Student Visa changes in the UK
1. Higher Financial (Maintenance) Requirements
From 11 November 2025, students applying under the UK Student visa route must show significantly more money in their bank (to prove they can support themselves while studying):
£1,529 per month in London (up to 9 months)
£1,171 per month outside London (up to 9 months)
And the maximum accommodation amount that can be offset has also increased. ([U
2. Graduate (Post-Study Work) Route Shortened
Currently, international graduates from UK universities could stay and work for 2 years after finishing a bachelor’s/master’s. That will change from January 2027.
Undergrad/Master’s graduates: 18 months post-study work permission
PhD graduates: stay at 3 years (unchanged)
This was announced in the Immigration White Paper earlier in 2025 and is being implemented.
A shorter window means faster job searching or switching to a work visa is more important.
3. Direct Switch to Innovator Founder Visa**
A new pathway lets eligible international students switch directly from a student visa to the Innovator Founder visa (for starting a business in the UK) once they complete their studies. This replaces the old Start-Up visa route.
Good news for student entrepreneurs: easier transition to a business visa without leaving the UK.
4. Dependants & Genuine Student Checks
The UK continues to restrict dependants (spouses/children) joining students generally only allowed for postgraduate research students.
These are part of the broader drive to prevent visa misuse and reduce overall net migration.
5. Student Applications & Recruitment Trends
Despite tighter rules, UK student visa applications rose in early 2025 (+29 %) compared to the year before, showing strong ongoing demand for UK study, especially from countries like India.
However, universities report pressure from compliance requirements and stricter sponsor duties, which may shape recruitment practices going forward.
6. Rejoining Erasmus Exchange Scheme
A new development (2027): the UK will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange program, enabling UK students to study, train, or gain experience across EU countries, and EU students to come to the UK in return. This is a major post-Brexit change.
This isn’t a visa route but boosts educational mobility and international collaboration.
* UK study remains popular and competitive despite stricter rules.
* New business transition (Innovator Founder) opens opportunities after graduation.
* Erasmus accession expands study/placement options in Europe.
From 11 November 2025, students applying under the UK Student visa route must show significantly more money in their bank (to prove they can support themselves while studying):
£1,529 per month in London (up to 9 months)
£1,171 per month outside London (up to 9 months)
And the maximum accommodation amount that can be offset has also increased. ([U
2. Graduate (Post-Study Work) Route Shortened
Currently, international graduates from UK universities could stay and work for 2 years after finishing a bachelor’s/master’s. That will change from January 2027.
Undergrad/Master’s graduates: 18 months post-study work permission
PhD graduates: stay at 3 years (unchanged)
This was announced in the Immigration White Paper earlier in 2025 and is being implemented.
A shorter window means faster job searching or switching to a work visa is more important.
3. Direct Switch to Innovator Founder Visa**
A new pathway lets eligible international students switch directly from a student visa to the Innovator Founder visa (for starting a business in the UK) once they complete their studies. This replaces the old Start-Up visa route.
Good news for student entrepreneurs: easier transition to a business visa without leaving the UK.
4. Dependants & Genuine Student Checks
The UK continues to restrict dependants (spouses/children) joining students generally only allowed for postgraduate research students.
These are part of the broader drive to prevent visa misuse and reduce overall net migration.
5. Student Applications & Recruitment Trends
Despite tighter rules, UK student visa applications rose in early 2025 (+29 %) compared to the year before, showing strong ongoing demand for UK study, especially from countries like India.
However, universities report pressure from compliance requirements and stricter sponsor duties, which may shape recruitment practices going forward.
6. Rejoining Erasmus Exchange Scheme
A new development (2027): the UK will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange program, enabling UK students to study, train, or gain experience across EU countries, and EU students to come to the UK in return. This is a major post-Brexit change.
This isn’t a visa route but boosts educational mobility and international collaboration.
* UK study remains popular and competitive despite stricter rules.
* New business transition (Innovator Founder) opens opportunities after graduation.
* Erasmus accession expands study/placement options in Europe.