Changes UK govt made to student visas in 2024

Students, in numbers, usually choose to study in the UK for different reasons. Aside from the fact that education is a worthy investment, people apply for student visas to study in this country because they desire to get the best possible education, study and grow in a country that works for all, and have access to a variety of courses, scholarships, and opportunities. 

While this has been a great way to improve the quality of human life, regardless of the continent you are from, the UK government made a few changes to student visas last year.

1. Dependent Visa restriction

From January 1, 2024, the UK government decided to restrict the inflow of family members or dependents of student visa recipients.

However, there’s an exception, as PhD students, post-graduate research students, and people with specially funded scholarships can bring their families to the UK.

READ ALSO: 5 major changes made to UK work visa in 2024

2. Job after completion of study

According to Spouse Visa Lawyers, students are expected to secure a job after completing their studies and switch to a work visa. This transition is essential; however, unlike before, students cannot apply for this transition or be eligible for a graduate visa until they have fully completed their studies. In the past, they could get a graduate visa if they finished at least two years of their academic programme. 

3. Visa extension and fees 

In January 2024 when the UK government made a few changes to the student visas, they also considered people who are already in the UK and have family with them. However, according to the government, the changes won’t apply retroactively. Their families could extend their visas as long as the student visa was still in operation. 

There’s also been a £20 rise in the student visa fee for people applying from outside the UK.

4. Postgraduate plans

Students who plan to stay back in the UK after completing their course need to understand that the expiration of their visa is dependent on the duration of their courses. 

So, if you have plans to stay after graduation, you must look out for when it’ll expire and seek to renew it before time to avoid embarrassment.

READ ALSO: Japa: UK updates visa financial requirements for 2025