Starting a UK course in 2027: the rules that apply to you

What changes, and when

• 30 November 2026: higher funds to show. For Student visa applications made on or after this date, living costs rise to £1,570 a month in London and £1,203 outside London, for up to nine months (£14,130 and £10,827). The date you apply decides which figure applies. Details in proof of funds by country.
• 1 January 2027: 18-month Graduate visa. Graduate visa applications made from this date get 18 months. PhD graduates still get 3 years. The date that counts is when you apply for the Graduate visa, which is after your course ends, not when you applied for your Student visa.
• Settlement: proposed, not law. The government has proposed a 10-year “earned settlement” baseline in place of five years. As of 22 October 2026 it is not law, and no start date or transitional rules have been published. Skilled Worker settlement is still five years. See UK settlement is changing.
• 26 March 2027: higher English standard for settlement on several routes.
• August 2028: international student levy. £925 per international student per year, charged to universities in England, with the first 220 international students at each university exempt. It still needs Parliament’s approval.

What 18 months means for you

The Graduate visa is the time you have to find a job that meets the Skilled Worker salary rules: £41,700, or £33,400 as a new entrant, or the going rate for the job if that is higher. With 18 months, start looking for sponsoring employers during your course. Choose a course that leads to an occupation employers sponsor: see which courses lead to sponsored jobs.

Research degrees

PhD graduates keep 3 years on the Graduate visa. Postgraduate research students can also bring dependants. Taught Master’s students can’t.

Should you wait?

Waiting no longer protects a two-year Graduate visa, so don’t wait for that reason, and don’t rush for it either. Wait if you need time to save the funds, raise an English score, win a scholarship or fix a gap in your documents. If your funds will be ready only after 30 November 2026, plan for the higher figures.

Germany, Ireland, Canada and the other destinations have their own post-study work rules. Compare them before you decide.

Three questions to answer first

Are your funds ready, at the figure that applies on the date you will apply? Will your offer and CAS arrive in time for the intake? Would waiting get you something specific, such as a scholarship or a better English score? Check your figure with the proof-of-funds estimator, then send us your course, intake and funds on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked