The United Kingdom has announced plans to reduce the post-study work period for international students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months, starting January 2027.
The development was confirmed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on October 14 as part of new immigration reforms aimed at tightening entry requirements while maintaining the country’s appeal to skilled global talent.
According to a statement published on the UK government’s website on Wednesday, the adjustment will limit the period within which international graduates can secure a graduate-level job after completing their studies.
The statement explained that the change is part of a broader immigration white paper and “Plan for Change” designed to ensure that foreign graduates contribute more effectively to the UK economy.
It added that the Immigration Skills Charge (ISC), a levy paid by employers who sponsor foreign skilled workers will be increased by 32 percent, marking its first upward review since 2017.
Proceeds from the charge, the government said, 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,” the statement read. “Data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”
In addition, the UK will introduce stricter English language requirements for immigrants seeking to study, work, or settle in the country.
Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees are also set to rise by 3.1 percent in the 2025/2026 academic year—from £9,250 to £9,535.
The new measures come amid declining interest from international students following earlier immigration rule changes in January 2024, which barred most students from bringing dependants except those on postgraduate research or government-funded programmes.