UK May Restrict Graduate Route to Professional Roles in New Visa Policy Shake-Up
2 Min Read
The UK government is reportedly considering tying the popular Graduate Route visa to professional or skilled employment roles, as speculation intensifies over the contents of the upcoming immigration white paper. The move, aimed at curbing net migration, could mark a significant shift in post-study work rights for international students.
Currently, the Graduate Route allows international graduates to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three for PhD holders) to work or seek employment without salary or skill restrictions. However, UK media reports suggest that the Labour government is now weighing plans to restrict this route to those who secure graduate-level jobs—effectively shutting the door to low-skilled roles.
According to The Times, sources indicate that the government may set a threshold based on future earning potential, ruling out jobs with little room for advancement. Roles such as dishwashing, previously permissible under the current visa scheme, may no longer qualify.
This aligns with Labour’s broader agenda to link migration more closely to the UK’s labour market needs, as the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is expected to investigate industry reliance on international talent, particularly in sectors like IT and engineering.
The anticipated changes have sparked concern among international education stakeholders, who fear the reforms could deter prospective students and damage the UK’s global reputation as a study destination.
Akif Khan and Tariq Malik, experts in international higher education, voiced alarm over the possibility of policies being shaped by asylum claim statistics rather than student visa data. They highlighted the importance of context, noting that just 15% of asylum seekers in 2024 held student visas.
The white paper’s release comes amid wider scrutiny of immigration, with net migration dropping to 728,000 in the year ending June 2024, down from 906,000 the year prior. Tighter rules on student dependants and potential visa hurdles for nationals from countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka have added to mounting uncertainty.
With clarity still lacking, stakeholders continue to call for fair, data-driven reforms that uphold the UK’s appeal for ambitious international students.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
Top Stories
British Council Hosts New Directions South Asia 2025 in India
February 28, 2025 | By Ezra
Bangor University to Cut 200 Jobs Amid Financial Crisis
February 27, 2025 | By Jace
AI-Generated Journalism Fails to Meet Audience Expectations: RMIT Report
February 26, 2025 | By VaidantMore Articles
17 Mercer University Students Named Gilman Scholars to Study Abroad
Seventeen students from Mercer University have been selected as recipients of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for…
By Jace
UK and Australian Universities to Open Campuses in Mumbai Amid Growing India Collaborations
In a significant boost to India’s higher education landscape, the University of York (UK) and the…
By Neerav
Study in UK: Four Oxford Academics Elected to US National Academy of Sciences
In a proud moment for British academia, four researchers from the University of Oxford have been elected as…
By Siya
VIT Mauritius Opens UG Applications for 2025 Intake; Apply by 30 June
VIT Mauritius, one of the country’s leading higher education institutions, has opened…
By Kai
Illinois Tech to Become First US University to Establish Degree-Granting Campus in India
In a landmark move, Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is set to become the first…
By Ezra
University of Melbourne Study Links Repeated Climate Disasters to Declining Mental Health
A new study by the University of Melbourne, Australia, has revealed that repeated exposure to climate…
By Henry
Macquarie University Offers AUD $40,000 Scholarships to Indian Students for 2025-26
In a move set to benefit Indian aspirants aiming for world-class education, Macquarie University in Australia has…
By Advay
Denmark Restricts Work Permits and Family Visas for Foreign Students in New Rules
In a significant policy shift, Denmark has banned work permits and accompanying family visas for international students…
By Daniel
Russia Adds 2,000 Medical Seats for Indian Students Amid Growing Demand
In a significant move for aspiring Indian medical students, Russia has increased the number of medical…
By Vaidant
Oxford Welcomes New Schmidt AI Fellows to Tackle Scientific Challenges with AI
The University of Oxford, England, has welcomed ten new researchers to its prestigious Eric and…
By Jace
US Restores Legal Status of International Students Amid Policy U-Turn
In a significant relief to hundreds of international students, the United States government has begun…
By Aahana
Stephen F. Austin State University Students Win Prestigious Study Abroad Scholarships
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) has announced that nine of its students have received prestigious scholarships…
By Ezra
Epsilon and Tufts University Launch New Institute in the US to Advance Clean Energy Materials
The initiative aims to drive innovation in high-performance battery materials and contribute…
By Daniel
International Postgraduates Surpass Domestic Counterparts in the UK for Second Year
For the second consecutive year, international students pursuing postgraduate degrees in the…
By Vaidant
UAE Courts Chinese Students, Showcases Higher Education Opportunities in Beijing
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese students by positioning itself as a…
By Neerav
Trump Administration Reverses Termination of Student Visas Amid Legal Challenge
In a significant policy reversal, the Trump administration has reinstated the legal status of thousands of…
By Siya
University of New Haven to Open Landmark Campus in Saudi Arabia by 2026
The University of New Haven (UNH), United States, has announced plans to open its first overseas campus in…
By Kai
University of Bristol Launches First-Ever Grief Research and Community Engagement Centre
The University of Bristol in the United Kingdom has launched a pioneering Centre for Grief Research and Community…
By Vaidant
Data Error Casts Doubt on International Student Figures in United States
A major data error in the United States has cast serious doubt over the reported number of international students…
By Aahana
Brown University Names John N. Friedman as Inaugural Dean of Watson School of International and Public Affairs
Brown University, located in Rhode Island, United States, has appointed Professor John N. Friedman as the…
By Siya
Exchange Programmes Remain Intact Amid United States State Department Overhaul
International exchange programmes in the United States have survived a sweeping reorganisation of the State…
By Jace
University of Strathclyde Researcher Awarded Prestigious UK Quantum Fellowship
Dr Pablo Poggi, a physics research fellow at the University of Strathclyde, has been awarded the prestigious Quantum Technology…
By Advay
ESCP Business School Set to Collaborate with India’s IITs to Bridge Business and Tech
ESCP Business School, the world’s oldest business school founded in Paris in 1819, is gearing up to…
By Henry
Australia’s 485 Post-Study Work Visa Faces Scrutiny Amid Election Pledges
Australia’s post-study work rights for international students have come under renewed scrutiny, as the Coalition pledges…
By Advay
Oxford Scientists Challenge Long-Held Beliefs About Earth’s Water Origin
In a groundbreaking development, scientists from the University of Oxford, England have discovered compelling evidence that…
By Daniel
Bedford School to Launch First British Girls’ School in India’s Mohali
In a landmark move for international education, Bedford School, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest public independent schools, is…
By Kai
BSC Education Launches New Language College in Kuwait City
British-based BSC Education has officially opened a new language college in the heart of Kuwait City, further…
By Jace
University of Sheffield Opens Admissions for MSc in Computer Science with Speech and Natural Language Processing
The University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom has officially opened admissions for its MSc in Computer Science with…
By Aahana
University of Southampton Delhi Opens Admissions for August 2025 Intake
The University of Southampton Delhi, India’s first UGC-approved international university, has officially opened applications…
By Neerav
Coventry University Secures Approval to Launch Campus in India’s GIFT City
Coventry University has become the first UK higher education institution to receive formal approval to establish…
By Vaidant
University of East Anglia Launches MSc in Global Public Health for 2025
The University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK has announced the launch of its MSc in Global Public…
By Jace
University of Strathclyde Announces Engineering Scholarships for International Students
The University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom has opened applications for its Faculty of…
By Daniel
University of East Anglia Launches MSc in Global Public Health Programme
The University of East Anglia (UEA), England, has announced a new one-year postgraduate programme – the MSc…
By Siya
Lomond School Becomes First in the UK to Accept Bitcoin for Tuition Fees
Lomond School, an independent K–12 institution based in the west of Scotland, has become the first in the United Kingdom to…
By Siya
Two Oxford Academics Receive Prestigious UK Quantum Technology Fellowships
In a major boost to the UK’s cutting-edge research in quantum science, two academics from the University of Oxford have been…
By Ezra
Malaysia Eyes Growth in Student Recruitment from Central Asia and Africa
Malaysia is forecasting a surge in international students from Central Asia and Africa, according to key figures in the…
By Vaidant
Egypt and France Deepen Academic Cooperation with Nine New MoUs
Egypt and France have taken significant strides to enhance academic collaboration, signing a series of new Memorandums…
By Daniel
Imperial College London to Launch Global Hub in India by May 2025
Imperial College London has announced plans to establish a new global hub in…
By Aahana
Applications Open for BPS Postgraduate Study Visit Scheme 2025
The British Psychological Society (BPS) has officially opened applications for its Postgraduate Study Visit Scheme 2025, offering funding to doctoral…
By Ezra
ASU Barrett Program Unlocks Study Abroad Opportunities in Italy for First-Year Honors Students
In an exciting move, Arizona State University (ASU), United States is offering an enriching study abroad…
By Kai
College Board Announces SAT Registration Deadlines for May and June 2025 Exams
The College Board has officially released the registration deadlines for the SAT exams scheduled in May and June 2025, encouraging…
By Siya
Ireland’s English Language Sector Criticises Sudden Hike in Student Fund Requirements
Ireland’s English Language Education (ELE) sector is calling for an urgent review of a new immigration policy that…
By Advay
Coventry University and GITAM Sign Landmark Agreement for Joint PhD Programme
India and the UK have taken a significant step forward in higher education collaboration, with Coventry University Group and the Gandhi Institute…
By Henry
Xavier University Delegation to Visit India for New Educational Collaborations
Xavier University, based in the US, is set to visit India in an effort to foster new educational collaborations…
By Advay
Strathclyde Business School Announces Up to £17,000 Full-Time MBA Scholarships for 2025 Intake
Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow, Scotland, has opened applications for its Full-Time MBA Scholarships for the…
By Kai
University of Sheffield Opens Admissions for MSc Robotics Course 2025
The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, has officially opened admissions for its MSc Robotics course for the…
By Siya
Australia’s ELICOS Sector Slams Dutton’s Student Visa Fee Hike Proposal
Australia’s ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) sector has fiercely criticised Opposition…
By Neerav
British Council Launches ‘Achievers Dialogues 2025’ for Indian Study Abroad Aspirants
The British Council, in collaboration with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU), has officially launched the…
By Henry
University of Leeds to Guarantee Industry Experience for Master’s Students from 2025
In a bold step towards reshaping postgraduate education, the University of Leeds has announced a guaranteed industry…
By Henry
King’s College London, ETERON Launch €5,000 Research Grants for Industrial Policy and Just Taxation
King’s College London has partnered with the ETERON Institute for Research and Social Change to launch a new…
By Siya
Durham University Launches Inspiring Excellence 5K Scholarships for International Postgraduates
Durham University, England has announced its prestigious Inspiring Excellence 5K Scholarship for international students…
By Advay
Australia’s Coalition Proposes $5,000 Student Visa Fee and Annual Cap Ahead of Elections
Australia’s Coalition party has unveiled a controversial plan ahead of the upcoming federal election, pledging to…
By Neerav
Surge in Foreign University Applications as Greece Opens Doors to TNE Campuses
Greece is witnessing a historic shift in its higher education landscape as 13 international universities, including…
By Ezra
India Launches New Framework for Recognising International Degrees via UGC Portal
India has rolled out a streamlined and technology-driven framework for the recognition of international qualifications, with…
By Jace
University of Manchester Opens Applications for MA in Social Anthropology for 2025 Intake
The University of Manchester, one of the United Kingdom’s top-ranking institutions, has officially opened…
By Henry
University of Strathclyde Launches MSc in Advanced Mathematical Modelling for September 2025 Intake
The University of Strathclyde, Scotland, has introduced a new postgraduate programme, the MSc in Advanced…
By Neerav
New Zealand Targets Growth and Diversification in International Education Sector
New Zealand is setting its sights on new international student markets as it works towards an ambitious…
By Advay
University of Leeds Announces £6,000 International Masters Regional Scholarships for 2025
The University of Leeds, England, has introduced the International Masters Regional Scholarships 2025, offering a…
By Daniel
University of Sheffield Opens Applications for International Baccalaureate Merit Scholarship 2025
The University of Sheffield, England, has officially opened applications for the International Baccalaureate Undergraduate…
By Henry
Russia Targets Africa to Boost International Student Numbers Amid Controversy
Russia has officially launched its 2025/2026 international admissions campaign, intensifying efforts…
By Aahana
NYU Admits Just 7.7% of Applicants to Class of 2029, One of Its Most Selective Batches
New York University (NYU) has announced its Class of 2029 admissions, with an acceptance rate of just 7.7%—making it one of the most…
By Vaidant
University of Houston and DTU Sign MoU to Strengthen Academic Ties
The University of Houston (UH) and Delhi Technological University (DTU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance academic…
By Ezra
Newcastle Engineers Win Prestigious Chemical Engineering Awards
Newcastle University, England, has achieved a remarkable feat as two of its distinguished faculty members, Dr Greg Mutch and Professor Ian…
By Vaidant
Arizona State University Announces New Health Headquarters in Phoenix
Arizona State University (ASU), United States, has announced that its new health headquarters will be located in downtown Phoenix. The state-of-the-art…
By Daniel
ETS Launches TOEIC Link in India to Support Higher Education and Workforce Needs
ETS (Educational Testing Service) has introduced the TOEIC Link in India, a flexible and fast English proficiency test designed…
By Jace
NUS Launches Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies
The National University of Singapore (NUS) has opened applications for its new Master of Science in Infectious Disease Emergencies…
By Advay
South Australian Premier Visits India to Strengthen Education and Career Ties
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas led a high-profile delegation to India, focusing on career opportunities for Indian students…
By Aahana
Oxford-Led Study Finds New Biopsy Technique to Improve Prostate Cancer Detection
A study led by the University of Oxford has found that a newer biopsy technique for diagnosing prostate cancer provides more accurate…
By Siya
University of Miami Opens Applications for Prestigious Stamps Scholarship
The University of Miami in the United States has announced the application process for the esteemed Stamps Scholarship, inviting high-achieving high…
By Kai
University of Bristol Academics Awarded NIHR Senior Investigator Status
Three academics from the University of Bristol, England, have been honoured with the prestigious Senior Investigator status by the…
By Jace
Harvard President Cancels India Visit Amid Growing US University Tensions
Harvard University President Alan M. Garber has abruptly cancelled his planned visit to India during spring break. The trip, scheduled…
By Kai
University of Leeds Opens Applications for MSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production for Indian Students
The University of Leeds, England, has announced the opening of applications for its MSc in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Production…
By Henry
Germany Sees 8x Return on Investment in International Students: Report
Germany is benefiting significantly from its investment in international students, with a new analysis revealing an eightfold…
By Daniel
University of Utah Secures $75 Million for New State-of-the-Art Hospital
The University of Utah, United States, has received a monumental $75 million grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles…
By Neerav
University of Melbourne Outlines Roadmap for Dual Degrees with Indian Institutes
The University of Southampton’s Delhi campus recently organised a panel discussion, bringing together leading industry professionals…
By Siya
University of California Imposes Hiring Freeze Amid Budget Cuts
The University of California in the United States has announced a system-wide hiring freeze in response to significant…
By Daniel
Loughborough University Launches Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub
UK’s Loughborough University has launched a groundbreaking Women in Sport Research and Innovation Hub, backed by…
By Advay
Oxford University Tops QS World Subject Rankings in English, Anatomy, and Geography
The University of Oxford, England, has once again demonstrated academic excellence in the QS World University Rankings by…
By Neerav
University of Southampton Delhi Hosts Panel Discussion on Future of Work and Global Talent
The University of Southampton’s Delhi campus recently organised a panel discussion, bringing together leading industry professionals…
By Aahana
RMIT University Hosts Forum to Tackle Australia’s Skills Crisis
RMIT University in Australia recently hosted an industry forum titled “Addressing the Skills Crisis with Innovative Education Models,” bringing…
By Kai
University of Strathclyde Invites Applications for MSc Machine Learning & Deep Learning
The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, has opened applications for its MSc Machine Learning & Deep Learning course, set to…
By Henry
Harvard University Announces Free Tuition for Families Earning Below $200,000
Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA has unveiled a major expansion of its financial aid programme, offering free tuition to…
By Siya
University of Sydney Shines in QS Subject Rankings 2025
The University of Sydney, Australia has secured top positions in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, reinforcing…
By Kai
University of Warwick and University of Toronto Launch New Research Fund
The University of Warwick, England and the University of Toronto, Ontario have announced new seed funding to strengthen global…
By Ezra
Yale University Launches Green Chemistry Certificate for Sustainability
Yale University, United States, has introduced a new Green Chemistry for Climate and Sustainability Certificate Programme to…
By Ezra
University of Queensland Expands First Nations Doctor Training in Central Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia has launched the First Nations Growth Strategy to increase the number of…
By Advay
University of Stirling Invites Applications for Undergraduate Courses
The University of Stirling, UK, has opened applications for undergraduate courses, with the final deadline set for…
By Aahana
University of Sheffield, UK Opens Applications for BEng Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering Degree
The University of Sheffield, UK, has opened applications for its BEng Mechatronic and Robotic Engineering degree, set to commence…
By Henry
Brown University Hosts National Academy of Engineering Symposium on Neurotechnology
Brown University recently hosted the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) regional meeting and symposium, bringing…
By Kai
UK Migration Update: International Students Remain in Net Migration Figures
The UK government has made it clear that international students will remain part of the country’s net migration statistics, despite…
By Ezra
University of Tasmania Opens Applications for Master of Public Health
The University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia, is now accepting applications for its Master of Public Health (MPH) programme for…
By Jace
University of Manchester Secures UK Metascience Unit Funding
The University of Manchester, England has received funding from UK Research and Innovation’s newly established…
By Vaidant
Bristol University Secures Funding to Advance Quantum Internet Research
Bristol University, UK, has received significant funding to pioneer the quantum internet of the future. The announcement was made by…
By Advay
Nepal’s High Student Mobility Attracts Global Universities
Nepal’s increasing outbound student mobility is drawing attention from top international universities. With an outbound mobility ratio of…
By Kai
Deakin University Researcher Awarded MS Australia Postdoctoral Fellowship
Dr Bárbara Brayner from Deakin University has been awarded a four-year MS Australia Postdoctoral Fellowship Grant worth $225,000 to…
By Ezra
University of Nottingham to Raise Tuition Fees for 2025-26 Academic Year
The University of Nottingham has announced an increase in tuition fees for the 2025-26 academic year, following…
By Henry
ASU Launches Nonpartisan Institute of Politics to Shape Future Leaders
Arizona State University (ASU), USA has launched the ASU Institute of Politics, joining the ranks of Harvard and the…
By Vaidant
University of Strathclyde Introduces MSc in Statistics & Data Science
The University of Strathclyde, UK, has launched a new MSc in Statistics & Data Science to meet the growing demand for data…
By Advay
Irish Minister James Lawless to Strengthen Ireland-India Ties During High-Level Visit
Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, James Lawless, has embarked on a visit…
By Siya
Newcastle University Secures £7M Grant for Sustainable Electrification
Newcastle University, England, alongside the Universities of Bristol and Nottingham, has been awarded a £7 million…
By Daniel