The UK Government has confirmed a series of Student Route and post-study visa changes affecting international students from 2026 onwards. The reforms include a reduction of the Graduate Route to 18 months for most Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates from 1 January 2027, higher financial maintenance requirements, expanded use of digital e-Visas, and stricter sponsorship compliance for universities.

In addition, from 25 February 2026 visa-free visitors from 85 countries must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. Several work and dependant routes will also require higher English language standards (B2 level) from January 2026.

The changes have been confirmed by the Home Office and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). They apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and form part of wider immigration control and net migration reduction measures.

What Has Changed for UK Student Visas?

The 2026 reforms affect:

• Post-study work duration
• Financial maintenance thresholds
• Dependant eligibility
• Sponsor compliance requirements
• Digital immigration status
• Entry rules for visa-free nationals

The core Student Route remains open, but eligibility and progression rules are becoming more structured.

Graduate Route: Post-Study Work Reduced to 18 Months from January 2027

From 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route will change for most students.

Confirmed post-study durations:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates: 18 months (previously 2 years)
• PhD graduates: 3 years (unchanged)

The Graduate Route:

• Cannot be extended
• Does not lead directly to settlement
• Requires switching to another visa (e.g. Skilled Worker) for long-term stay

This represents the first reduction to post-study work rights since the route was reintroduced in 2021.

The government says the change aligns the UK system more closely with employer sponsorship pathways and aims to encourage progression into skilled employment.

Digital e-Visas Fully Replacing BRPs

From July 2025, the UK has moved to a fully digital immigration status system.

Physical visa vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are being phased out and replaced with e-Visas.

Students must:

• Create a UKVI online account
• Access their immigration status digitally
• Generate a share code to prove right to study, work or rent

This applies to most new study and work visa applicants.

The change reduces physical documentation risks but requires careful account management.

Maintenance Funds Increased from November 2025

From 11 November 2025, financial proof requirements increased.

Required maintenance funds:

London:

• £1,529 per month
• Up to £13,761 for 9 months

Outside London:

• £1,171 per month
• Up to £10,539 for 9 months

The maximum accommodation offset remains capped at £1,529.

Students must demonstrate they hold the required funds for a minimum 28-day period before applying.

These thresholds reflect updated living cost assessments and align with inflationary pressures.

Dependants: Restricted to PhD and Research Students

Since 1 January 2024, most students can no longer bring dependants.

Only:

• PhD students
• Research-based postgraduate students

are eligible to sponsor dependants under the Student Route. This remains unchanged in 2026. The government introduced this rule to reduce migration numbers associated with student visas.

Higher English Language Requirements from January 2026

From January 2026, several work and dependant visa routes will require B2 English proficiency, replacing the previous B1 requirement in many cases.

This applies particularly to:

• Skilled Worker route
• Scale-Up route
• Certain dependant categories

Students planning to transition from study to work visas should prepare for stricter language assessment standards.

Skilled Worker Route: Higher Salary and Skill Thresholds

Graduate Route holders wishing to remain in the UK must typically switch to a Skilled Worker visa. Recent changes include:

• Many roles requiring RQF Level 6 (degree-level equivalent)
• Increased salary thresholds
• Fewer mid-skill occupations qualifying

These adjustments reduce the number of eligible roles for sponsorship and raise employer compliance expectations.

Stricter University Sponsor Compliance

The Home Office has tightened compliance obligations for licensed sponsors. Institutions must now maintain:

• At least 95% enrolment rates
• At least 90% course completion rates
• Visa refusal rates below 5%

Failure to meet these benchmarks could lead to:

• Sponsor licence suspension
• Downgrading
• Revocation

This aims to prevent misuse of the Student Route.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from February 2026

From 25 February 2026, visa-free nationals from 85 countries must hold an ETA before travelling to the UK. The rollout timeline includes:

• Non-European visa-free nationals: ETA required from 8 January 2025
• All eligible visa-free short-stay visitors: ETA requirement extended by April 2025
• Full implementation covering 85 countries: February 2026

The ETA is required even for short visits and transit. It does not replace a visa where one is required.

How These Changes Compare to Previous Rules

Previously:

• Graduate Route offered 2 years for Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates
• Lower English thresholds applied to several work routes
• Maintenance funds were lower
• Dependants were permitted more broadly

The 2026 reforms reflect a broader shift towards:

• Net migration control
• Stricter sponsorship accountability
• Higher financial self-sufficiency standards

The Student Route remains open, but pathways are narrower and more regulated.

Financial and Practical Impact Across the UK

The changes affect universities and students in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Higher maintenance thresholds increase upfront financial requirements. Shorter Graduate Route duration reduces time available to secure sponsorship. Stricter employer thresholds limit eligible job options. However, the UK remains one of the few major study destinations offering post-study work rights without immediate employer sponsorship.

What Prospective Students Should Do Now

Students planning to apply in 2026 should:

• Confirm maintenance fund requirements
• Plan finances early
• Check English test levels meet B2 standards
• Understand Graduate Route timelines
• Review Skilled Worker salary thresholds
• Monitor updates via GOV.UK and UKVI

Those intending to bring dependants must confirm eligibility under the restricted rules. Official guidance is available via the UK Government website. Students should avoid relying on unofficial sources.

Professional Summary

The UK Home Office has confirmed significant Student Route reforms for 2026 and beyond, including:

• 18-month Graduate Route from January 2027 (except PhDs)
• Increased maintenance fund requirements
• Mandatory digital e-Visas
• Higher English language standards
• Stricter university compliance rules
• ETA requirement from February 2026

The Student Route remains open, but progression pathways are more selective. Early planning and compliance with updated requirements will be essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Graduate Route change to 18 months?

The reduction to 18 months for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates applies to applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

How much maintenance money is required in 2026?

Students must show £1,529 per month in London or £1,171 outside London, up to nine months.

Can students bring dependants in 2026?

Only PhD and research-based postgraduate students can sponsor dependants under the Student Route.

Is the digital e-Visa system confirmed?

Yes. From July 2025, most applicants receive digital immigration status instead of physical BRPs.

What is the UK ETA requirement?

From 25 February 2026, visa-free nationals from 85 countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before entering the UK.

Does the Graduate Route lead to settlement?

No. It cannot be extended and does not directly lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain.