Top Visa Sponsoring Employers for International Students in the UK in 2025/2026
Finding graduate jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK can be challenging for international students, especially with competition rising and visa routes changing. The good news is that many of the UK’s leading graduate employers continue to recruit international talent and support Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible roles.
Using insights from the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers and employer vacancy data, here are the top 10 companies that hire the highest number of graduates in the UK, whether they sponsor international students and what career opportunities they offer for international graduates in 2025/2026.
These employers hire large numbers of graduates across technology, finance, consulting, healthcare and public services, making them a strong starting point for international applicants seeking UK visa sponsorship jobs.
1. Civil Service
The UK Civil Service supports government operations, policy development and delivery of public services. Graduate pathways span policy, communications, digital, data, finance, transport and security.
Industries: Government, public policy, digital services
Areas of hiring: Policy, digital and data, project delivery, operational research, finance
Visa sponsorship for International Students: No. Civil Services require British residency or security clearance with your own right to work.
2. PwC
PwC is a top global professional services firm offering audit, consulting, technology advisory and financial services. It hires graduates into business and technology-focused programmes.
Industries: Professional services, technology, finance
Areas of hiring: Audit, consulting, risk, cyber security, tax, data, cloud, AI
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. PwC is known for sponsoring international graduates on eligible programmes. However, there are some restrictions. Please review the visa-sponsoring jobs listed here for their respective eligibility requirements.
Deadline: The majority of visa-sponsored student & graduate vacancies for 2026 start dates are closed. You can explore current open roles here and set up job alerts for future openings.
3. NHS
The NHS is the UK’s healthcare system and one of the world’s largest employers. Graduate schemes exist across clinical and non-clinical areas.
Industries: Healthcare, public services
Areas of hiring: Management, operations, digital, finance and medical pathways
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes, for some clinical roles. Sponsorship is not available for general graduate schemes. You can apply for visa-sponsored student and graduate roles at the NHS here.
Deadline: NHS recruits on a rolling basis. You can explore current open roles here and set up job alerts for future openings.
4. Deloitte
Deloitte is one of the world’s top professional services firms. The company hires graduates across consulting, technology, audit, advisory and financial services, with strong global career mobility.
Industries: Consulting, technology, finance
Areas of hiring: Technology, strategy, audit, risk advisory, cyber, data
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. Deloitte supports Skilled Worker visas for some eligible graduate roles. However, the approach they take will depend on the vacancy and the location. Please check the visa-sponsoring jobs listed here for eligibility requirements.
Deadline: The majority of visa-sponsored student & graduate vacancies for 2026 start dates are closed. You can explore current open roles here and set up job alerts for future openings.
5. BBC
The BBC is the UK’s national broadcaster and digital media leader, offering creative, technical and corporate graduate roles.
Industries: Media, broadcasting, digital technology
Areas of hiring: Journalism, production, technology, product, data, HR
Visa sponsorship for International Students: No. The BBC does not provide visa sponsorship for its student and graduate programmes. However, you may want to explore their technical roles if you have previous work experience.
6. JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is a global banking leader with a strong London presence. It hires for finance, technology and analytical roles.
Industries: Investment banking, technology, finance
Areas of hiring: Software engineering, trading, quantitative research, finance
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. Recognised for sponsoring international graduates. You can apply for visa-sponsored student and graduate programmes at JP Morgan Chase here.
Deadline: The majority of visa-sponsored student & graduate vacancies for 2026 start dates are closed. You can explore current open roles here and set up job alerts for future openings.
7. EY
EY provides global consulting, audit, tax, technology and advisory services. It values analytical, digital and leadership skills.
Industries: Professional services, technology, finance
Areas of hiring: Data analytics, audit, technology consulting, risk, tax
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. EY routinely sponsors graduates for some eligible roles. However, there are some restrictions, which you can see from the job posts here.
Deadline: EY hires on a rolling (first-come, first-served) basis, with many visa-sponsored student & graduate vacancies for 2026 start dates now closed. You can apply for currently open vacancies here and set up job alerts for future openings.
8. Google
Google’s UK hub focuses on engineering, digital innovation, cloud and research. It is highly competitive but actively recruits globally.
Industries: Technology, cloud, digital products, AI research
Areas of hiring: Software engineering, product, data science, cloud solutions
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. Google sponsors international graduates, especially in technical roles.
Deadline: Google does not have one specific open window and hires all year round, with positions opening and closing regularly. You can apply for current open vacancies here and set up job alerts for future openings.
9. L’Oréal
L’Oréal is the world’s biggest beauty company, operating across marketing, technology, supply chain and product innovation.
Industries: Consumer goods, beauty, research & innovation, digital marketing
Areas of hiring: Marketing, commercial strategy, digital, R&D, supply chain
Visa sponsorship for International Students: No. L’Oreal does not provide visa sponsorship for its student and graduate programmes. However, you may want to explore their technical roles if you have previous work experience.
10. HSBC
HSBC is one of the largest banking institutions globally and remains a popular employer for graduates entering finance and technology.
Industries: Banking, finance, tech innovation
Areas of hiring: Commercial banking, wealth management, data, risk, tech
Visa sponsorship for International Students: Yes. HSBC is known to support Skilled Worker visas for graduates and interns.
Deadline: The majority of visa-sponsored student & graduate vacancies for 2026 start dates are closed. You can explore current open roles here and set up job alerts for future openings.
Top Employers for International Students
Not all of the top graduate recruiters in the UK provide visa sponsorship. So here is the list of top employers that provide visa sponsorship for international students:
- PwC
- NHS
- Deloitte
- JP Morgan
- EY
- HSBC
These employers not only rank highest for graduate hiring but also tend to offer structured recruitment programmes, professional development and visa sponsorship opportunities for skilled roles.
If you are looking for:
- Graduate schemes with sponsorship
- UK companies hiring international students
- Tech, consulting or finance roles with Skilled Worker visas
This list offers a strong foundation for your application strategy.
How UK Visa Jobs Helps International Students Succeed
Searching for visa-sponsored graduate jobs in the UK can be time-consuming. UK Visa Jobs simplifies the process by:
- Listing verified visa sponsorship employers
- Highlighting graduate and early career opportunities
- Providing actionable guidance for international students
- Saving you time by filtering out non-sponsoring employers
Your time is valuable when visas and deadlines matter. We help you focus only on roles that can support your future in the UK.
What Next?
This guide has highlighted the top 10 employers for graduates in the UK for 2025/2026, with some sponsoring international candidates.
In our detailed Learning Hub post here, we covered the top 20 companies that are highly likely to hire international students, including hiring timelines and application tips.
To explore live visa-sponsored vacancies and graduate routes, visit ukvisajobs.com today and start applying with confidence.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What is rolling recruitment?
Rolling recruitment means an employer reviews applications and offers places as they come in, rather than waiting for a final deadline. Once roles are filled, the application window closes early.
Tip: Apply as soon as applications open. Popular graduate schemes can fill within weeks.
What happens if I miss the deadline for 2026 graduate schemes?
If you miss the main graduate programme deadlines, you still have options:
- Look for rolling graduate schemes still open
- Apply for off-cycle graduate roles
- Search visa-sponsored entry-level roles instead of schemes
- Apply to internships or industrial placements that may convert to sponsorship
- Explore smaller companies and fast-growing start-ups, which often hire year-round
- Consider the graduate visa route to work first, then switch to Skilled Worker sponsorship later
Missing a deadline does not mean missing the opportunity entirely — just adjust your route. Find out live roles here.
When do UK graduate schemes open?
Most large companies open applications between August and October for the following year’s intake. Some reopen in spring if places remain. Staying alert and applying early gives you an advantage.
Is it easier to find a visa sponsorship through a graduate scheme?
Generally yes. Graduate schemes are structured programmes designed for early-career talent, and many large employers include sponsorship routes. Smaller employers may also sponsor, but processes can vary.
Can I apply for jobs if my visa expires soon?
Yes. Many international students apply whilst on a Student or Graduate Visa. You can switch to a Skilled Worker visa once you secure an eligible role. Ensuring your timelines align is crucial.
