The United Kingdom has announced a reduction in the post-study work period for international students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
This adjustment was revealed by the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14, while outlining the government’s new immigration measures and the requirement for immigrants to meet an A-level standard of English Language proficiency.
According to a statement released on the UK government’s website on Wednesday, the new rule means that foreign graduates will now have a maximum of 18 months to secure a graduate-level job after completing their studies, compared to the current two-year window.
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.”
In addition, the UK recently introduced new measures expected to raise the cost of studying in the country. Tuition fees for undergraduate programmes in the 2025/26 academic session have been increased by 3.1%, moving from £9,250 to £9,535.
The British government also confirmed that stricter English language requirements will apply to foreign students seeking entry for study, work, or settlement.
These changes come amid a decline in the number of international students choosing the UK in 2024, following earlier immigration reforms that took effect in January 2024, which barred most students from bringing dependants, except those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or government-funded courses.
