The United Kingdom has announced a reduction in the post-study work period for foreign students, including Nigerians, from two years to 18 months beginning in January 2027.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, earlier disclosed plans for the new policy on October 14 while explaining the government’s broader immigration reforms, which also include stricter English language requirements.

According to a statement released on the UK government’s website on Wednesday, the new measures form part of its flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change, aimed at tightening migration controls while still attracting skilled global talent.

“The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years,” the statement said.

It added that the immigration skills charge (ISC), a fee paid by employers who sponsor skilled foreign workers, will rise by 32 per cent — the first increase since 2017. The UK government said the revenue would be reinvested to train domestic workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment.

“To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended,” it noted.

The changes come amid a broader push by the British government to reform its immigration system and reduce dependency on foreign labour.

In recent months, the UK has also introduced new financial measures that make studying in the country more expensive for international students. Undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year have increased by 3.1 per cent, from £9,250 to £9,535.

In addition, the government is set to impose an extra charge on overseas students and tighten English language requirements for those seeking to study, work, or settle in the UK.

Official data indicates a decline in the number of foreign students choosing the UK in 2024, following earlier immigration rule changes in January that barred most international students from bringing dependants with the exception of those enrolled in postgraduate research programmes or government-funded scholarships.