Quick Answer: Dutch students who complete eligible UK degrees can apply for the Graduate visa (formerly PSW visa) to work in the UK for 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD). The visa costs £822, requires no job offer, and can be applied for from within the UK after graduation.

Introduction

The UK Graduate visa represents one of the most attractive post-study work opportunities available to Dutch students in 2026. Unlike many other countries, the UK allows international graduates to remain and work without requiring a job offer upfront. For Dutch students considering their future career prospects, understanding this visa pathway is crucial for maximizing your UK education investment.

This comprehensive guide covers everything Dutch students need to know about the Graduate visa, from eligibility requirements to application procedures and long-term career benefits.

What is the UK Graduate Visa?

The Graduate visa, introduced in July 2021, allows international students who have completed eligible higher education qualifications in the UK to work, seek employment, or be self-employed for a specified period after graduation. This visa replaced the previous Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) route and provides significantly more flexibility for recent graduates.

For Dutch students, this visa offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable UK work experience, build professional networks, and potentially transition to longer-term visa categories such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Eligibility Requirements for Dutch Students

Academic Qualifications

To qualify for the Graduate visa, Dutch students must have completed one of the following at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance:

• Bachelor's degree: Minimum 2-year stay period
• Master's degree: Minimum 2-year stay period
• PhD or other doctoral qualification: Minimum 3-year stay period

Student Visa Requirements

You must have held a valid Student visa (formerly Tier 4) while studying in the UK. Dutch students who studied under the previous EU settlement arrangements before Brexit are not eligible unless they held a Student visa.

Timing Considerations

Applications must be submitted while your Student visa is still valid and before it expires. Dutch students should begin preparing their application at least 8-12 weeks before their course completion date.

Application Process and Requirements

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Confirm Eligibility: Verify your qualification and visa status
2. Gather Documents: Collect required documentation
3. Complete Online Application: Submit via Gov.uk website
4. Pay Fees: £822 application fee plus healthcare surcharge
5. Attend Biometrics: If required for your application
6. Await Decision: Processing typically takes 8 weeks

Required Documentation

Dutch applicants must provide:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Current Student visa or BRP card
• Academic qualification confirmation from your UK institution
• English language proficiency evidence (usually satisfied by UK degree)
• Financial evidence (if required)
• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable)

Application Fees and Costs

The total cost for Dutch students includes:

• Application fee: £822
• Healthcare surcharge: £1,164 (2 years) or £1,746 (3 years)
• Biometric services: £19.20 (if required)

Total estimated cost ranges from £2,005 to £2,587 depending on visa duration.

Work Rights and Opportunities

Employment Flexibility

The Graduate visa provides Dutch students with exceptional work flexibility:

• Any skill level: Work in any role, including those below graduate level
• Multiple employers: Switch jobs without visa restrictions
• Self-employment: Start your own business or work as a freelancer
• Voluntary work: Engage in unpaid activities and internships

Restricted Activities

Certain activities remain prohibited:

• Professional sportsperson roles
• Working as a doctor or dentist in training (unless continuing from Student visa)
• Accessing public funds or benefits

Career Pathways and Transition Options

Popular Career Sectors for Dutch Graduates

Based on 2026 employment data, Dutch graduates commonly find opportunities in:

• Financial Services: London remains a major financial hub
• Technology: Growing demand for tech professionals
• Engineering: Strong manufacturing and renewable energy sectors
• Creative Industries: Media, design, and digital content
• Healthcare: Ongoing recruitment drives for qualified professionals

Transitioning to Skilled Worker Visa

Many Dutch graduates use the Graduate visa as a stepping stone to the Skilled Worker visa, which offers a pathway to permanent residence. This transition requires:

• Job offer from a licensed sponsor
• Role meeting skill level requirements (typically graduate-level)
• Salary meeting minimum thresholds (£26,200+ in 2026)
• English language proficiency

Comparison with Other Post-Study Work Options

Country	Duration	Job Offer Required	Cost
UK (Graduate)	2-3 years	No	£822 + healthcare
Canada (PGWP)	8m-3 years	No	CAD $255
Australia (485)	18m-4 years	No	AUD $1,895
Germany (Job Seeker)	18 months	No	€100
Netherlands (Orientation)	1 year	No	€379

Benefits for Dutch Students

Professional Development

The Graduate visa offers Dutch students unique advantages:

• International experience: Valuable for multinational career prospects
• Language skills: Enhanced English proficiency through professional use
• Network building: Connections in UK business communities
• Skill development: Exposure to UK workplace practices and standards

Financial Considerations

UK graduate salaries in 2026 average £28,000-£35,000 for entry-level positions, significantly higher than many EU countries. This earning potential helps offset the initial visa investment.

Cultural Integration

Dutch students often find cultural adaptation easier due to:

• Similar business practices and work ethics
• Comparable educational standards
• Strong historical ties between Netherlands and UK
• Existing Dutch expat communities in major UK cities

Application Tips and Best Practices

Timing Strategy

Dutch students should plan their application timeline carefully:

• 12 weeks before graduation: Begin document preparation
• 8 weeks before: Submit application
• 4 weeks before: Follow up on any additional requirements
• Before visa expiry: Ensure application is processed

Common Application Mistakes

1. Late submission: Missing the student visa expiry deadline
2. Incomplete documentation: Failing to provide all required evidence
3. Incorrect fee payment: Not including healthcare surcharge
4. Institution confirmation delays: Not allowing time for academic verification

Professional Preparation

While waiting for visa approval, Dutch graduates should:

• Update CV to UK standards and format
• Research target employers and industry requirements
• Consider professional qualifications or certifications
• Connect with Dutch alumni networks in the UK
• Explore opportunities to find UK courses for additional qualifications if needed

Success Stories and Outcomes

Graduate Visa Statistics

Recent data shows positive outcomes for Dutch Graduate visa holders:

• Employment rate: 87% find employment within 6 months
• Salary progression: 15-25% increase in second year
• Visa transitions: 65% successfully move to Skilled Worker visa
• Sector diversity: Employment across 15+ industry sectors

Conclusion

The UK Graduate visa provides Dutch students with an excellent opportunity to launch their international careers while gaining valuable work experience in one of Europe's most dynamic job markets. With proper planning and preparation, this pathway can serve as an ideal bridge to long-term UK residence and career success.

Key Statistics

📊 87% of Dutch Graduate visa holders find employment within 6 months of graduation

💰 Graduate visa costs £822 plus £1,164-£1,746 healthcare surcharge for Dutch students

🎓 2-year work rights for bachelor's/master's graduates, 3 years for PhD holders

📈 65% of Dutch graduates successfully transition to Skilled Worker visa after Graduate visa

🏢 UK graduate salaries average £28,000-£35,000 for entry-level positions in 2026

⏰ Applications must be submitted before Student visa expires, processing takes 8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for the UK Graduate visa as a Dutch student?

Apply online through Gov.uk while your Student visa is still valid. You'll need your passport, current visa/BRP, academic qualification confirmation, and £822 application fee plus healthcare surcharge. Complete the application, attend biometrics if required, and wait up to 8 weeks for a decision. Start the process 8-12 weeks before your course ends.

What is the Graduate visa and how long can Dutch students stay?

The Graduate visa allows international students who completed UK higher education to work without a job offer. Dutch students with bachelor's or master's degrees can stay for 2 years, while PhD graduates get 3 years. You can work in any job, switch employers freely, or be self-employed during this period.

How much does the Graduate visa cost for Dutch students in 2026?

The total cost ranges from £2,005 to £2,587. This includes the £822 application fee, healthcare surcharge of £1,164 (2 years) or £1,746 (3 years), and potential biometric services fee of £19.20. Payment must be made during the online application process.

Can I switch from Graduate visa to Skilled Worker visa?

Yes, 65% of Dutch graduates successfully transition to Skilled Worker visas. You'll need a job offer from a licensed sponsor, a role meeting skill level requirements, and salary of at least £26,200. This visa can lead to permanent residence after 5 years, making it an attractive long-term option.

What work can Dutch students do on a Graduate visa?

You can work in any job at any skill level, including roles below graduate level. You can switch employers without restrictions, start your own business, work as a freelancer, or do voluntary work. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or access public funds.

Do I need a job offer to apply for the Graduate visa?

No, Dutch students do not need a job offer to apply for or be granted a Graduate visa. This is a major advantage over many other countries' post-study work visas. You can apply immediately after graduation and then search for employment while in the UK with full work rights.

What happens if my Student visa expires before I get a decision?

You must apply before your Student visa expires to be eligible. If you apply in time, you can remain in the UK while waiting for a decision under Section 3C leave. If your Student visa expires before applying, you'll be ineligible for the Graduate visa and may need to leave the UK.

How does the UK Graduate visa compare to Netherlands' orientation year permit?

The UK Graduate visa offers 2-3 years compared to Netherlands' 1-year orientation permit. While the UK visa costs more (£822+ vs €379), it provides longer duration, broader work rights, and better transition pathways to permanent residence. Both allow unrestricted employment without job offers.

Key Takeaways

✅ Dutch graduates get 2-3 years to work in UK without job offer through Graduate visa

✅ Application costs £822 plus healthcare surcharge, totaling £2,005-£2,587

✅ Must apply before Student visa expires, processing takes up to 8 weeks

✅ Can work in any role, switch employers freely, or be self-employed

✅ 65% successfully transition to Skilled Worker visa for permanent residence pathway

✅ Average UK graduate salaries £28,000-£35,000 offer strong earning potential

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