The UK’s Home Office has announced a law reducing the maximum post-study stay for most foreign students to 18 months from the current two years, effective from 1 January 2027.
Foreign students in the UK will get less time to stay in the country after completing their studies. 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.
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 1 January 2027. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 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.
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.
Currently, you need £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London and £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London. You must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28 days must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.
The cost of studying in the UK has also gone up after the introduction of a ‘levy on university income from international students’.
The additional fee is expected to be passed on to overseas students, making studying in the UK more expensive than before. The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
The UK is also introducing stricter English language requirements for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.
Data shows 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 shows foreign students may be making a comeback to the UK. There has been an 18% increase in total study visas issued in the first 6 months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.