UK cuts post-study work period for foreign students

The United Kingdom on Tuesday cut the post-study work period from two years to 18 months for foreign students, including Nigerians, from January 2027.

This was disclosed by the UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14 while explaining the reasons for the need for immigrants to pass an A-level standard of English Language.

According to a statement posted on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.

The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.

The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.

“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”

Recently, the UK announced that an additional fee is expected to be passed on to overseas students, making studying in the UK more expensive than before.

The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.

Additionally, stricter English language requirements are being introduced for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.

Data shows fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study option in 2024.

UK immigration rules were modified in January 2024 to prevent students from bringing dependants, except for those studying postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.