Hostile Turn For Graduates: UK To Cut Post-Study Work Stay For International Students To 18 Months From 2027
Mumbai: The length of international students’ post-study stay in the UK, under the Graduate Visa route, will be changing from January 1, 2027. It is interesting to recollect the words of the then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. On September 11, 2019, Johnson announced: “International students can stay for much longer after university, with or without a job. International students will be offered a 2-year UK visa after graduation with or without a job. The changes meant that overseas students would not be forced to leave four months after finishing a degree–making it easier for them to start careers in the UK.”
“Britain has a proud history of putting itself at the heart of international collaboration and discovery,” Johnson had said in a statement, adding that the country’s scientific breakthroughs “wouldn’t be possible without being open to the brightest and the best from across the globe to study and work in the UK.”
Now, again the rules are set to change from January 2027. For those with student permission in the UK that have successfully completed an eligible UK bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, successful graduate route applications will be granted 18 months of permission if the application is made on or after 1 January 2027. This is a reduction from the current grant of two years. In fact, this was forecast by the Immigration White Paper in May 2025. However, changes do not apply to anyone making an application under the graduate route before January 1, 2027. Those that successfully complete a PhD or other doctoral qualification will be unaffected by the changes, and will continue to receive three years of permission if successful.
The Home Office confirmed the new decision on October 14, 2025. The decision, introduced as part of a new law in Parliament, will affect graduates seeking work experience in the UK after completing their studies. At the same time, as a new university term begins, the Home Office has joined hands with the UK’s commercial bank to launch a campaign titled “Stop! Think Fraud”, urging students to stay alert to scams that target young people, especially those new to managing finances and living independently.
The Home Office said the change follows data showing that many foreign graduates had not transitioned into graduate-level jobs as intended when the route was introduced. The update has sparked mixed reactions among Indian students currently studying or planning to study in the UK. “I feel worried for my sister because 18 months is really short to find a good job here,” said Riya, a master’s student in London. “Many companies take time to recruit, and with less time, it will be stressful to settle down and start a career.” Arjun, who recently completed an engineering degree in the UK, echoed similar sentiments. “This change might make many prospective students rethink coming to the UK at all. The longer work visa was a big reason I chose the UK over other countries,” he said.
Neha, an Indian MBA student, expressed disappointment over the timing of the reform. “I understand the UK wants to control immigration, but cutting the post-study work time means fewer chances to gain international experience. That experience is important for my résumé and future growth,” she said. The change has also left research students uncertain about their future. Vikram, a PhD candidate, noted, “As a PhD student, the three-year stay was a good benefit. Reducing it to 18 months is a big change. It makes it harder to continue research or find industry jobs related to my field after graduating.”
The cost of studying in the UK is set to rise. From the 2025– 26 academic year, international students will need to show higher financial funds to prove they can support themselves. Currently, applicants must show £1,483 per month (for up to nine months) if studying in London, or £1,136 per month outside London, held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. Another recently introduced levy on the revenue of the universities from international students is also set to further escalate the cost of study, since the universities will most likely pass on the cost to international students. Already, the undergraduate fees increased by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535, effective academic year 2025–26.
Students Urged To Stay Alert As Scams Rise: As new academic sessions begin, the Home Office and UK’s Commercial bank are turning attention to another growing concern, financial scams targeting students. Their campaign, Stop! Think Fraud, aims to help students protect themselves against fraudsters who often take advantage of their inexperience and trust. According to NatWest’s Student Living Index, 57% of students have experienced or encountered scams, with those aged 18 to 24 losing an average of £300 in the past year.
Lord Hanson, the Minister for Fraud, said, “Fraudsters prey on students finding their feet at university, and the risks have never been higher. A little vigilance now could save you from a financial nightmare.” Students in Kent have been hit the hardest, losing an average of £436, followed by Lincolnshire (£355) and Greater London (£350).
Bank Impersonation Tops The List: The most prevalent scam against students is bank impersonation, where perpetrators pose as officials from a bank and approach victims through calls, texts, or emails. They manage to steal money and engage in identity theft after their attempts are successful, with devastating effects on the finances and studies of their victims. Other swindles are bogus HMRC tax refunds and investment frauds with high returns but leading to losses. Amira Campbell, President of the National Union of Students (NUS), said international students are often targeted because they are unfamiliar with UK systems.
“Fraudsters take advantage of students who have just moved to a new country and don’t fully understand how our housing or banking systems work,” she said. The NUS welcomed the government’s campaign and said raising awareness among students is key to prevention. Both the visa reform and the anti-fraud campaign reflect the UK government’s effort to balance immigration control with student welfare. While one change limits how long graduates can stay after their studies, the other seeks to ensure that students, both local and international, stay financially safe as they begin a new academic journey.
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