The UK government has announced significant changes in immigration rules for overseas students. One of the major changes is in the post-study stay-back time for international students. Effective from 1 January 2027, this significant rule reduces the post-study stay from 2 years to 18 months, giving graduates less time to secure employment before returning to their home country.
The UK Home Office has confirmed that the new rule change has already been introduced in Parliament. Once it comes into effect, most international students can stay in the UK for a maximum of 18 months after completing an eligible course under the Graduate visa. According to the data, a high percentage of overseas students, upon graduation, have been unable to secure graduate-level jobs.
The Graduate visa is valid for 2 years for international students who apply for a Graduate visa on or before 31 December 2026. Whereas the Graduate visa’s validity is 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027. PhD holders or holders of a doctoral degree are eligible to stay in the UK for up to 3 years under this visa. While students cannot extend a Graduate visa, they may be eligible to switch to another visa type, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if they meet the requirements.
Furthermore, from the academic year 2025-2026, international students will also be required to provide higher proof of funds for obtaining their student visa, which means the cost of studying in the UK will increase. To study in the UK, an international student must currently demonstrate that they have £1,483 per month for programs in London or £1,136 per month for programs outside London for a period of up to nine months. This money must be in the account for at least 28 days, ending no more than 31 days before applying for the visa. The new levy on university income from international students is pushing up costs. The tuition fees for 2025-2026 have already been increased by 3.1%, rising from £9,250 to £9,535.
Additionally, the English language proficiency standard is being made stricter for foreign student applicants.
The number of international students who chose to study in the UK in 2024 reduced after the new immigration policy was introduced. The new policy stopped most from bringing dependents, except for students pursuing postgraduate research or studying government-funded scholarship programs. However, the new data suggests that the interest is picking up again. In contrast to 2024, the study visa approvals rose by 18% in the first half of 2025.
Read to know: New Approved English Language Tests for Australian Visas from August 2025
66ab3e5874e6b.webp)
CANADA 
+1 (647) 767-0672
INDIA