UK Student and Graduate Visa Rules – Previous vs New (2025–2027 Detailed Comparison)

UK Student and Graduate Visa Rules Changing – Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re planning to study in the UK or extend your stay after graduation, the rules you’ll face are not the same as before. The UK Government has rolled out a series of immigration rule changes between late 2025 and 2027, reshaping both Student Visa and Graduate Route policies.

These changes affect almost every stage of a student’s journey:

●     How much money you need to show to get your visa

●     What English language scores you must meet

●     How long you can stay back after graduation

●     How dependants and institutions are regulated

This guide breaks down the previous rules vs the new rules in a clear, practical way—so students, parents, and education consultants can plan better and avoid surprises.

Maintenance Fund Requirements – Increased Financial Proof

One of the most immediate changes affects the financial evidence students must provide when applying for a UK Student Visa. From 11 November 2025, the minimum fund requirements are increasing.

Source: UKCISA, GOV.UK

Why this matters:

●     You must show that you can support yourself financially for 9 months of study.

●     The required funds must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

●     If you submit your visa application before 11 November 2025, the older amounts apply.

For many students, this increase might seem small on paper, but in real terms, it can influence loan applications, financial planning, and CAS issuance timelines from universities. Start preparing your finances early to avoid last-minute delays.

English Language Requirements – Higher Standards from 2026

The UK has always required international students to prove their English proficiency, usually through IELTS or PTE Academic. However, from early 2026, these requirements are being tightened.

What this means practically:

●     Students should not aim for just the minimum score anymore.

●     If you plan to transition to a Skilled Worker Visa, higher language proficiency may be essential.

●     Universities and visa consultants will likely encourage early test preparation, to avoid missing deadlines.

The exact new score tables are yet to be published by the Home Office, but students applying for September 2026 onwards should expect to meet more demanding benchmarks.

Graduate Route Duration – Shorter Stay for UG & PG from January 2027

Perhaps the most headline-making change is the reduction of Graduate Route stay durations for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates.

Why this matters:

Until now, students had a generous 2-year post-study work period to find jobs, gain UK experience, or switch to other visa routes. Under the new rules, they’ll have 18 months, which means:

●     Career planning needs to start earlier—preferably in the final semester.

●     Universities may offer stronger career support earlier in the program.

●     Students must strategize their transition to Skilled Worker Visas more efficiently.

Students completing their degrees before 1 January 2027 are unaffected, they’ll still receive the full 2-year Graduate Route.

Dependants Policy – Remains Tight

The UK previously allowed many postgraduate students to bring dependants, but that changed in 2024. As of 2025–2027, no major changes have been made to dependant rules beyond what’s already in force.

Source: GOV.UK – Student Visa Dependants

This policy has been one of the more debated aspects of UK migration, but for now, no further restrictions are announced.

Institutional Compliance & Impact

While most headlines focus on students, UK universities and colleges are also seeing changes that indirectly affect applicants.

This means students should expect:

●     More frequent attendance monitoring,

●     Stricter academic performance checks, and

●     Fewer chances for leniency in case of visa breaches.

Quick Summary Table – UK Student & Graduate Rules (Previous vs New)

Get Expert Guidance for Your UK Student Visa Application

These policy changes show that the UK is becoming more selective and structured in its student migration policies. Whether you're applying in 2025 or 2027, planning early is crucial.

At Angel EduNext, we help students understand policies clearly, prepare their applications strategically, and transition smoothly to post-study opportunities.

Consult Angel EduNext and take your UK study journey forward with confidence.

Quick FAQs About UK Student and Graduate Visa Rules

1. When exactly will the new maintenance fund rules apply?
The new maintenance fund requirements take effect from 11 November 2025. If you submit your visa application before this date, the previous amounts apply. After this date, you must show the updated financial proof for 9 months of living expenses.

2. I’m planning to apply for the Graduate Route in 2027. How will the shorter stay affect me?
If you complete your course after January 2027, your Graduate Route duration will be 18 months (Bachelor’s & Master’s). This means you’ll have less time to find a job or switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. To make the most of it:

●     Start job applications during your final semester.

●     Build strong CVs and networks early.

●     Seek help from your university’s career team.

3. Will IELTS or PTE scores change overnight in 2026?
No, the UK Government will publish updated CEFR score requirements well in advance. However, aiming for higher scores now will give you flexibility later, especially if you want to work in the UK after studies.

4. Can current students be affected by Graduate Route changes?
No, students completing before 1 January 2027 will still enjoy the 2-year Graduate Route. Only those finishing after this date will follow the new 18-month policy.

5. Are dependant rules going to become even stricter?
There are currently no additional announced changes beyond what took effect in 2024. Dependants remain allowed only for PhD and research postgraduate students.

6. What if I don’t meet the new language requirements in 2026?
Your visa application could be refused. That’s why early preparation is key. Consider taking IELTS/PTE well in advance, and work with advisors to understand the target scores for your course.