UK Slashes Post-Study Work Rights for Overseas Learners

The United Kingdom has trimmed the time international students can remain in the country after finishing their degrees, in a bid to curb high levels of migration and tighten entry rules.
The change, announced by the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, will see the existing two-year grace period for those completing undergraduate or master’s courses reduced to just 18 months. Graduates from PhD programmes will face a sharper cut, with their current three-year window shrinking to two years.
The adjustment takes effect from next year and affects students starting courses from January 2026 onwards. It forms part of a broader package of measures to lower net migration figures, which hit record levels last year.
Ms Cooper explained that while the government values skilled newcomers and top-notch education, it must balance openness with controls to ensure the system remains sustainable. “We are committed to attracting the brightest minds to study here, but we need to make sure the rules reflect our priorities and protect our communities,” she said.
Universities and colleges, which rely heavily on fees from abroad to fund operations, expressed alarm at the shift. Officials from the sector warned it could deter talented applicants and harm the UK’s status as a leading study destination. One vice-chancellor described the move as a “short-sighted blow” that risks pushing away future innovators and contributors to the economy.
The policy also introduces stricter checks on dependants, limiting family visas for students except in cases of research-based PhDs. This aims to reduce the overall influx of non-EU arrivals, which topped 700,000 last year.
Critics from rights groups argued the changes unfairly target vulnerable learners, many of whom flee hardship at home. They called for a more compassionate approach that weighs the benefits of global talent against migration concerns.
The home office estimates the tweaks will save billions in public costs over time, while still allowing around 30,000 graduates to stay on each year for work experience. Supporters hailed it as a pragmatic step to regain control over borders without slamming the door on genuine prospects.