Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) vs Youth Mobility Scheme
🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Graduatevs🇬🇧 United Kingdom · YMS (T5)
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.
At a glance
Which one fits you?
- 01
Your nationality
Pick GraduateChoose 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.
- 02
Education requirement
Pick GraduateChoose 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.
- 03
Cost and processing
Pick GraduateChoose 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.
- 04
Language test requirement
Pick GraduateChoose 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.
- 05
Age restrictions
Pick GraduateChoose 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).
Read the full pathway
Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)
Post-study work visa allowing international graduates of UK universities to stay and work without sponsorship for 2 years (3 for PhD holders). No salary threshold. Cannot be extended; must switch to Skilled Worker before expiry.
Full Graduate guideYouth Mobility Scheme
Two-year work-and-live visa for nationals aged 18-30 (35 for some countries) from a defined list including Australia, Canada, NZ, Japan, South Korea, India, and others. Annual quota; ballot-allocated for some nationalities.
Full YMS (T5) guideStill can't decide?
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