PR After Study in the UK For Bangladeshi Students 2026

For international students, studying abroad is not just about earning a globally recognized degree—it is about building a secure future, gaining international work experience, and eventually settling in a developed country. The United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive destinations for this journey. Every year, thousands of students complete their studies and aim for PR after studying in the UK, hoping to transform their academic success into long-term residency and career stability.

While the UK does not offer an automatic permanent residency pathway immediately after graduation, it provides a clear, structured, and achievable route for skilled graduates. With the right education choices, job strategy, and visa planning, PR after study in the UK is absolutely possible. Understanding how the system works—what PR means, how to qualify, which universities and courses matter, and how costs and jobs fit into the journey—is essential.

What Is PR in the UK?

PR in the UK is formally known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It allows a person to live, work, and study in the UK without time limits and without requiring further visa extensions.

What Is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

ILR allows a non-UK citizen to live, work, and study in the UK without any time limit. It is the UK’s equivalent of permanent residency.

Common Pathways to UK PR

You can usually apply for ILR after five years of continuous lawful residence through visas such as:

• Skilled Worker Visa

• Health and Care Worker Visa

• Global Talent Visa

• Innovator or Start-up Visa

• Family (Spouse/Partner) Visa

Key Benefits of UK PR (ILR)

• Live in the UK permanently

• Work for any employer without sponsorship

• Access public services and healthcare

• Apply for British citizenship after achieving eligibility.

• Sponsor family members

• No immigration restrictions

For international graduates, achieving PR after study in the UK is the final step in turning a student visa into a permanent future.

Is PR After Study in the UK Possible?

Yes—PR after study in the UK is possible, but it is not automatic. Students must transition through work-based visas after graduation before becoming eligible for PR.

The UK offers a step-by-step pathway:

1. Study in the UK

2. Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)

3. Skilled Worker Visa

4. Indefinite Leave to Remain (PR)

5. British Citizenship (optional)

Step-by-Step Pathway to PR After Study in the UK

Step 1: Study at a UK-Recognised University

Your journey toward PR after study in the UK begins with enrolling in a recognized UK institution. Studying at a licensed university ensures eligibility for post-study work options.

Step 2: Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)

After completing your degree, you can apply for the Graduate Route Visa.

Duration:

• Bachelor’s & Master’s: 2 years

• PhD: 3 years.

This visa allows you to:

• Work full-time

• Change employers freely

• Gain UK work experience

• Search for sponsored jobs

This step is crucial for building the foundation for PR after study in the UK.

Step 3: Skilled Worker Visa

Once you secure a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor, you can switch to the Skilled Worker Visa.

Key Requirements:

• Job offer from a UK-licensed employer

• Minimum salary threshold (generally £26,200 or occupation-specific)

• Relevant skills and qualifications

This visa is the most important requirement for PR after study in the UK.

Step 4: Apply for PR (ILR)

After 5 years on the Skilled Worker Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (PR).

Time spent on the Graduate Route does not count toward PR—but it helps you secure the Skilled Worker Visa.

Total Time Required for PR After Study in the UK

The total time required for Permanent Residency (PR) after study in the UK typically ranges from 5 to 10 years, depending on the visa route and individual circumstances. After completing their studies, international graduates can stay in the UK for 2 years (or 3 years for PhD graduates) under the Graduate Route visa. During this period, graduates often switch to a Skilled Worker visa, which requires employer sponsorship.

To qualify for UK PR, officially known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), applicants usually need 5 years of continuous residence on an eligible work visa, meeting salary, employment, and residency requirements. In some cases, long-term residence routes may allow PR after 10 years of lawful stay. Careful planning and securing skilled employment are key to achieving PR in the UK after graduation.

This structured timeline makes PR after study in the UK realistic and achievable for determined graduates.

Best Courses for PR After Study in the UK

Choosing the right course significantly improves chances of PR after study in the UK. Choosing the best courses for PR after study in the UK can significantly improve an international student’s chances of securing long-term employment and settlement. Courses aligned with the UK’s skill shortage areas offer stronger job prospects and easier transition to the Skilled Worker visa, which is a key pathway to Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Popular PR-friendly courses include Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical), Healthcare and Nursing, Business Analytics, Cyber Security, Construction Management, and Finance. Graduates from these fields are in high demand across the UK job market, increasing the likelihood of employer sponsorship, stable employment, and eligibility for PR after completing the required work experience.

High-Demand Courses

• Information Technology & Computer Science

• Data Science & AI

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)

• Nursing & Healthcare

• Accounting & Finance

• Business Analytics

• Construction & Quantity Surveying

These fields align with UK skill shortages and employer sponsorship needs.

Top Universities That Support PR After Study in the UK

Graduates from reputable universities often have better employment prospects.

Leading UK Universities

• University of Manchester

• University of Birmingham

• University of Leeds

• University of Nottingham

• University of Sheffield

• University of Bristol

• University of Warwick

Career-Focused Universities

• Coventry University

• Sheffield Hallam University

• University of Greenwich

• Manchester Metropolitan University

Studying at these institutions strengthens your pathway to PR after study in the UK.

Tuition Fees in the UK for International Students

Tuition fees in the UK for international students vary depending on the university, course level, and field of study. On average, undergraduate programs cost between GBP 10,000 and GBP 20,000 per year, while postgraduate (master’s) programs typically range from GBP 12,000 to GBP 25,000 per year. Courses in medicine, engineering, and business may have higher fees due to specialized facilities and accreditation.

Despite the cost, UK degrees offer strong value through shorter course durations, globally recognized qualifications, and excellent teaching standards. Many universities also provide scholarships, fee discounts, and flexible payment options to help international students manage tuition expenses effectively.

Understanding costs is vital when planning for PR after study in the UK.

Average Annual Tuition Fees

• Bachelor’s Degree: £11,000 – £25,000

• Master’s Degree: £12,000 – £30,000

• MBA: £14,000 – £45,000

The UK’s shorter course duration (1-year master’s) reduces total study cost significantly.

Scholarships for Studying in the UK

The UK offers a wide range of scholarships for studying in the UK to help international students reduce tuition and living costs. These include government-funded scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, as well as university-specific merit-based and need-based awards. Many UK universities provide partial tuition fee waivers, entrance scholarships, and subject-specific funding for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarships are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, or financial need. By applying early and meeting eligibility criteria, international students can significantly lower the cost of studying in the UK while gaining access to world-class education and global career opportunities. Scholarships reduce financial pressure and help students plan long-term settlement.

Government Scholarships

• Chevening Scholarship

• Commonwealth Scholarship

• GREAT Scholarships

University Scholarships

• Merit-Based Awards

• International Excellence Scholarships

• Early Payment Discounts

Scholarship Value:
£1,000 – 100% tuition coverage

Scholarships make the journey toward PR after study in the UK more affordable.

Living Cost in the UK

Living expenses vary by city.

Average Annual Living Cost

• London: £15,000–£18,000

• Outside London: £9,000 – £13,000

Monthly Breakdown

Part-Time Job Opportunities During Study

Students pursuing PR after study in the UK can work:

• 20 hours per week during term

• Full-time during holidays

Average Hourly Wage: £11 – £15

Part-time work helps cover living costs and build UK work experience.

Job Opportunities After Graduation

Employment is the gateway to PR after study in the UK.

High-Demand Sectors

• IT & Software

• Engineering

• Healthcare

• Business & Finance

• Construction

Average Salaries

Higher Studies and PR Strategy

Some students choose higher studies to strengthen employability.

Options

• Bachelor’s → Master’s

• Master’s → PhD

PhD graduates receive 3-year post-study work visas, increasing PR chances.

Common Mistakes That Delay PR After Study in the UK

• Choosing non-demand courses

• Ignoring sponsorship-eligible jobs

• Poor career planning during the graduate route

• Delayed switch to Skilled Worker Visa

Avoiding these mistakes speeds up PR after study in the UK.

Final Thoughts—

Is PR After Study in the UK Worth It?

Achieving PR after study in the UK is not an overnight process, but it is one of the most stable and respected immigration pathways in the world. The UK rewards skilled, qualified, and committed professionals who contribute to its economy. With the right education, career strategy, and visa planning, international students can successfully transform their UK study journey into permanent residency.

From world-class universities and globally valued degrees to strong job markets and long-term settlement options, the UK offers more than education—it offers a future. If your goal is global exposure, career growth, and long-term stability, pursuing PR after study in the UK is a powerful and life-changing decision.