UK Tightens Post-Study Work Visa Rules, Impacting Indian and International Students

London, February 25, 2026 — The United Kingdom has announced significant changes to its post-study work visa policies, affecting hundreds of thousands of international students, particularly from India and China, who aspire to study and work in the UK. The new rules, which take effect from April 2026, restrict eligibility for the Graduate Route visa and impose stricter requirements for transitioning to skilled worker visas, according to the UK Home Office.

The Graduate Route, introduced in 2021, allowed international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their studies. The policy was credited with boosting international student enrollments, especially from India, which saw a 215% increase in student visas between 2019 and 2025, as reported by The Times of India.

However, amid mounting political pressure to reduce net migration and concerns over misuse of the Graduate Route, the UK government has decided to limit the scheme. Under the new rules, only graduates from select 'high-value' courses—such as STEM, healthcare, and select business programs—will be eligible for the two-year post-study work visa. Humanities and social sciences graduates will face more stringent criteria or may be excluded altogether, according to BBC News.

International students have long been a vital part of the UK’s higher education sector, contributing an estimated £42 billion annually to the British economy, as per Universities UK International. Indian students alone accounted for over 140,000 visas granted in 2025, making them the largest cohort after China.

The Graduate Route was launched to attract global talent and help universities recover from pandemic-era losses. However, the Office for National Statistics reported that net migration reached a record 745,000 in 2025, with international students and their dependents accounting for a significant portion.

Facing criticism from opposition parties and segments of the public, the Conservative government pledged to overhaul student visa policies. Home Secretary Priya Patel stated, "We value international students, but our migration system must be sustainable and serve the national interest."

The revised Graduate Route will now be restricted to students graduating from courses deemed critical to the UK economy. The list of eligible courses will be updated annually by the Home Office in consultation with the Department for Education and industry bodies.

Students in non-eligible courses may only remain in the UK if they secure a job offer meeting the new, higher salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas—now set at £38,000 per year, up from £26,200, as reported by The Guardian. This is expected to particularly impact recent graduates, who often start on lower salaries.

Dependents of international students will also face new restrictions. Only postgraduate research students and those on government scholarships will be allowed to bring family members, a move aimed at curbing the number of dependent visas, according to The Telegraph.

Universities UK and the Russell Group have expressed concern that the changes will deter international applicants, especially from India and Nigeria. Dr. Tim Bradshaw, CEO of the Russell Group, warned that "the UK risks losing its competitive edge in global education."

Student unions have launched petitions and social media campaigns urging the government to reconsider. The National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK stated that the new rules "unfairly target students from developing countries and undermine the UK’s reputation as a welcoming destination."

Indian students, who make up nearly a quarter of all non-EU students in the UK, are expected to be disproportionately affected. According to The Economic Times, many Indian students choose courses in business, management, and humanities, which may now be excluded from the Graduate Route.

Education consultants in India report a surge in inquiries about alternative destinations, such as Canada, Australia, and Germany, which offer more flexible post-study work options. Data from IDP Education shows a 19% increase in Indian student applications to Canada in January 2026.

Chinese students, the largest international group in the UK, are also reassessing their plans. With Australia and the US easing their post-study work rules, competition for global talent is intensifying, according to Times Higher Education.

Experts warn that the policy shift could cost UK universities up to £2 billion annually in lost tuition fees and related spending, as forecast by the Higher Education Policy Institute. Universities in smaller cities, which rely heavily on international student revenue, are particularly vulnerable.

Academic leaders also caution that restricting post-study work rights may undermine the UK’s research output and innovation ecosystem. International graduates contribute significantly to STEM research, startups, and the NHS workforce, as highlighted by the British Council.

The Home Office has announced a review of the impact of these changes by the end of 2026. Universities and student groups are lobbying for a more nuanced approach that balances migration control with economic and academic needs.

Meanwhile, students and families are recalibrating their study abroad plans. Education fairs in India and Nigeria report a noticeable shift in interest toward countries with more favorable post-study work policies, according to The PIE News.

The UK’s visa policy overhaul marks a turning point in global higher education competition. As governments and institutions adapt, the choices made by students today will shape international education trends for years to come.

Sources: BBC News, The Times of India, The Guardian, The Economic Times, The Telegraph, Universities UK International, Office for National Statistics, IDP Education, Times Higher Education, The PIE News, British Council, Higher Education Policy Institute.