UK announces extended stay options for international students

London: The UK has introduced new measures aimed at supporting international students, bringing hope to many, especially those enrolling in courses starting in September 2024.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, speaking at the Embassy Education Conference in London, reiterated the UK’s commitment to international students. “These individuals are courageous. They move to a new culture, far from their homes and families, taking a leap of faith to develop new skills and pursue new horizons. I am enormously proud that so many choose to make that leap here in the UK. We will do everything we can to help them succeed,” she stated.

Phillipson highlighted the graduate visa route, which permits students to stay in the UK for two years post-graduation, and three years for those completing PhDs. This initiative aims to allow graduates to work, live, and contribute to UK society.

Echoing these sentiments, Edward Hobart, the UK Ambassador to the UAE, emphasized the importance of international students to the UK’s educational landscape. “International students from the UAE bring significant contributions to the UK with their skills, experience, and diverse backgrounds. For students considering studying in the UK and those preparing for the upcoming academic year, this presents a wonderful opportunity to continue their studies and begin their professional journey in the UK,” he remarked to a private news outlet.

The data supports this positive outlook, with the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) receiving 3,690 applications from UAE students by January 31 for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2024. This surge in applications reflects the growing interest and trust in the UK’s educational offerings.

Hobart also highlighted the Labour government’s commitment to the graduate visa route. “International students are warmly welcomed and have the option to stay and work, or seek employment, for two years after graduation under our graduate visa route. The reaffirmed commitment from the new Labour government to this route is a clear indication of the UK’s dedication to world-class education and fostering diverse and inclusive communities, where international students are not just welcomed, but valued and integral to our society,” he added.

This policy is set to further enhance the UK’s appeal as a nurturing ground for international talent, ensuring that students not only receive top-tier education but also ample opportunities to integrate into the professional sphere post-graduation.