The UK Government has officially announced major changes to the Post Study Work (PSW) / Graduate Route visa and financial fund requirements for international students.
If you’re planning to study in the UK for your Master’s or PhD, these updates are extremely important — especially if you’re targeting the November 2025 or January 2026 intake.
Let’s understand what’s new and how it affects your plans 👇
Earlier, Master’s students were eligible for a 2-year Post Study Work (PSW) visa after completing their degree.
Now, the UK Government has revised this rule effective from January 2027.
✅ If you apply before 31st December 2026, you’ll still get 2 years PSW.
❌ If you apply after 1st January 2027, the duration will be reduced to 18 months.
🧑🎓 PhD or Doctoral students will continue to receive 3 years PSW (no change here).
Important Note:
If you are already studying in the UK and your course finishes before 31st December 2026, you will still be eligible for the full 2-year work permit under the current rules.
👉 This means the November 2025 intake could be your last chance to secure a full 2-year PSW visa after graduation!
Choosing a course with a placement year can be a game changer!
Although it may increase your tuition cost slightly, it gives you:
Additional time to stay and work in the UK.
Valuable UK work experience.
A better chance to secure employer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa later.
The UK Government has also increased the fund requirement for international students applying for a UK study visa.
Here’s the new breakdown:
| Location | Monthly Requirement | For 9 Months | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner London | £1,529 | £13,761 | ₹17–18 Lakh |
| Outer London | £1,171 | £10,539 | ₹14–15 Lakh |
✅ Pro Tip: Always show ₹1–2 Lakh extra in your account to stay safe from currency rate fluctuations.
Amid all the changes, there’s some positive news for students planning to take their spouse or dependents along.
The UK Government has not implemented the earlier proposal that required spouses to have:
An English language test (IELTS/PTE), or
A 10+2 qualification.
This means that spouses of research students can still apply without IELTS/PTE or any educational qualification requirement.
If you’re planning for the November 2025 or January 2026 intake, this is the right time to apply.
By applying before December 2026, you can lock in your 2-year PSW and benefit from the current visa structure.
Planning Sky Education offers IELTS and Non-IELTS admission options with top-ranked UK universities — ensuring smooth processing and maximum visa success.
Planning Sky Education – Study Visa Consultants in Chandigarh
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