Young Professionals Scheme 2025: UK opens final visa ballot for Indian professionals; here’s how to apply
Indian citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 now have a final opportunity this year to secure a visa under the UK’s 2025 India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS). This competitive programme enables selected applicants to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom for up to two years, offering an international platform for early-career growth.The second and last ballot for the 2025 cycle opened at 1:30 pm (IST) on Tuesday, July 22, and will remain active for 48 hours. It is set to close at 1:30 pm on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Applications can be submitted only through the official online ballot, and selection is conducted via a randomised draw.Out of the total 3,000 places available under the India YPS visa for 2025, a significant portion was already allocated in the first ballot held in February. The current round will offer the remaining seats.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be considered, applicants must:• Hold Indian citizenship and be aged between 18 and 30.• Possess an undergraduate degree or higher, equivalent to Regulated Qualifications Framework level 6 or above.• Have savings of at least £2,530 (approximately ₹2.9 lakh).• Not be a parent or guardian of children under 18 who reside with them or are financially dependent.• Not have previously held a UK Youth Mobility Scheme or India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
What does the visa cover?
If selected, applicants will be granted a two-year visa that allows them to:• Live and work anywhere in the UK.• Study at a recognised institution.• Work across most industries or choose to be self-employed.However, the visa does not permit access to most public funds, cannot be extended beyond the 24-month period, and does not allow dependents or children to be added to the application. Work in professional sports roles is also not allowed.
Application timeline and process
The ballot is free to enter, but successful candidates will need to pay a visa application fee of £319 (₹37,000)and an immigration health surcharge of £1,552 (approximately ₹1.8 lakh). After receiving a selection email, applicants have 90 days to formally apply for the visa, submit documents, and attend a biometric appointment.Once approved, candidates must travel to the UK within six months of their visa issuance. Multiple entries and exits are allowed during the validity period, and individuals turning 31 after the visa is granted may still remain in the country until the visa expires.Only one ballot entry per applicant is allowed. Those not selected in this round may apply again in future cycles.
Why this matters for early-career professionals
The India Young Professionals Scheme has emerged as a gateway for young Indian graduates aiming to gain international exposure early in their careers. With the UK being one of the most globally networked job markets, this opportunity enables candidates to build cross-cultural competencies, expand industry knowledge, and develop a global professional network.For full details and updates, candidates should visit the official UK government website at gov.uk.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
