Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) vs Youth Mobility Scheme

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to your nationality and education level. The Graduate Visa targets UK degree holders with no citizenship restrictions, while the Youth Mobility Scheme is only for nationals of specific countries aged 18-35. Both offer 2 years to work in the UK without a job offer, but they serve different eligibility profiles.

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick Graduate

   Choose Graduate Visa if you're from any country and completed a UK degree.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Choose YMS only if you're from Australia, Canada, NZ, Japan, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Iceland, or Taiwan.

2. 02

   Education requirement

   Pick Graduate

   Choose Graduate Visa if you hold at least a bachelor's degree from a UK university.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Choose YMS if you have no formal education requirements to meet.

3. 03

   Cost and processing

   Pick Graduate

   Choose Graduate Visa if you're willing to pay $1,170 and wait 1-2 months.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Choose YMS if budget is tight at $320 with 1-3 month processing.

4. 04

   Language test requirement

   Pick Graduate

   Choose Graduate Visa if you can provide proof of English language proficiency.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Choose YMS if you want to skip the language test entirely.

5. 05

   Age restrictions

   Pick Graduate

   Choose Graduate Visa if you're older than 35 or outside the eligible age range.

   Pick YMS (T5)

   Choose YMS only if you're between 18-30 (or 35 for some nationalities).

Is the Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) or the Youth Mobility Scheme faster to get?

They are similar: the Graduate takes about 1–2 months and the YMS (T5) about 1–3 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.

Which costs more, the Graduate or the YMS (T5)?

The Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) (Graduate) costs more, about $1,170 in official fees, versus $320 for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS (T5)). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) or the Youth Mobility Scheme?

The Graduate does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the YMS (T5) does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the Graduate or the YMS (T5)?

No. Neither the Graduate nor the YMS (T5) requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.