Post-study workers
United Kingdom qualification
This page explains how many points you must score for a United Kingdom qualification in the points-based assessment to apply under the post-study worker category (Tier 1 Post-study work) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
Full details of all requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraphs 245V to 245ZA of part 6a, which you can find on the right of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
Points awarded for a United Kingdom qualification
You will score 20 points if you have been awarded one of the following qualifications.
A United Kingdom recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level
For your qualification to be considered a United Kingdom recognised degree at bachelor's or postgraduate level, it must have been awarded by a United Kingdom recognised body.
A United Kingdom recognised body is an institution which has been granted degree awarding powers by a Royal Charter, an Act of Parliament or the Privy Council. All United Kingdom universities and some higher education colleges are United Kingdom recognised bodies.
Further information on United Kingdom recognised bodies can be found on the website of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills on the right of this page.
You will not be awarded points for a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma, except a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (see below).
United Kingdom Postgraduate Certificate in Education
United Kingdom Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCEs), including Professional Graduate Diplomas in Education obtained in Scotland, are acceptable for this requirement. It is not necessary for the awarding body to be a United Kingdom recognised body.
Higher national diplomas (HND) from a Scottish institution
The qualification must be at HND level. The institution at which you studied for your HND must be a Scottish institution. We will use the address of the institution to confirm this point.
Qualifications that are not acceptable
Qualifications that cannot be used for the award of points include:
- foundation degrees;
- honorary degrees;
- qualifications awarded in the United Kingdom by overseas awarding bodies;
- qualifications undertaken in overseas campuses of United Kingdom institutions;
- professional and vocational qualifications; and
- postgraduate certificates or diplomas.