Latest update to UK Graduate Route Visa: What international students need to know

Written By Helena Thompson
An international student at a UK train station is thinking about the changes to the UK Graduate Route visa

The UK Government has announced a proposed change to the UK post study work visa - also known as the Graduate Route visa - that could affect future international students. If you’re planning to study in the UK, or you’re already here, here’s everything you need to know about the latest update to the UK post study visa.

🧾 What is the UK Graduate Route?

The UK Graduate Route is a post study work visa that allows international students to remain in the UK after graduation to work or start a business. Currently, students who have completed an eligible undergraduate or Masters degree can stay for up to two years, while PhD graduates are granted three years.

For more information, check out our ultimate guide to the UK Graduate Route.

🔁 What changes have been proposed?

The UK Government confirms the graduate visa route will be kept. However, according to the UK Government’s recent white paper (May 2025), a reduction to the length of the UK Graduate Route visa has been suggested. 

  • The proposal suggests cutting the current two year post-study work period to just 18 months for most students.

  • This change has not yet been approved by Parliament, therefore no start-date has been announced.

  • PhD graduates would still qualify for the three-year visa.

  • There is speculation that future access to the Graduate Route may be tied to securing a professional or skilled job, although this has not yet been confirmed.

Other proposed changes include new English language requirements for dependants of research students.

❓Why is the UK Post Study Work Visa being changed?

The UK Government has committed to reduce overall immigration figures, both legal and illegal. The UK Graduate Route, while highly valued by universities and students, contributes to the net migration count. By reducing the UK Graduate Route visa duration 2025, the Government hopes to lower immigration numbers.

However, critics argue that these changes may damage the UK’s global reputation as a welcoming destination for international education - potentially pushing students to choose Canada, Australia or the EU instead.

📆 When will the UK Post Study Work Visa change?

So when is the UK Graduate Route visa duration change 2025 implementation date?

Here’s the good news:

  • The proposal is not yet approved by Parliament, therefore no start-date has been announced.

  • If you’re starting a Masters in the UK from September 2025 or earlier, your eligibility for the current two-year Graduate Route visa should remain unchanged.

And the bad news:

  • Unfortunately, if you’re starting a UK Masters in January 2026 or later, you are likely to be affected by the change.

  • If you’re starting a Bachelors (undergraduate) course from September 2025 you are very likely to be affected by this change.

The changes are still at the proposal stage, announced via a white paper - a formal policy document used to outline government plans before introducing legislation. The proposals will now go through a consultation process with universities and other stakeholders.

UK universities and other stakeholders will be invited to provide feedback on the proposals. While it’s possible that universities and sector bodies could successfully lobby for the proposals to be amended or withdrawn, this outcome remains uncertain.

The proposed changes are expected to face significant opposition from UK universities, business leaders, and international education advocates, all of whom are concerned about the potential impact on student recruitment and the UK’s global competitiveness.

Given the need for review and debate, the earliest likely implementation would be the 2026/27 academic year.

🎓 What should you do now?

If you’re already an international student at a UK university or if you’re planning to start a Masters in 2025, you do not need to worry - you will likely still be eligible for the current Graduate Route terms.

If you’re considering the UK for study after 2025, keep up-to-date with the latest announcements about the UK Graduate Route visa. Changes could affect your future stay and post-study options.

Stay informed via trusted sources like the Scholarship Scanner blog, and remember: if implemented, these changes could make partial scholarships for international students and fully funded scholarships for international students more widely available as UK universities work harder to attract international students.

📌 Key takeaways

  • The proposed change to the UK post study work visa would reduce the Graduate Route from 2 years to 18 months

  • The change is not yet confirmed and would likely start from 2026/27 at the earliest.

  • PhD graduates retain their 3-year entitlement under the proposal.

  • A UK degree continues to be a valuable investment. You’ll receive a world-class education, experience UK culture, broaden your perspectives, meet new people from all over the world, and create exciting personal and professional opportunities.

  • Keep checking Scholarship Scanner for the latest update to the UK post study visa and scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship scanner logo - find UK university scholarships for international students

We understand the challenges that international students face when applying to UK universities. Scholarship Scanner provides expert advice on applying to UK universities, and our scholarship blog shares latest updates on UK university funding opportunities. Our website can also help you to start your UK scholarship search and find the best financial support for your studies.