Richard Ginika Izuora
The United Kingdom, UK, has approved work permit for international students who want to work in England following the successful completion of a UK degree at bachelor’s degree level or above, or an eligible professional qualification.
The British government said the graduates could look for work after their studies for a maximum period of two years and three years for Ph.D. students.
A statement issued by the British High Commission on Monday, March 8; explained that this will allow the UK to retain the brightest as well as the best students to continue to contribute to the UK post-study.
It added that applications for the graduate route will open on July 1, 2021; ensuring Nigerian students would continue to choose the UK as the destination to study and build their careers.
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘New UK post-study graduate route to open to Nigerian students this summer;’ signed by the second Secretary Political/Head of Communications, British High Commission, Dean Hurlock.
It stated, ‘’Today, the UK government has confirmed the new Graduate route will open for applications on 1 July 2021, to international students who successfully complete a degree at undergraduate level or above in the UK. International students on the Graduate route will be able to work or look for work; after their studies for a maximum period of two years (three years for Ph.D. students). This will allow Britain to retain the brightest as well as the best students to continue to contribute to the UK post-study.’’
The High Commission also disclosed that the coronavirus concessions; for students unable to travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic have also been extended; recognising the continuing disruption many face in international travel.
It said applicants who began their studies in autumn 2020 will have to have been in the UK by June 21 (updated from 6 April 2021); to be eligible to apply to the Graduate route; adding that students who began their studies in January or February 2021 will need to be in Britain by September 27.
“The Graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements; nor caps on numbers – Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly; as well as switch jobs; and also develop their careers as required.
‘’To be eligible, international students must have completed a UK degree at bachelor’s degree level or above; or an eligible professional qualification at a higher education provider; with a track record of compliance with the UK Government’s immigration requirements,’’ the statement noted.
According to statistics, in 2020 over 13,000 Nigerian students were granted a UK study visa; an increase of 56 per cent on the year before.