UK Announces New Rules for International Students: What’s Changing from 2025–2027

On 14th October 2025, the Home Office of the United Kingdom announced major changes to immigration policy for International Students coming to the United Kingdom for higher studies. The major announcements are

1. Higher English Language Requirement
2. Reduced Post-Study Work Visa period
3. Increased Financial Requirements for Student Visa

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:  

This country has always welcomed those who come to this country and contribute. But it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life. If you come to this country, you must learn our language and play your part.

The policies have been upgraded to enhance the Quality of Immigrants and to make them controlled, Selective, and Fair at the same time. The measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change, which aims to deliver on the priorities of working people by tightening control over who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent. 

Let’s review the changes in depth and understand What Changes for you. 

Higher English Language Requirement

From January 8, 2026, onwards, the applicants coming to the United Kingdom on Skilled Worker, High Potential Individual and Scale-up routes must demonstrate a minimum A-Level Score in the Secure English Language Test (SELT) provided by Home Office-approved test providers. The A-Level Score generally refers to a minimum B2 Level on the CEFR scale. The SELT Score will be verified by the Home Office as part of the Visa Application process. 

Here are the Home-Office-approved SELT tests outside the United Kingdom

1. IELTS SELT Consortium: IELTS UKVI
2. Pearson: PTE Academic UKVI
3. LanguageCert: LanguageCert Academic SELT & General SELT
4. PSI Services:  Skills for English Test UKVI

Minimum Score Requirements for Study in the UK as per the new Rule

Reduced Post-Study Work Visa period

From 1 January 2027 onwards, the period of the Post-Study Work Visa, also known as the Graduate Route Visa, will be reduced from the current 2 years to 18 months for Bachelor's and Master’s programs. The rule remains unchanged for Phd/Doctoral students. They will be eligible for a Graduate Route Visa of 3 years upon completion of their studies. 

Increased Financial Requirements for Student Visa

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the minimum funding requirement has been increased from £1,483 to £1,529 per month for those living in London and from £1,136 to £1,171 for those living Outside London. The classification of whether you will live in London or outside of London will be based on the location of the University Campus you are enrolled in. 

The Home Office did not disclose the exact extent of the rule's applicability, but it is anticipated that it will take effect from November 11, 2025, onwards. So, students enrolling in the Jan 2026 intake will be affected. 

Inside London refers to the City of London and 32 London boroughs, such as the City of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham, Wandsworth, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Islington, Camden, Brent, Ealing, Hounslow, Richmond upon Thames, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Sutton, Croydon, Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley, Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge, Newham, Waltham Forest, Haringey, Enfield, Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon. 

Other Important Changes related to International Students

The Home Office is planning to implement reforms to attract Global Talent and provide them with the necessary benefits. The changes include

1. High Potential Individual (HPI) Route: With an annual cap of 8,000 applications, graduates from Top 100 International Universities can base their careers in the United Kingdom. The number of people using this route is expected to double, from 2000 to 4000. 
2. Innovator Founder Route: The most talented entrepreneurs studying in the United Kingdom will have the opportunity to establish innovative business ventures after completing their studies. This will transform from a 'Finding a Job' mindset to creating new jobs. 
3. Global Talent Route: Enhancements to the program, including an expanded list of prestigious prizes and changes to some of the evidential requirements for achievement and contribution for architects. 

Source: The Information mentioned above is collected and verified from Explanatory memorandum to the statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1333 and Home Office News Story on 15th October 2025 by our Content Experts.