UK India Young Professionals Scheme is a great opportunity for young Indians to live and work in the UK. If you have a graduate or postgraduate degree and are between 18 and 30 years old, this scheme is made for you. You need to apply during the announced ballot dates to get a chance to participate. Remember, only those selected in the ballot can apply for a visa. This article gives you all the details you need to know about the UK India Young Professionals Scheme for 2025, including eligibility, features, application process, and more.
UK India Young Professionals Scheme 2025 Overview
In 2025, the UK government continues to offer 3,000 visa opportunities each year for Indian graduates and postgraduates aged 18 to 30 under the UK India Young Professionals Scheme. The scheme was started as a partnership announced by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the G20 summit in Bali. It allows young Indian professionals to work in the UK for up to two years on a reciprocal basis. This scheme helps strengthen UK-India ties and supports labour needs in industries facing worker shortages.
Main Highlights of the Scheme
| Scheme Name | UK India Young Professionals Scheme |
| Announced By | UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak |
| Venue | G20 Summit, Bali |
| Number of Places | 3,000 Indian Graduates & Postgraduates annually |
| Eligible Age | 18 to 30 years |
Purpose of the UK India Young Professionals Scheme
The UK is facing worker shortages in key sectors like construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. After Brexit, these shortages have become more noticeable. The UK India Young Professionals Scheme is made to fill these gaps by attracting qualified young Indians to work and live temporarily in the UK while gaining valuable international experience.
Scheme Features
- The scheme offers 3,000 visas each year to Indian degree holders aged 18-30.
- Selected participants get a chance to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
- It is based on a reciprocal agreement benefiting both the UK and India.
- The scheme strengthens cultural and trade links between the two countries.
- About 25% of all international students in the UK are from India, showing the strong education connection.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
- Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 years can apply.
- Candidates must have a diploma or degree equal to at least three years of higher education.
- Fluency in English, the host country’s language, is required.
Scheme Duration and Application Window
This UK India Young Professionals Scheme runs for three years starting March 2024. The exchange program lets young professionals from India and the UK live, work, or study in each other’s countries for up to two years. Each year, 3,000 visas are available for Indian participants.
Youth Mobility Visa Details
Applicants must have a suitable higher education qualification and meet the language skills requirement. The UK government supports issuing 3,000 such visas each year under this scheme. It builds on the UK-India Migration and Mobility Partnership to encourage easy movement between the countries.
Selection Process
The exact selection method may vary, but since many eligible applicants may apply, a lottery or ballot system might be used to select candidates randomly. This helps make the process fair when demand is higher than availability.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for UK India Young Professionals Scheme 2025
- Visit the official UK government website for the Young Professionals Scheme.
- On the homepage, look for the “India Young Professionals Scheme ballot” link and click it.
- Follow the link to enter the ballot during the open application period.
- Fill in the online application form carefully with all required details.
- Upload all necessary documents as instructed.
- Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the application fee.
- Submit the form once you have completed all steps.
Keep an eye on the official announcements for upcoming ballot dates and open application periods so you don’t miss your chance. Preparing your documents and details in advance will help you apply smoothly. This scheme is a great opportunity to gain international work experience and build a career path connected to the UK.