UK to cut post-study work period for foreign graduates from 2027

The UK government has announced a reduction in the post-study stay period for international students. Effective January 1, 2027, the graduate visa will only allow foreign students to remain in the UK for 18 months instead of  two years.

This will reduce the time for international students to find a graduate-level job and leave the country after completing their studies.

Home Office announced that a law has been introduced in Parliament, wherein the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most foreign students from 1 January 2027.

A Graduate visa permits you to stay in the UK for at least 18 months after completing an eligible course in the UK. A Graduate visa lasts for 2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 and for 18 months if you apply on or after January 1, 2027.

“If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for three years. You cannot extend your graduate visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example, a Skilled Worker visa. Data shows that many foreign students holding study visas had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended, a source said.

The cost of studying in the UK will also go up for international students. The financial requirement for student visas will also be increased for the 2025 to 2026 academic year, meaning foreign students will have to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves.

The UK is also introducing stricter English language requirements for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.

Data has shown that fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study option in 2024. UK immigration rules were modified in January 2024, which prevent students from bringing dependants, apart from those studying postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.

However, the latest data from the Home Office showed foreign students may be making a comeback to the UK. There has been an 18 percent increase in total study visas issued in  the first 6 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.