The United Kingdom has announced that the post-study work period for international students, including Nigerians, will be reduced from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
The country’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, disclosed the new policy on October 14, explaining that it forms part of broader immigration reforms aimed at tightening control over who enters and works in the UK while still attracting top global talent.
According to a statement published on the UK government’s website on Wednesday, the change is among several measures outlined in the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change.
“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 government also announced a 32% increase in the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC) a levy paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers. The Home Office said the funds raised would be reinvested in training British workers to reduce dependence on overseas recruitment.
“To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current two 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,” the statement added.
The latest changes come amid rising costs for international students in the UK. Recently, the government announced that additional fees will soon be passed on to overseas students, further increasing the financial burden of studying in the country.
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Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees are already set to rise by 3.1% for the 2025/26 academic year, moving from £9,250 to £9,535.
Additionally, stricter English language requirements will be introduced for those seeking to study, work, or settle in the UK. Under the new rules, immigrants will be required to pass an A-level standard English language test.
Data also indicates that fewer international students opted for the UK as a study destination in 2024, following earlier immigration changes that barred most students from bringing dependants, except for those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or government-funded courses.