The United Kingdom has formally reduced the length of stay permitted for international students after graduation, cutting the post-study work period for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders.
The change, announced by the Home Office on October 15, follows the government’s plan to tighten migration rules and curb what it sees as misuse of the Graduate Route visa.
Under the new legislation laid before Parliament on October 14, bachelor’s and master’s graduates will no longer enjoy the two-year post-study stay previously allowed. PhD graduates, however, will continue to receive up to three years on the route, in line with existing policy.
The policy shift was first proposed in May as part of the government’s immigration white paper.
Also, an impact assessment released alongside the new law projects the change will reduce demand for Graduate Route visas by about 12,000 applications annually.
The report also notes a likely short-term drop in applications following the announcement.
The Home Office estimates the decision will lead to a loss of roughly £23 million (US$30.9 million) in visa and immigration surcharge revenue from the graduate route, and a further £27 million from the student route.
Immigration Minister, David Hanson said the government’s move was driven by data showing that large numbers of international graduates were not transitioning into skilled employment.
“The Graduate Route was designed to support progression into graduate-level jobs. This change ensures that those who remain in the UK are contributing meaningfully to the economy,” Hanson said
In addition to shortening the post-study period, the government has raised financial requirements for student visa applicants. International students must now show proof of between £1,171 and £1,529 in monthly living expenses, depending on their study location, with London attracting the highest threshold.
The UK hosted 732,285 international students in the last academic year a 4% drop from the 2022/23 record, according to official data.
Despite the fall, international demand remains strongest for Business and Management programmes, which account for more than one-third of all foreign enrolments.
However, annual tuition fees for non-EU students currently range from £20,000 to £41,000, while medical programmes can cost as much as £68,000.
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