Ibrahim Gardner
International students who wish to stay in the UK after their university scheme can apply for the Graduate Route if they have completed an undergraduate or higher-level degree at a UK university and held a valid Tier 4/Student visa during their studies. The Graduate Route allows students to work in most jobs or be self-employed, but they cannot access public funds or work in certain professions such as medicine or professional sports. Another option for international students is the Start-Up visa route, which is designed for individuals aiming to start an innovative business in the UK. This route does not require investment funds and is endorsed by higher education providers. The University of Greenwich, for instance, offers a start-up visa scheme for graduates looking to develop their entrepreneurial skills.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme? | Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland |
| What does the EU Settlement Scheme allow citizens to do? | Stay in the UK, work, study, and access benefits and services such as NHS healthcare without applying for a visa |
| Who is eligible for a Student Visa? | Those over 16 who plan to study with a provider who can act as a licensed student sponsor |
| Who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme? | Nationals of India, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, and Australia |
| Who can apply for the Start-Up Visa Route? | People wishing to start an innovative business in the UK |
| Who can apply for the Graduate Route? | International students who have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance and who have a valid Tier 4/Student Visa at the time of application |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa options
The UK offers a variety of visa options for international students wishing to stay in the country after their studies. Here are some of the key visa routes available:
- Graduate Route: This route is designed for international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or higher-level degree at a recognised higher education institution in the UK. To be eligible, students must have a valid Tier 4/Student visa at the time of application and meet certain other requirements, such as the duration of their previous visa. Dependant family members may also be permitted on this route.
- Start-Up Visa Route: This visa is aimed at graduates who want to start an innovative business in the UK. It does not require holding investment funds and endorsements can be obtained from higher education providers. This route can be a stepping stone to the Innovator Route, which offers a longer-term visa for those seeking to establish a business in the UK.
- Skilled Worker Visa: This is a sponsored work visa that requires a job offer from a company or organisation with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence. It allows individuals to work in the UK in a skilled occupation.
- Youth Mobility Scheme: This scheme allows nationals from certain countries to come and work in the UK for up to three years. It is intended for young people between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for some nationalities). Applicants must meet certain financial requirements and cannot have dependent children.
- Erasmus+ Programme: For students from the EU, the Erasmus+ programme allows them to continue their studies or placement in the UK. They will have access to student finance if they meet the residency requirements.
- EU Settlement Scheme: Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can apply for this scheme to continue living, working, and studying in the UK without needing a visa. The deadline for applications was 30 June 2021, but some individuals may still be eligible to apply if they were living in the UK by 31 December 2020.
It is important to note that visa requirements and eligibility criteria may change over time, so students should refer to the UK government's official websites and seek advice from their universities for the most up-to-date information.
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Graduate schemes
In the UK, graduate schemes are often accompanied by visa options that allow international students to remain in the country after their studies. One such example is the Graduate Route, which enables international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or higher-level degree at an approved Higher Education Provider to stay and work in the UK. This route is available to those who held a valid Tier 4/Student visa during their studies and meets certain other requirements.
Another option is the Start-Up visa route, designed for graduates aiming to establish innovative businesses in the UK. This route does not require applicants to hold investment funds, making it an attractive option for international students. The University of Greenwich, for instance, offers a start-up visa scheme specifically for its graduates who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and ideas.
Additionally, the Skilled Worker Visa is a sponsored work route that graduates of certain universities, such as the University of Greenwich, may be eligible for if they receive a job offer from a company with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
It is important to note that visa options and requirements can vary depending on an individual's circumstances and the university they attend. Therefore, students considering graduate schemes and visa options should seek specific advice and guidance from their university's international student support services or relevant government sources.
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Eligibility for home fee status
England
In England, higher education providers allocate students a 'home' or 'overseas/international' status for the purpose of charging tuition fees.
For the 2022 to 2023 academic year, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals and their family members who are covered by the Withdrawal Agreements continue to have access to home fee status on broadly the same basis as previously. This covers those who were living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and have continued to live in the UK after this date. Those who have been granted settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are generally eligible for home fee status if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands Crown Dependencies for at least three years.
Students who are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreements are not eligible for home fee status. This includes the children of Turkish workers arriving in the UK after 31 December 2020.
UK nationals and their family members living in the EEA or Switzerland will generally be eligible for home fee status if they meet the following conditions: they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK for at least the last three years; they were living in the EEA or Switzerland on 31 December 2020; and they have lived continuously in the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK between 31 December 2020 and the start of their course.
Students might be eligible for home fee status under the 'long residence' category if they are not a UK national and either: under 18 and have lived in the UK for at least seven years; or 18 or over and have lived in the UK for half their life or at least 20 years. UK nationals resident in specified British Overseas Territories may also be eligible for home fee status.
Scotland
In Scotland, each university is responsible for making its own fee status assessments within its legislative frameworks. If you are Ukrainian and settling in Scotland, you could be eligible for tuition and living cost support for further or higher education courses from the 2022-2023 academic year.
Wales and Northern Ireland
The regulations around home student status in Wales and Northern Ireland are different from those in England.
General
If a student loses their leave part-way through the year, they will retain their eligibility for home student status provided they are granted some kind of further leave to remain.
Students who have been granted refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK may be eligible for home fee status.
Students who do not hold valid pre-settled or settled status in the UK are likely to be eligible for Overseas fees. If you have claimed asylum in the UK but have not received an outcome, you are not eligible for home fees under UK government regulations, although individual universities may have different policies.
The amount of tuition fees that students pay depends on whether they are classed as a "home" or "international" student. The onus is on individual students to satisfy the institution that they meet the criteria to be classified as a home student for the purpose of fees.
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Work visas
Students on a Tier 4 visa are permitted to work in the UK, but there are strict rules in place regarding the type and amount of work they can undertake. The primary purpose of a Tier 4 visa is to allow non-EEA nationals to study in the UK, and any work done during this time must be secondary to their studies. Students are usually allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and they can take on a full-time job during holiday periods. This offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn some money during their studies. However, it is important to note that working more hours than permitted can result in a breach of visa conditions and may lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellation and removal from the UK. So, students must carefully manage their work and study commitments to ensure they comply with the visa regulations.
Upon completion of their studies, students might consider staying in the UK to gain further work experience or seek employment opportunities. In this case, they would need to switch to a different visa category, such as the Tier 2 (General) visa. This visa route allows skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer to live and work in the country. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain requirements, including having a confirmed job offer in a skilled occupation and earning a minimum salary. The employer also needs to be a licensed sponsor, demonstrating that they are authorized to hire foreign workers.
The process of switching from a Tier 4 student visa to a Tier 2 work visa can be complex and requires careful planning. Students need to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documentation. Additionally, the timing of the application is crucial. Students can apply for a Tier 2 visa up to three months before the expected start date of their employment. They can continue working on their existing Tier 4 visa until the result of their Tier 2 application is known, which provides some flexibility. However, it's essential to allow sufficient time for the Tier 2 visa application process, as it can take several weeks or even months in some cases.
Another option for students wishing to remain in the UK after their studies is the Graduate Route, which was introduced in July 2021. This route allows eligible students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for up to two years (three years for PhD students) after they graduate. The Graduate Route provides a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience and build their careers in the UK without immediately needing to secure a job that meets the requirements of the Tier 2 visa. To be eligible, individuals must have completed an eligible course at a UK higher education provider and meet certain other criteria, such as maintaining their Tier 4 visa status.
It is worth noting that the visa options and requirements can change over time, so it is important for students to stay updated and seek the most current information when planning their next steps. Additionally, seeking professional advice from immigration specialists can be beneficial, especially when navigating the complex process of switching from a student visa to a work visa. By understanding the available options and planning ahead, international students can maximize their opportunities to remain in the UK after their studies and build a successful career. In conclusion, while the Tier 4 student visa offers limited work permissions, there are pathways available for students who wish to transition to working in the UK after their studies.
Overall, while a Tier 4 student visa provides international students with the opportunity to work in the UK during their studies, those who wish to remain and work after their graduation would need to explore other visa options, such as the Tier 2 (General) visa or the Graduate Route. These options allow eligible students to gain valuable work experience and contribute their skills to the UK economy, demonstrating the country's recognition of the value that international students bring to its society and workforce.
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University accommodation
Students often face the question of whether they can continue residing in university accommodation after their studies. This is a relevant inquiry, especially for those who have grown accustomed to campus life and the convenience it offers. While the answer may vary slightly depending on the country and specific university policies, some general principles and practices are typically followed.
Once a student has completed their degree, the need for university-provided accommodation generally ceases. This is because the purpose of such accommodation is primarily to support students during their studies. After graduation, former students are expected to make alternative living arrangements, just like any other member of the general public. Universities need to allocate their limited accommodation resources to current students who require on-campus housing.
However, there may be exceptions to this rule, and the policies can vary. Some universities may offer short-term extensions for students who need to complete exams or finish outstanding coursework immediately after their official graduation date. Additionally, universities sometimes provide emergency housing options for sudden or unexpected circumstances, such as international students unable to return home due to travel restrictions. These options are typically very limited and meant for temporary stays until a more permanent solution can be found.
It is essential for students to be proactive and plan their accommodation arrangements well in advance. This includes being aware of the university's accommodation policies, application processes, and deadlines. Students should also explore alternative housing options, such as renting privately or sharing accommodation with peers, to ensure a smooth transition after their university-provided accommodation ends.
In summary, university accommodation is typically provided for the duration of a student's academic program, with some limited exceptions. Students should be mindful of these policies and plan their accommodation arrangements accordingly to ensure a seamless transition after their university residence ends. Understanding the options and taking a proactive approach will help students secure suitable accommodation and continue their journey towards independence.
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Frequently asked questions
The Graduate Route is a visa option for international students who have completed an undergraduate or higher-level degree at a recognised higher education institution in the UK. It allows graduates to stay in the UK and work in most jobs or be self-employed. However, certain restrictions apply, such as the inability to access public funds or switch to another visa category.
To be eligible for the Graduate Route, individuals must have held a valid Tier 4/Student visa during their studies. For courses longer than 12 months, a minimum period of one year is required. Additionally, those who received full scholarships or sponsorships must obtain written consent from the sponsoring organisation for their application.
Yes, there are other visa routes that international students can explore. One option is the Start-Up visa route, which is designed for individuals aiming to establish an innovative business in the UK. Another option is the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from a company with a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.
The Graduate Route typically allows individuals to stay in the UK for up to three years. After this period, individuals can apply for an extension or seek permanent settlement in the UK.
Yes, there are restrictions on switching visa categories. Student Visa holders cannot switch to a work visa before completing their studies. However, PhD students are allowed to switch after 24 months. It is important to carefully consider the specific requirements and restrictions of different visa routes when planning to stay in the UK after university.
