The United Kingdom has officially announced a major change to its post-study work visa policy reducing the Graduate Route period for international students from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
The announcement was made by the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, as part of a wider immigration reform package aimed at tightening migration rules while preserving the UK’s appeal to skilled international talent.
Under the new rule, foreign graduates will now have 18 months after completing their studies to secure a graduate-level job, down from the current two-year allowance.
However, PhD and other doctoral graduates will still be allowed to stay for three years under the updated Graduate Route.
New Immigration Policy Updates
The Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) a fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers will increase by 32%. According to the UK government, this is the first rise since 2017, and the extra funds will be reinvested into domestic workforce training to reduce dependence on foreign recruitment.
The Home Office emphasized that the change aligns with data showing many international graduates were not transitioning into skilled employment as intended. The reform, therefore, is designed to encourage faster career integration and ensure international talent contributes effectively to the UK economy.
Higher Tuition Fees and Stricter Language Rules
The cost of studying in the UK is also set to rise. For the 2025/2026 academic year, undergraduate tuition fees will increase by 3.1%, moving from £9,250 to £9,535.
In addition, new English language requirements will soon take effect for students, workers, and settlers requiring an A-level standard of English proficiency.
Foreign students should also prepare for additional administrative fees, making it even more important to plan financially before applying.
Drop in International Student Numbers
Data from 2024 already shows a decline in international student enrolment, following earlier immigration restrictions. In January 2024, new rules barred most foreign students from bringing dependants, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or on government-funded scholarships.
These ongoing measures form part of the UK’s broader effort to control migration figures, even as universities remain heavily reliant on international tuition revenue.
Impact on Nigerian and Other Foreign Students
For Nigerian and other international students, these new changes mean shorter timeframes to secure employment and higher overall study costs.
Education consultants warn that this could make the UK less competitive compared to other study destinations such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, where longer post-study work opportunities are available.
Still, the UK government insists that these reforms are crucial to protect opportunities for British citizens while keeping the doors open to top-tier global talent.
Final Thought
The UK’s latest immigration decision mirrors a growing European trend prioritizing local workforce development and domestic employment opportunities.
For many international students, this new policy highlights the need for stronger academic planning, financial readiness, and faster career action after graduation.
Although the UK remains a top global education destination, this reform represents a significant turning point that may reshape how foreign students view studying, living, and working in the UK in the coming years.
