The United Kingdom has announced that from January 2027, foreign graduates, including Nigerians, will have only 18 months to secure jobs after completing their studies, down from two years.
The United Kingdom has reduced the post-study work period for foreign students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
The announcement was made by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on October 14 and confirmed in a statement posted on the UK government’s website on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “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 move is part of the government’s “Plan for Change” aimed at tightening immigration control while attracting global talent. The UK also raised the Immigration Skills Charge by 32% to boost investment in domestic workers.
Additionally, stricter English language requirements will apply to all immigrants, while tuition fees for 2025/26 have risen to £9,535.
The policy comes as data shows fewer foreign students chose the UK as a study destination in 2024.