The UK government has officially announced major changes to post-study work and visa rules that will affect international students in the coming years.
🕒 1. Graduate Route Visa Shortened
- From 1 January 2027, students completing Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees will only get 18 months (instead of 2 years) to stay in the UK after graduation.
- PhD graduates will still get 3 years.
- The government says the change is meant to ensure graduates move into skilled, graduate-level jobs instead of low-skilled work.
- The Home Office expects a drop of about 12,000 applications per year because of this change.
💰 2. Financial Requirements Increasing (From November 2025)
- Students applying for a visa must show higher maintenance funds:
- £1,529 per month for London.
- £1,171 per month outside London.
- This proves that students can support themselves during studies.
- The accommodation deposit offset (the amount that can be subtracted if you’ve paid for housing) is also rising to £1,529.
💼 3. Business Opportunities for Graduates
- From 25 November 2025, students who finish their degree in the UK and want to start a business can switch to the Innovator Founder Visa (the Start-up Visa is now closed).
- They must meet their endorsing body after 12 and 24 months to show progress, or their visa can be shortened.
🎓 4. Higher English Language Requirement
- From 8 January 2026, migrants (including skilled workers and some graduates) must meet B2-level English equal to A-level standard (one level above the current B1 or GCSE level).
- This applies to Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual (HPI) visas.
- The goal is to improve integration and ensure newcomers can communicate effectively
⚖ 5. Impact on Students and Universities
- These changes, along with the international student levy, could reduce student enrolments and financially pressure UK universities.
- The government argues it wants to balance migration with the labour market’s needs while still attracting top global talent.
These changes could have a significant impact on international students and UK universities, influencing both applications and financial planning.
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