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International PhD Students in the UK Eligible for 3 Year Visa Extension: New Graduate Route

20th Dec 2023

The UK Government has announced an extension to the new graduate route announced in September 2019 for all international PhD students in the UK. According to the new changes introduced as part of a Global Talent Drive, PhD graduates, graduating from 2021, will be eligible for the new extension to three years post-graduation.

The UK Government plans to immediately establish an ‘Office for Talent’ as part of its drive to become a scientific superpower providing excellent customer service across immigration systems and reviewing applications for the proposed extension. The move seeks to attract global talent to the UK and make it a more attractive job market for highly skilled PhD graduates in 2021.

According to Alok Sharma, business secretary, “The R&D Roadmap sets out our plan to attract global talent, cut unnecessary red tape and ensure our best minds get the support they need to solve the biggest challenges of our time.” The Graduate Route to the job market has already enhanced UK’s attractiveness as a global study destination and more improvements have been proposed as part of the UK’s new immigration system. These include extension of the window for prospective visa application for international students, removal of study time limits at the postgraduate level and allowing students to switch to other types of visa from within the UK.

The new graduate route announced earlier allowed international students at all levels of study in the UK to stay and work or look for work in the UK for upto 2 years after completion of studies.

To learn more about studying and working in the UK, book a free consultation with SI-UK today.

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Engineering, Aston University

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MBA , University of Birmingham

In September, I sought assistance from SI-UK for my studies in the UK, with a planned intake for January 2023. With the support of my counsellor who made exceptional efforts, I smoothly navigated the application process which culminated in the timely acquisition of my UK student visa hassle-free. I wholeheartedly endorse SI-UK to fellow students aiming to pursue their dreams of studying in the UK. Thank you!

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MSc in Mechanical Engineering, University of Strathclyde

FAQs

Do UK universities and courses have quality assurance?

Yes, the universities in the UK are expected to meet the standards set by the quality assurance system in the UK. Their universities are globally recognised for the strong academic and research departments that offer a diverse range of courses and for the friendly, multicultural communities in the campuses that offer a space where everyone can belong.

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Where can I find scholarships and financial support for studying in the UK?

A wide range of scholarships and financial support options are available for international students who dream of studying in the UK. The SI-UK scholarship search leads you to hundreds of scholarships provided by universities and government organisations.

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SI-UK is a global education agency that assists students in pursuing their studies in the UK. We advise on the best universities and courses based on your academic background and future goals, and assist you with the application process, including documentation support, visa guidance, and scholarship searches.