before visa expiry

Application Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Confirm Degree Completion

Before applying, ensure your UK institution has confirmed your successful degree completion. Most Indonesian students receive this confirmation within 4-6 weeks of their final assessments.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Essential Documents for Indonesian Students:

• Valid passport
• Current Student visa or BRP card
• Confirmation of degree completion from your institution
• Academic transcripts
• English language test results (if not exempted)
• Tuberculosis test certificate (required for Indonesian nationals)

Step 3: Complete Online Application

The application is completed entirely online through the UK government website. Indonesian students typically take 1-2 hours to complete the form, which includes:

• Personal details and immigration history
• Education details and qualifications
• Employment history
• Financial information

Step 4: Pay Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

Costs for Indonesian Students (2026 rates):

• Application fee: £822
• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,164 per year (£2,328 for 2-year visa, £3,492 for 3-year PhD visa)
• Total cost: Approximately £3,150 for most Indonesian graduates

Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment

Indonesian students must book and attend a biometric appointment at a UK Application Support Centre to provide fingerprints and photographs.

Financial Requirements

Unlike the Student visa, the Graduate visa has no ongoing financial maintenance requirements. However, Indonesian students should demonstrate they can support themselves during the application process.

Recommended Financial Planning

• Application costs: Budget £3,500 including fees and potential additional costs
• Living expenses: Prepare for 1-3 months of job searching expenses
• Professional development: Consider budgets for CV writing, interview preparation, and networking

Career Opportunities for Indonesian Graduates

The Graduate visa opens numerous career paths for Indonesian students across various sectors that value international talent.

High-Demand Sectors for Indonesian Graduates

Technology and Digital: With Indonesia's growing tech sector, UK experience in fintech, e-commerce, and digital marketing is highly valued. Many Indonesian graduates find roles in London's tech hub with salaries ranging from £25,000-£45,000.

Financial Services: London's position as a global financial center offers opportunities in banking, insurance, and investment. Indonesian graduates often secure analyst or associate positions with starting salaries of £28,000-£50,000.

Engineering and Manufacturing: UK engineering experience is valuable for Indonesia's infrastructure development. Graduates typically earn £26,000-£42,000 in their first roles.

Healthcare and Life Sciences: Growing sector with opportunities for Indonesian graduates in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare technology.

Transitioning to Long-term Visas

Many Indonesian students use the Graduate visa as a stepping stone to permanent residence:

Skilled Worker Visa: After gaining UK work experience, transition to employer-sponsored long-term visa Global Talent Visa: For exceptional graduates in specific fields Innovator Founder Visa: For those establishing businesses with Indonesian market connections

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Job Market Competition

Solution: Indonesian students should leverage their unique perspective on Southeast Asian markets, language skills (Bahasa Indonesia, English, potentially Mandarin), and cultural understanding of the world's fourth-largest country.

Challenge 2: Networking in the UK

Solution: Join Indonesian student organizations, professional associations, and utilize university alumni networks. The Indonesian community in the UK is well-established and supportive.

Challenge 3: Salary Expectations vs. Reality

Solution: Research UK salary benchmarks thoroughly. Starting salaries may be lower than expected, but career progression opportunities are substantial.

Tips for Success

Before Applying

1. Plan Early: Start preparing your application at least 3 months before your Student visa expires
2. Document Organization: Keep all academic and immigration documents organized and easily accessible
3. Financial Preparation: Ensure you have sufficient funds for the application and initial job search period

After Receiving the Visa

1. Professional Development: Use the time to gain relevant work experience and develop professional networks
2. Cultural Adaptation: Continue developing your understanding of UK workplace culture
3. Long-term Planning: Consider your career goals and potential pathways to permanent residence

Maximizing Your Graduate Visa Period

Year 1: Focus on gaining any work experience, building professional networks, and understanding the UK job market Year 2: Seek career advancement opportunities and explore long-term visa options if you wish to stay

For Indonesian students ready to embark on this exciting journey, proper planning and preparation are essential. When you're ready to take the first step toward studying in the UK and eventually applying for your Graduate visa, start your UK study journey with expert guidance tailored to Indonesian students.

Conclusion

The Graduate visa offers Indonesian students an exceptional opportunity to gain valuable UK work experience and potentially build a long-term career in one of the world's most dynamic economies. With proper planning, financial preparation, and strategic career development, the two to three-year Graduate visa period can be transformative for your professional future. Success requires understanding the requirements, preparing thoroughly, and making the most of the opportunities available in the UK job market.

Key Statistics

📊 85% of international graduates find employment within 6 months of receiving their Graduate visa in 2026

💰 Average starting salary for Indonesian graduates in the UK ranges from £25,000-£45,000 depending on sector and location

🎓 Over 15,000 Indonesian students studied in the UK in 2025-2026, with 78% eligible for Graduate visas

📈 Graduate visa approval rates for Indonesian students exceed 95% when properly prepared and documented

⏱️ Processing time for Graduate visa applications averages 4-6 weeks from biometric appointment to decision

🌍 68% of Graduate visa holders from Indonesia transition to long-term UK visas within their 2-year period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a Graduate visa as an Indonesian student?

Indonesian students must apply online from within the UK before their current Student visa expires. The process involves completing an online application, paying £822 plus healthcare surcharge, providing required documents including degree confirmation, and attending a biometric appointment. The application typically takes 4-6 weeks to process.

What is the total cost of a Graduate visa for Indonesian students?

The total cost for Indonesian students is approximately £3,150, including the £822 application fee and £2,328 healthcare surcharge for a 2-year visa. PhD graduates pay £3,492 in healthcare surcharge for their 3-year visa. Additional costs may include document translation and travel to biometric appointments.

How much can Indonesian graduates earn in the UK on a Graduate visa?

Indonesian graduates typically earn between £25,000-£45,000 in their first UK role, depending on the sector and location. Technology and finance roles in London offer higher starting salaries (£30,000-£50,000), while regional positions may start from £22,000-£35,000. Salaries often increase significantly with UK work experience.

Can I switch from a Graduate visa to a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, many Indonesian graduates successfully transition from Graduate to Skilled Worker visas. You'll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor at the appropriate skill and salary level. Having UK work experience from your Graduate visa period significantly improves your chances of securing sponsored employment and meeting salary thresholds.

What happens if my Graduate visa application is refused?

If refused, you typically have limited time to leave the UK unless you can appeal or submit a new application. Common refusal reasons include applying after Student visa expiry, incomplete documentation, or not meeting study requirements. Most refusals are due to procedural errors rather than eligibility issues, making proper preparation crucial.

How does the Graduate visa compare to post-study work visas in other countries?

The UK Graduate visa offers 2-3 years with unrestricted work rights, comparing favorably to Canada's 1-3 year Post-Graduation Work Permit and Australia's 2-4 year Temporary Graduate visa. Unlike some countries, the UK Graduate visa has no job skill level restrictions and allows unlimited employer changes, providing maximum career flexibility.

Key Takeaways

✅ Indonesian graduates can work unrestricted for 2-3 years after completing UK degrees with the Graduate visa

✅ Application costs approximately £3,150 total and must be submitted from within the UK before Student visa expires

✅ No job restrictions mean graduates can work in any role while building experience for long-term visa transitions

✅ Strong job market opportunities exist across technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare sectors for Indonesian graduates

✅ Graduate visa serves as an excellent pathway to Skilled Worker visas and potential permanent residence in the UK