Work After Study

From September 2008, International students can stay back and work for TWO YEARS, after completion of UK’s recognized bachelor or postgraduate degree, Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) from a Scottish institution under Post Study Work Scheme.

The scheme is meant to retain the brightest foreign students who have studied in the UK under current rules or the Tier 4 system. It is part of Tier 1 because successful applicants will be able to find work after graduation without having a sponsor.

PSW program is only designed to be a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work, much like the previous International Graduates Scheme or Fresh Talent Scheme in Scotland. Those with student visas in the UK under Post-Study Work are expected to switch into another part of the points system such as Tier 1 (General) or Tier 2 (Skilled Workers with an offer of Employment ) as soon as they are able to do so.

To encourage individuals to switch over, leave will only be granted under Post-Study Work for a maximum of 2 years and is non-renewable. However time spent in the UK under Post-Study Work will not count towards permanent residence.

It is good for a non-renewable two-year period after which you are expected to transfer to another immigration category. The English language requirement is waived for Post-Study Work applicants because it is assumed English language proficiency was required to obtain the eligible qualification but funds Maintenance criteria is required to be fulfilled as in Tier 1 General.

How do I qualify for the PSW?

You must score a total of 95 points: 75 points for ‘attributes’: • You have been awarded a UK recognised degree or postgraduate degree or postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE) or HND for a Scottish Institution – 20 pts   • You have studied at a UK institution that is a UK recognised or listed body – 20 pts   • You obtained your qualification whilst in the UK either on a student visa or as a dependant (but dependants must return to the home country to apply) – 20 pts   • You must make your application for PSW within 12 months of obtaining your qualification (the relevant date will be the date on which you were first notified in writing that the qualification had been awarded - 15 pts.     • If you currently have IGS status you can extend for a further 12 months – 75 points   10 points each for English language and availability of funds:     • English language – if you score 75 points in the above attributes you will be granted the necessary points – 10 pts. • Funds requirement of £800 UK plus £533 per dependant. See How do I apply in the UK? for further details. If applying from home country you will need to show £2800 and £1600 per dependant.

What work am I allowed to do?

•	You can be employed, self employed or set up in business
•	You or any dependants will not be allowed to take employment as a Doctor in Training.

All students: when can I apply?

You must wait until you have written proof of your final results approved by Faculty. You must apply within 12 months of successful completion of your course which is considered to be the date on which you were first notified in writing that the qualification had been awarded.

If you want to go home at the end of your course you will then need to apply for entry clearance to return to the UK to work under the PSW scheme. You will need to show more funds if you apply from abroad.

Charges

The charges are £500 for a postal application plus £50 for each dependant and £700 plus £50 for each dependant for an in person application in the UK. Visa fees are £265 in your home country and the same for each dependant.

Dependants

If you have family members in the UK currently as your dependants they can apply to remain as Tier 1 (Post Study Work) dependants but will need to make a separate application costs £50 for each person. If you have married/entered a long term relationship since you arrived in the UK and your partner is not here in the UK as your dependant they will need to return home to apply for entry clearance. Your dependant will have a right to work or be self employed without needing a work permit.

How do I apply in the UK?

1.	Wait to apply until you have got the final results approved by Faculty. If you are still ‘awaiting results’ you will not be able to prove that you have successfully completed the course. Most taught postgraduates get their final results by early December.
2.	Download and read the Tier 1 (Post Study Work) form, guidance notes and the Tier 1 (Dependant) form if appropriate from the UKBA website.
3.	Apply before your student visa expires.
4.	You must provide original documents in the format requested by the UKBA. Failure to do so may lead to refusal.
5.	You must send your application by post. We recommend you send it by Special Delivery. Alternatively you can submit it in person at one of the regional offices.

What are the documents required?

1.	PSW certificate of student status available from University.
2.	Original degree certificate if you have graduated.
3.	3 months original bank statements. You must show you have held £800 in your bank account (s) for three months if applying from UK. You can show more than one bank account (including a bank account in your name from your home country). Whatever the combination it is essential you can show your balance has not gone below £800 during the three months period. For each dependant you will need to show an additional £533. The most recent statement must be dated within one month of your application.
4.	Consent letter from sponsor – required if you have been sponsored for all of your tuition fees and living costs by a government or international scholarship agency.
5.	Any additional documents/ and fee as required on the form.

How do I apply from my home country?

You need to complete the VAF9 form available from the UK visas website and provide the following documents:
1.	PSW certificate of student status available from University.
2.	Original degree certificate if you have graduated
3.	3 months bank statements – you must be able to show a minimum balance of £2800 for 3 months prior to applying and £1600 for each dependant. Financial evidence must be dated no more than 7 days before you make the application.
4.	£205 fee

What are my other options?

Please see our leaflet Working in the UK after your studies for information about Tier 1 (General) and Tier 2 (work permits).

Education System

The UK is made up of 4 different countries - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The education system in Scotland differs at school and undergraduate level to the other countries who follow a similar system.

Education in the UK is compulsory for everyone between the ages of five and sixteen, and is provided by two kinds of schools: independent (fee-charging) schools and state-funded schools.

Education System in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Primary School
Children normally start school at the age of 5 and move to secondary school at the age of 11. Pre-school programs are also available to students at the age of 3 or 4.

Secondary School and Post-Sixteen Education
All UK universities teach students to at least the age of 16 to prepare them for GSCEs or equivalent qualifications. Following this, students can stay on to study for AS levels (one additional year), A levels (2 additional years) or equivalent vocational qualifications. These qualifications can be done in a school, sixth-form college or college of further education.

Post Eighteen Education
Students normally commence higher education at the age of 18 and study at university or colleges of further and higher education. A Bachelor degree program normally lasts for 3-4 years, a Masters degree program for 1 year and a Doctoral degree program for 3-4 years. The UK government is currently aiming for 50% of students to continue in education after the age of 18.

Education System in Scotland
The education system in Scotland is slightly different that the rest of the UK and the main differences are as follows:
Students can enter university at the age of 17 rather than 18 as university courses in Scotland are normally one year longer than in England. Students sit Standard Grades rather than GCSEs. Students sit Higher and Advanced Higher rather than AS levels and A levels. Between the ages of 16-18 years students in Scotland often study a broader curriculum than in other parts of the UK and often do not specialize in the sciences, arts, humanities until they enter university.