UK Visa Changes for Postgraduate Students

The UK has made changes to its visa system for international (non-EU, EEA or Swiss) postgraduates.

These new rules were introduced on January 11th 2018. They make it possible for students to gain a Tier 4 visa for a part-time Masters or PhD. They also introduce a Doctorate Extension Scheme, for students seeking to work in the UK after earning a doctorate at one of its universities.

We've explained the main changes in this post. For general information, see our full guides to visas for Masters and PhD students.

Note that these changes are separate to the new UK two-year post-study work visas that are due to be introduced for all international graduates from summer 2021.

It's now possible to gain a Tier 4 visa for a part-time Masters or PhD in the UK. Previously, Tier 4 visas were only granted for full-time courses.

Some restrictions apply to this new system. In particular, postgraduate students on part-time Tier 4 visas cannot:

• Work whilst studying
• Undertake work placements during their degrees
• Bring dependents with them

These restrictions only apply to visas for part-time study. Full-time students are still eligible to work 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during vacation periods. They may also be able to bring dependants (partners or children) with them, subject to certain conditions. See our guides to Masters and PhD visas for more information.

Which part-time courses are eligible?

Part-time visas are available for courses at level 7 or above on the UK's Ofqual register. This includes Masters and PhDs as well as postgraduate certificate and diploma courses. It doesn't include Bachelors degrees or other qualifications studied entirely at undergraduate level (level 6) or below.

My university's website says visas are only available to full-time students - is this correct?

These visa changes are relatively new and universities may not yet have updated their resources. If in doubt, contact your institution. You can also find the most up-to-date information on the UK Government website.

This new option allows PhD students to extent their Tier 4 visa status for 12 months after they earn their doctorate. You can apply if you're nearing the end of a PhD (or other doctoral qualification) at a UK university.

Your current visa sponsor (usually your university) will grant you a new CAS (confirmation of acceptance for studies) with which you make a new Tier 4 visa application.

The Doctorate Extension scheme allows you to:

• Remain in the UK for up to an additional 12 months
• Work full-time in most professions (except as a medical doctor, dentist or sportsperson)
• Seek longer term employment suitable for a Tier 2 (skilled worker) visa application

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