The United Kingdom has announced a reduction in the post-study work period for foreign students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
The new policy was revealed by the UK Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14, as part of broader immigration reforms requiring immigrants to meet A-level English Language standards.
According to a statement published on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, the adjustment aims to tighten immigration control while still attracting skilled global talent.
The statement noted:
“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%.”
It added that the increase in the Immigration Skills Charge would be the first since 2017, with proceeds used to invest in training British workers and reduce reliance on foreign recruitment.
The UK Government explained that the revision was necessary after data showed that “many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”
In addition, the statement confirmed the introduction of stricter English language requirements for students seeking entry for study, work, or settlement.
The move comes amid rising education costs in the UK, as tuition fees for undergraduate degrees for the 2025/26 academic year have been raised by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.
Earlier in January 2024, the UK also revised its immigration rules to restrict foreign students from bringing dependants, except those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or government-funded courses.
Recent data shows that the number of foreign students choosing the UK as a study destination declined in 2024, attributed to increasing costs and tougher immigration policies.
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