- Tighter UK student visa rules now limit work, dependants and long-term stay options. Students can work 20 hours weekly during term, most taught master’s students can no longer bring dependants, and breaches can lead to visa cancellation.
- The Graduate Route (PSW) still offers a temporary post-study opportunity. Graduates can stay for two years (or three for PhD), work freely, and gain experience, but the route cannot be extended.
- Long-term stay now depends on securing competitive sponsorship. Moving from PSW to Skilled Worker visa requires a licensed employer, eligible role, and higher salary thresholds, making the pathway more challenging.
The United Kingdom remains a top destination for international students, including thousands from Nigeria and other parts of Africa. However, UK student visa regulations have continued to evolve, with tighter controls introduced around work rights, family dependants, and post-study stay options.
For prospective and current students, understanding these rules is critical—not only to remain compliant with immigration laws, but also to plan finances, work opportunities, and long-term career paths.
This article explains the key rules guiding the UK Student Visa, focusing on work hours, dependants, and the Post-Study Work (PSW) route, officially known as the Graduate Route.
Who Is Eligible for a UK Student Visa?
A UK Student Visa is issued to foreign nationals who have secured admission into a Home Office-approved institution. Applicants must provide:
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Proof of genuine intention to study
Once granted, the visa comes with conditions that strictly define what students can and cannot do while in the UK.
Work Hours: What International Students Are Allowed to Do
Employment is permitted under a UK Student Visa, but it is closely regulated.
During Academic Term
Students enrolled on degree-level courses or higher are allowed to work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time
Those studying below degree level, such as foundation or pre-sessional courses, are typically restricted to 10 hours per week.
Universities are required to monitor attendance, and breaches of work limits are treated as immigration violations.
During Official Holidays
Students can work full-time during official school breaks. These periods are defined by the institution’s academic calendar, not by personal travel or informal time off.
Prohibited Work
International students are not allowed to:
- Be self-employed or freelance
- Run a business
- Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer
- Accept permanent full-time roles
Violating work conditions can lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.
Dependants: Who Can Bring Family Members?
UK policy on student dependants has become significantly stricter.
Who Qualifies?
Only limited categories of students can now bring dependants:
- Students enrolled in postgraduate research programmes (such as PhDs)
- Students on government-sponsored postgraduate courses lasting at least six months
Most students on taught master’s programmes are no longer eligible to bring spouses or children.
Rights of Approved Dependants
Where allowed, dependants can:
- Live in the UK for the duration of the student’s visa
- Work full-time (with limited restrictions)
- Study without applying for a separate student visa
The rule change has reduced the number of family-linked student visas and forms part of broader UK immigration tightening.
Post-Study Work (PSW): What Happens After Graduation?
The Graduate Route, commonly called PSW, allows international students to remain in the UK after completing their studies.
Duration
- Two years for bachelor’s and master’s graduates
- Three years for PhD graduates
The Graduate Route does not require employer sponsorship, making it a popular option for new graduates entering the UK job market.
Employment Rights
Holders of the Graduate Route visa can:
- Work full-time
- Change employers freely
- Be self-employed or start a business
However, the visa cannot be extended. Graduates must switch to another immigration route before it expires if they wish to remain in the UK long-term.
Moving From PSW to Skilled Worker Visa
Many graduates aim to transition from PSW to the Skilled Worker Visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Secure a job from a licensed UK employer
- Meet the minimum salary requirement
- Work in an eligible occupation
Recent increases in salary thresholds have made sponsorship more competitive, particularly for entry-level roles.
Why These Rules Matter
UK student visa regulations are strictly enforced. Universities are required to report breaches, and immigration authorities have the power to shorten or cancel visas.
At the same time, the policies reflect wider UK priorities: continuing to attract international students while limiting long-term migration growth.