UK post-study work visa rights of international students are safe amid COVID-19 pandemic
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UK post-study work visa rights of international students are safe amid COVID-19 pandemic

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Updated on Jun 24, 2020 23:02 IST

A ray of hope in these tough times for international students! The UK Home Office has confirmed that international students will remain eligible for post-study work rights upon graduation if they start or continue their studies online in the academic year 2020-2021.

International students will be eligible to access the graduate immigration route as long as they are in the UK by 6th-April-2021 and complete their final semester in the UK. The announcement will help the UK maintain its status as a preferred study abroad destination among international students.

‘If students are required to either continue their current studies or commence a new course by distance or blended learning due to Covid-19, they will still be eligible to switch into the Graduate route on a concessionary basis if they spent some time studying outside the UK,’ states the guidance issued by the Home Office. 

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It further states ‘Students will benefit from this concession if they enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of their studies in the UK,’ it says.

The UK Home Office said the Graduate Visa route, commonly known as post-study work visa and designed for overseas students to be able to work or look for work for two years after completing their studies, will apply to the 2020-21 intake as long as they are physically present in the UK by 6th-April-2021.








The graduate route was announced in September 2019 by the UK government to adjust the immigration system as it was leaving the European Union.

As the social distancing rules are in place, a number of UK universities have indicated plans for incorporating online as part of their studies along with in-person classes. University groups have been lobbying the UK government to address the impact of the COVID-19 on the country's higher education sector.







The closing of language testing centers and embassies have caused concern globally about delays in processing the plans of students planning to study abroad. Post-study work visa rules play an important role in attracting international students.

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Also Read: UK Post-Study Work Visa Rules Relaxed for International Students

New post-study work visa for international students in the UK

International students studying at the UK universities will be able to apply with the new Graduate Immigration Route from this autumn. This will allow them to stay and work in the UK for a period of two years. The newly announced Graduate Immigration Route will be available to students who completed their degree at an authorized higher education institute and have a valid Tier 4 visa at the time of application.

Successful applicants applying through this route will be able to stay and work in the UK at any skill level for two years. Also, graduates who found skilled jobs and who qualify for skilled work visas will be able to switch visas to continue working in the UK.

The new visa rules announced in September 2019 will be open for candidates from the summer of 2021. So, students who are starting their degree this autumn and also have a valid Tier 4 visa will be eligible to apply to the new category.

Earlier there was confusion about the new visa, so, recently the UK government published updated guidance confirming those studying through distance learning because of the pandemic will be eligible to apply for the Graduate route provided they will be in the UK by 6th-April-2021.

Due to current restrictions, there are students who are not able to come to the UK as per the normal schedule, whereas most of the UK universities have announced that term will start approximately on the usual time this autumn. Considering this, it is an important piece of information for prospective students.

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Q:   How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?

A:

The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses: 

The Undergraduate Application Process:  

Step 1:  You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.

Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.

Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.

Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements. 

Check out:  tips to improve your SOP

Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS. 

Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.

Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.

The Postgraduate application process: 

Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\

Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.

Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.

Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course. 

To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application. 

Step 5:  If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester. 

Q:   Does the University of Essex require IELTS?

A:

International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:

English Language Test

 Score

IELTS

Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section

The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:

English Language Test

 Score

TOEFL iBT

Overall score of 72 to 114

PTE

Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section

Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities

Q:   Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?

A:

The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.

Q:   What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?

A:

The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:

Ranking Body Ranking
The Guardian University Guide 2024 #101
The Complete University Guide 2024#117

Q:   How good is the University of Chester (UK)?

A:

 University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:

Academics:  The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.

Location of the university - The University of  is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester. 

Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK. 

Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester. 

Q:   Is IELTS requirement for Bedfordshire University?

A:

International students whose first language is not English must meet the English language requirements. Students can submit their IELTS/TOEFL/PTE test score to meet the English language proficiency. Bedfordshire accepts overall IELTS score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each element.

Q:   How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?

A:

Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.

  • Know the exam pattern
  • Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
  • Solve previous year question papers
  • Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
  • Revise regularly
  • Figure out weaker areas and learn them well

With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.

Q:   What are the English language requirements of Essex University?

A:

Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the English language requirements of Essex University. The university accepts the test score of IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs. Mentioned below are the English language tests and their score for UG and PG admission:

English Language Test

 Score

IELTS

Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section

TOEFL iBT

Overall score of 72 to 114

PTE

Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section

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Comments

(2)

I want to apply to school in Uk for 1yr masters or PGD! Can I get psw permit it from school or I have to apply for it after studies..

Reply to Onyeanusi Stella ezinne

J

JIBIN JOHN

3 years ago

Will students who's commenced 2 years masters Programme from 2019 September get 2 years stay back as per the new rule?

Reply to JIBIN JOHN

P

Piyush Kohli

3 years ago

Hi John, the new PSW rule will be applicable for students who are taking admission from September 2020 onwards.