London, UK — The United Kingdom has announced a significant cut to the post-study work period available to foreign students, including those from Nigeria, effective from January 2027.
The time allowed for international graduates to secure a job at a graduate skill level after completing their studies will be reduced from the current two years to just 18 months.
The measure was announced by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on October 14 as part of the government’s flagship immigration reforms, which aim to deliver tighter control over who enters the country while still attracting highly skilled talent.
In a statement posted on the UK government’s website, officials explained that the reduction in the post-study stay follows data indicating that many visa holders have not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.
Increased Costs and Stricter Rules
The move comes amid a series of policy changes designed to make studying and working in the UK more restrictive and expensive for foreign nationals:
- English Language Requirements: Stricter standards are being introduced for international students applying for study, work, and settlement visas, requiring them to pass an A-level standard of English.
- Immigration Skills Charge (ISC): The fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers, which is reinvested in domestic worker training, is set to be raised by 32%. This is the first increase since 2017 and is intended to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.
- Dependant Ban: Effective January 2024, most international students were barred from bringing dependants with them to the UK, except those on postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.
These escalating requirements and costs coincide with data indicating that fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study destination in 2024. The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees also rose by 3.1% in the 2025/26 academic year.
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