What Are the New UK Visa Rules for Students in 2025?

The UK Government has introduced new student visa rules for 2025, and these could affect your study and post-study plans, so it's essential to stay informed.

In 2025, the UK updated Student visa rules, affecting Graduate visa duration, university compliance, English requirements, and dependent eligibility.

At Wembley Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors in London are here to help you understand how the new rules apply to your situation and guide you through every step of your visa journey.

If you need tailored immigration advice, contact Wembley Solicitors today at 0203 417 3700 or fill out our contact form for expert legal advice.

Table of Contents

1. Key Changes to the Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa, which lets students stay and work in the UK after graduation, will be reduced from two years to 18 months for most bachelor's and master's degree holders. This means if you're completing an undergraduate or master's degree, you'll have less time to work in the UK after your course finishes.

Doctoral students may keep a longer visa

Students completing a PhD or doctoral qualification might still get the full three years on the Graduate visa, but this is awaiting official confirmation from the Home Office.

Who's affected?

Students starting bachelor's or master's degree programs from January 2026 will likely see the shorter 18-month Graduate visa period.

2. Increased Oversight of Universities

The UK is introducing stricter monitoring of universities and colleges that sponsor international students. Institutions with a poor track record, such as failing to ensure students attend or meet visa conditions, may face restrictions or even lose their sponsorship licences.

Why does this matter?

If a university has a history of non-compliance (for example, students failing to enrol or attend, or issues with visa abuse), it could be subject to restrictions or lose its ability to sponsor international students.

What to do?

When choosing a UK university, make sure it is a licensed and compliant Student visa sponsor. A reputable institution reduces your risk of facing visa-related complications.

3. Stricter English Language Requirements

Some student visa categories may now require a higher level of English proficiency. This means your IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved test scores may need to be higher than in previous years.

Why does this matter?

Strong English skills are already a requirement, but now you may need a higher IELTS or equivalent test score to qualify, especially for degree-level or sensitive courses.

What to do?

Start preparing early for your English language test. Choose approved testing centres and ensure your score meets the latest requirements for your course and visa type.

4. PhD Students Switching Sponsors: No Need to Show Academic Progress

From 9 April 2025, PhD students who want to switch to a different UK university or sponsor to continue their research will no longer need to prove academic progress.

Why does this matter?

Before this change, PhD students had to show they were moving forward academically to switch institutions. This rule now makes it easier for researchers to continue their work if they need to transfer universities.

What to do?

If you're a PhD student and need to change sponsors, you can now do so with fewer bureaucratic hurdles, provided your new institution is an approved sponsor.

5. Dependents Not Allowed Under New Student Visa Rules

From January 1, 2024, most international students can no longer bring their partners or children as dependents to the UK on a Student visa. However, only PhD and postgraduate research students can bring their families with them.

This rule aims to limit migration numbers and applies to most international students applying after the rule came into effect in early 2024.

6. Switching to a Work Visa After Studying

Another key change affects how and when international students can switch to a UK work visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Most students must finish their degree-level course before they are allowed to switch from a Student visa to a work visa. Only PhD students can switch earlier, after 24 months of study.

Even after switching, your job must start after your course end date. This applies to all students switching to a work route.

7. Financial Requirements Still Apply

To qualify for a UK Student visa, you must show you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living costs. This money must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.

8. Academic Progress for Visa Extensions

If you want to extend your student visa, you usually need to show academic progress, such as moving to a higher-level course. There are exceptions for some PhD students continuing research with a new sponsor.

9. Work Rules While Studying

UK student visa holders are still permitted to work part-time during term time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time work during holidays or before and after their course.

The work must not interfere with your studies or break visa conditions. Always check your visa conditions carefully to avoid breaching the rules.

10. Part-Time Postgraduate Study Rules

Some changes now allow part-time postgraduate students to study in the UK, but with important restrictions.

Eligibility

Only universities with a good immigration compliance track record can sponsor part-time postgraduate students (at RQF Level 7 or SCQF Level 11 or above, such as master's degrees).

Restrictions on Students

If you're studying part-time under this route:

• You cannot work in the UK.
• You cannot undertake a work placement as part of your course.
• You cannot bring dependents (your spouse or children) with you.

Why does this matter?

While this provides flexibility for some students, it limits opportunities to work or bring family, which may affect your decision.

What to do?

Consider whether full-time study is more suitable if you plan to work part-time or bring dependents with you.

11. Stay Compliant with Your Visa Conditions

You must follow all visa rules, including updating your contact details, reporting any changes, and keeping your passport and visa documents safe. Not following the rules can put your visa and future applications at risk. Failure to follow these rules can lead to visa cancellation or problems with future applications.

12. Move to Digital Visas (eVisa)

The UK is moving away from physical visa documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). All visa holders will need to switch to a digital visa (eVisa) by 1 January 2025. Make sure you follow any updates from UKVI to keep your visa status valid.

Summary: What These Changes Mean for You

These UK student visa changes reflect a stronger emphasis on:

• University compliance
• Language preparedness
• Clearer rules for dependent family members
• Streamlined policies for PhD students
• Controlled access to part-time study options

Planning ahead, understanding your visa category, and choosing a compliant university are now more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

Major UK Student visa updates in 2024/2025 include a shorter Graduate visa, checks on universities, tougher English tests, and stricter rules for dependents.

If you're planning to study in the UK, it's more important than ever to:

• Understand the eligibility rules
• Meet the financial requirements
• Follow visa conditions carefully
• Plan your long-term stay (if you want to work or settle in the UK)

For tailored advice or help with your UK student visa application, consider speaking to an immigration solicitor who can guide you based on your individual circumstances.

For legal advice and assistance with your UK Student visa application, contact our immigration solicitors on 0203 417 3700 or email info@wembleysolicitors.com.