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UK Graduate Visa Continues to Support Indian Students’ Aspirations

In a boon to Indian students eyeing education opportunities abroad, the United Kingdom has affirmed the continuation of its graduate route visa in its current form. The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) recently released its review report, ensuring the continuity of this visa category, which allows international students to work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation.

Introduced in July 2021, the graduate route visa has witnessed a surge in the number of international students pursuing education in the UK. Notably, Indian students constitute a significant portion, comprising approximately 40% of the total graduate route visa holders.

The MAC’s recommendation to maintain the current structure of the visa comes as a relief to thousands of Indian students planning to pursue higher education in the UK this year. Under this visa scheme, graduates from prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and the London School of Economics (LSE), as well as non-Russell Group universities such as Sussex and SOAS, can work in the UK post-graduation.

Key highlights from the MAC report include:

1. Confirmation of the continuation of the graduate route visa in its present form. Achievement of the target of six lakh international students in the UK well ahead of the 2030 deadline, with the graduate route playing a significant role. Minimal evidence of widespread abuse of the visa category, with risks mitigated by limited conditions imposed.

2. Indian students leading in the utilization of the graduate route, with 45,600 visas issued to them in 2023.

3. Contribution of the visa to diversifying the range of universities benefiting from international student contributions, without undermining the quality of the UK university system.

4. Gradual improvement in earnings and employment outcomes for visa holders, with nearly 50% transitioning into skilled work through the Skilled Worker route. The MAC’s thorough review underscores the positive impact of the graduate route visa on both international students and the UK’s education sector. As Indian students continue to pursue their academic and professional aspirations in the UK, the visa’s continuity provides a stable pathway for their future endeavours.