Microsoft: does its software engineering graduate programme sponsor a UK visa?
Yes. Microsoft sponsors its software engineering graduate programme for eligible international graduates. Microsoft's own global careers pages state a sponsorship commitment, and Microsoft runs substantial, active UK software-engineering hiring (a live London 'Software Engineering - ISE' junior listing was previously observed). The direct sponsorship line found is on a global/US-oriented FAQ, not a UK-specific statement, so it is treated as strongly indicative rather than fully UK-confirmed.
- Sponsors grads?
- Sponsors
- Pay vs threshold
- Clears the threshold
- Opportunity
- graduate scheme
- Pay
- No fresh official UK grad-specific figure obtained this session. A previously observed live London junior 'Software Engineering - ISE' listing ranged roughly £58,200 to £97,600/yr, well above the software-specific new-entrant bar, though this was an Indeed listing rather than an official Microsoft figure.
- 2027 cycle
- Not confirmed live this session.
- Confidence
- medium
What is covered: Software Engineering Graduate Programme and 'Software Engineering - ISE' entry roles (London)
“Yes, Microsoft provides visa sponsorship.”
Sources
- https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/exploremicrosoft
- https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/universityinternship
Verdict last checked 2026-08-11.
Common questions
Does Microsoft sponsor visas for its software engineering graduate programme?
Yes. Microsoft sponsors its software engineering graduate programme for eligible international graduates. Microsoft's own global careers pages state a sponsorship commitment, and Microsoft runs substantial, active UK software-engineering hiring (a live London 'Software Engineering - ISE' junior listing was previously observed). The direct sponsorship line found is on a global/US-oriented FAQ, not a UK-specific statement, so it is treated as strongly indicative rather than fully UK-confirmed.
Does the pay clear the UK Skilled Worker salary threshold?
The pay for this scheme clears the Skilled Worker salary threshold.
What is the catch international students miss with Microsoft?
Do not confuse this with 'MACH' (Microsoft Academy for College Hires), which is a SALES scheme, not software engineering. Also do not confuse it with 'Explore Microsoft', a flagship internship track explicitly restricted to the United States, Canada, Mexico or India that does NOT run in the UK; UK candidates use a separate full-time track.
How should I confirm Microsoft's sponsorship before applying?
Read the specific vacancy on Microsoft's careers site, ask its early-careers team directly, and check the employer on the gov.uk Register of Licensed Sponsors. Policies and thresholds change, so treat this page as a starting point and confirm for the exact role and cycle.
Other technology schemes
- GoogleSponsors
- AmazonSponsors
- MetaSponsors
- AppleSome tracks
- BloombergNot published
- PalantirSponsors
- NvidiaNot published
- IBMNo
- IBMNo
- OracleNot published
- SAPNot published
- SalesforceSome tracks
- CiscoSome tracks
- ArmNot published
- MonzoSome tracks
- RevolutNot published
- WiseNot published
- Starling BankNot published
- DeliverooNot published
- SkyscannerNot published
- DarktraceNo
- ImprobableNot published
- Jane StreetSponsors
- Man GroupNot published
- OptiverNot published
- IMC TradingNot published
- Citadel SecuritiesNot published
- Marshall WaceNot published
- GCHQNo
- BTNo
- VodafoneNot published
- SkyNo
- Ocado TechnologyNot published
Before you apply
Scan your CV against UK applicant tracking systems for free, then tailor it to the schemes that can actually sponsor you.
Sponsorship data: Home Office register + job ad wording. Not immigration advice, verify on gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.