LONDON - s4story -- The UK Government's recent proposal to shorten the duration of the Graduate Route visa could have significant consequences for the country's higher education sector, according to international education platform Scholarship Scanner. Announced in a white paper published in May 2025, the proposed reform would reduce the length of the post-study work visa for international graduates from two years to 18 months. While the three-year entitlement for PhD graduates would remain in place, the proposal raises concerns about the UK's competitiveness in the global education market.

The Graduate Route, introduced in 2021, has been a key factor in attracting international students to the UK by allowing them to remain in the country after graduation to work or start a business. Education experts and sector leaders have voiced concern that shortening the visa could make the UK less appealing compared to countries like Canada and Australia, which offer longer and more flexible post-study work options. According to Scholarship Scanner, this perceived reduction in post-study opportunities could prompt many prospective students to explore alternative destinations for their international education.

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International students represent a vital source of income for UK universities, particularly through postgraduate taught programmes, where overseas enrolment has seen significant growth in recent years. Any policy change that diminishes the UK's attractiveness could jeopardise recruitment targets and disrupt long-term financial strategies across the sector. In light of this, institutions may respond by holding back on tuition fee increases or even introducing market-specific discounts to remain competitive in key regions.

Scholarship Scanner also anticipates that the proposed changes could trigger a rise in scholarships and financial incentives. Universities may choose to increase the availability of partial and fully funded awards, particularly in priority markets such as India, Nigeria, and Pakistan. These scholarships may be framed as a way to offset the reduced post-study work offer and reinforce the value of a UK degree.

Beyond pricing and financial aid, institutions may also seek to strengthen their employability offer by enhancing career support services, expanding placement opportunities, and building stronger ties with industry. As the value of post-study work becomes a more prominent factor in students' decision-making, the ability to gain real-world experience during study could prove critical.

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For now, the proposed changes remain at the consultation stage and have not been approved by Parliament. There is no confirmed implementation date, and any changes are unlikely to come into effect before the 2026/27 academic year. Students beginning their studies in September 2025 or earlier are expected to remain eligible under the current Graduate Route terms.

Scholarship Scanner will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates and advice for international students through its online platform, which helps applicants discover funding opportunities and navigate the UK higher education system.
http://www.scholarshipscanner.com