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Starting January 2027, international students will only have 18 months to stay and work in the UK after graduation, plus higher financial requirements from 2025.
The UK government has officially confirmed big changes to its post-study visa, the Graduate Route. From January 1, 2027, international students finishing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the UK will now have 18 months to stay and work in the country, down from the current two years.
The announcement, made by the Home Office, follows months of speculation since the plan first appeared in the government’s immigration white paper earlier this year.
Why the UK Is Making This Change
According to Lord David Hanson, the Minister of State for the Home Office, the shorter Graduate Route is meant to ensure that graduates “move into graduate-level jobs and contribute to the UK economy.”
In simpler terms, the UK government believes too many foreign graduates are taking up non-skilled roles after finishing school, a trend they say goes against the visa’s original goal of helping students transition into professional careers.
Still, the decision has sparked debate. Critics warn that the move, along with the new international student levy, could make the UK less attractive to overseas students, especially as global competition grows from countries like Canada, the U.S., and Australia.
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What the Impact Could Look Like
The government’s own impact assessment predicts around 12,000 fewer visa applications per year once the change kicks in. That drop could mean a loss of about £23 million in visa and surcharge revenue.
Meanwhile, PhD graduates will continue to enjoy the current three-year post-study stay, so the change mainly affects bachelor’s and master’s students.
Higher Financial Requirements from 2025
The government is also tightening financial rules for incoming students.
Starting November 11, 2025, international students will need to show they have:
£1,529 per month if studying in London, or
£1,171 per month if studying outside London.
This increase is meant to ensure students can support themselves without relying on part-time jobs, but it could make the UK’s already high cost of studying even tougher for many families.
The maximum “accommodation offset” (for those who’ve already paid for housing) will also rise to £1,529.
A New Path for Graduate Entrepreneurs
There’s a small silver lining, though. Starting November 25, 2025, graduates switching to the Innovator Founder visa will be allowed to start a business in the UK, a pathway that replaces the now-closed Start-up visa route.
However, applicants will need to meet with their endorsing body at 12 and 24 months to prove their business is progressing. Failure to show progress could mean their visa is cut short.
Stricter English Language Standards
From January 8, 2026, migrants applying for key visa routes, including Skilled Worker, Scale-up, and High Potential Individual (HPI) visas, will now need to meet B2-level English (A-level standard).
That’s a step up from the current B1 level, roughly equivalent to GCSE English. The change aims to help migrants integrate better into life and work in the UK.
Dependants of students and workers will also face new English language requirements in the near future.
What This Means for Future Students
For many African students dreaming of studying and working in the UK, this is a major shift. The UK remains a top global study destination, but with shorter post-study stays, higher financial thresholds, and stricter English requirements, planning ahead has never been more important.
If you’re considering studying in the UK, now’s the time to understand your long-term goals, whether that’s finding skilled employment, switching to a business visa, or eventually applying for permanent residence.
Final Thoughts
These upcoming rules show that the UK is tightening its migration system while still seeking global talent. But for international students, especially from Africa, the message is clear: plan your career path early, build employable skills, and stay informed about new immigration updates.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Always check the UK government’s official immigration website or consult an authorized advisor before making any visa-related decisions.