During your studies

Students on a Tier 4 Student visa studying at a publicly funded higher education institution (HEI) like Anglia Ruskin can normally work for up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during the University holidays. Holiday dates will vary from course to course, and some postgraduate courses do not include a summer vacation as this period is spent writing up the dissertation or major project. You can check the duration and structure of the course you are intending to study on our prospectus pages.

Our University operates its own Employment Bureau that can help you to find regular employment either on campus or in town. This service is free to all students.

After your studies

The Tier 1 Post Study Work route closed on 6 April 2012. Following closure of this route there are now two main options for working in the UK after the completion of your studies.


Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

This is a new route designed for graduates who plan to launch a new business in the UK. In order to apply for a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa, you have to be sponsored under the scheme by a participating university. There are only 1000 places available per year, which are divided between the institutions taking part. This means that obtaining a place will be a competitive process.

If successful, you will be granted leave for one year in order to develop your business plan with tailored support from our university. During this time you will also be able to work for up to 20 hours a week (in addition to the development work on your business idea). At the end of the first year, provided you are making good progress, you will be able to extend your visa for one further year. The intention is that after a maximum of two years on a Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa, you would be able to switch into the main Tier 1 Entrepreneur route.


Tier 2 (Points Based System)

Tier 2 is the main immigration route for employment in the UK. In order to apply for a visa under this route, you need to have a job offer from a company licensed to sponsor employees under Tier 2. The company will issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship which you can then use to make your visa application.

Anglia Ruskin's Employability and Careers Service offers free advice, guidance and support to students in seeking and securing employment after graduation.