TL;DR
New UK student visa compliance rules for universities took effect on 1 June 2026. From 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route post study work visa drops from 24 months to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates, while PhD graduates still receive 36 months. An international student levy of £925 per student per year was confirmed in the 2025 Budget and is scheduled to begin in August 2028. The package follows the May 2025 Immigration White Paper.
Key facts
- Student visa compliance rules for sponsoring universities live from 1 June 2026
- Graduate Route reduced from 24 to 18 months for bachelor's and master's applicants from 1 January 2027
- PhD graduates retain 36 months on the Graduate Route
- International student levy of £925 per student per year confirmed for August 2028
- Higher English language test standard for indefinite leave to remain from 26 March 2027
- Electronic Travel Authorisation required for visa free visitors from 25 February 2026
What changed on 1 June 2026
The Home Office tightened compliance duties on Student Sponsor licensed universities on 1 June 2026. The new rules raise the bar on attendance monitoring, withdrawals reporting and visa compliance ratios. Universities that fail to meet the thresholds risk losing the right to recruit international students. The full text appears in the Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules and the Sponsor Guidance on gov.uk.
The 18 month Graduate Route countdown
The Graduate Route allows international students who complete eligible degrees at UK universities to remain in the UK without an employer sponsor for a fixed period. From 1 January 2027, the maximum stay drops from 24 to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. PhD graduates remain entitled to 36 months. The change applies to applications made on or after that date, not to the academic year start.
International student levy explained
The 2025 Budget confirmed a £925 per student per academic year levy on UK higher education providers in respect of international students. The levy is scheduled to begin from August 2028. The stated policy aim is to reinvest a share of international fee income in domestic skills programmes. Universities have indicated the cost will feed into international tuition fee levels.
English language test and settlement changes
From 26 March 2027, a higher standard of English language test is required for indefinite leave to remain on most work and family visa routes. Further changes to settlement timing have been signalled by the Home Secretary but not yet legislated. Applicants currently on a five year route to indefinite leave to remain should monitor the gov.uk pages for the specific route.
What applicants should do now
Applicants planning a Graduate Route application from January 2027 onwards should factor in the shorter 18 month window when planning networking, job applications and any subsequent switch to a Skilled Worker visa. The Skilled Worker salary threshold and the Sponsor Licence list on gov.uk should be checked before relying on a switch. Family routes and dependant rules have separate windows and should be checked on the specific gov.uk pages for each route.
Disclaimer. This article reports publicly available information for general guidance only. Kael Tripton is not a law firm, regulated financial adviser, or immigration adviser. Always check the relevant primary source or consult a qualified professional before acting on anything that affects your finances, rights, or immigration status.
Frequently asked questions
When do the new rules apply?
The compliance changes for university sponsors took effect on 1 June 2026. The Graduate Route reduction applies to applications made on or after 1 January 2027. The English language standard rise applies from 26 March 2027. The international student levy begins from August 2028.
Will my Graduate Route be 24 months or 18 months?
It depends on when you apply. Applications submitted before 1 January 2027 receive the existing 24 month entitlement (for bachelor's and master's graduates). Applications submitted from 1 January 2027 onwards receive 18 months.
Are PhD students affected?
PhD graduates continue to receive 36 months on the Graduate Route. The reduction to 18 months applies only to bachelor's and master's graduates.
What is the £925 levy and who pays it?
The levy is charged to UK higher education providers per international student per year of study. Providers have indicated the cost will be passed through to international tuition fees. Domestic UK students are not directly affected.
Can I still bring my family?
Dependant rules remain restrictive following the changes brought in from 2024. Only students on research level degrees, including PhDs and research master's, can bring dependants. Taught master's and undergraduate students cannot. Check the specific gov.uk page for the latest position.
