The United Kingdom has announced that, starting January 2027, the post-study work period for international students, including Nigerians, will be reduced from two years to 18 months.

UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood made the announcement on October 14, citing the government’s plan to require immigrants to meet an A-level standard in English proficiency.

A statement published on the UK government’s website on Wednesday confirmed that foreign graduates will now have 18 months, instead of two years, to secure a graduate-level job after completing their studies.

The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.

“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 immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.

“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 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 UK recently announced plans to introduce an additional fee for international students, a move that will make studying in the country more expensive than before.

Tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have increased by 3.1%, rising from £9,250 to £9,535.

The UK government is also tightening English language requirements for international students seeking to study, work, or settle in the country.

Data indicates a decline in the number of foreign students choosing the UK as a study destination in 2024.