UK CUTS POST-STUDY WORK PERIOD FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS TO 18 MONTHS FROM 2027

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Agency Report

The Government of the United Kingdom has announced that from January 1, 2027, the post-study work period for foreign students — including Nigerians — will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

The decision was made public on Tuesday by Shabana Mahmood, the UK Home Secretary, while outlining measures aimed at tightening immigration control and ensuring foreign graduates contribute more effectively to the country’s economy.

According to a statement posted on the UK government’s website, the new policy forms part of the administration’s immigration white paper and “Plan for Change,” which seeks to reduce migration while attracting 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 statement read.

The policy also includes a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) — the first since 2017 — which will raise additional funds to invest in domestic workforce training.

Additionally, stricter English language requirements will be introduced for study, work, and settlement, with immigrants expected to meet an A-level standard of English.

This move comes as data showed that many foreign graduates were not transitioning into graduate-level employment as intended.

In recent months, the UK has also implemented other measures affecting international students. In January 2024, new immigration rules barred most foreign students from bringing dependants, except for those on postgraduate research programmes or government-funded scholarships.

Tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year have also increased by 3.1%, rising from £9,250 to £9,535, making studying in the UK more expensive for international students.

These policy shifts come amid a reported decline in the number of foreign students choosing the UK as their study destination in 2024.