UK graduate visa to allow UAE students to remain in the country for a period of 2-3 years post-graduation

The UK is providing some reassuring news for international students, especially those coming in September 2024, reaffirming that it is a welcoming destination that values the contribution of international students.

The UK's Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech at the Embassy Education Conference (in London) recently indicated encouraging remarks for overseas students.

She said “These people (international students) are brave. They move to a new culture, far away from their homes and their families. They take a leap of faith, hoping to develop new skills and chase new horizons. And I am enormously proud that so many want to take that leap here in the UK. And we will do everything we can to help them succeed.

“That’s why we offer the opportunity to remain in the UK on a graduate visa for 2 years after their studies end – or 3 for PhDs – to work, to live, and to contribute.”

Notably, there has been a significant increase in UAE students being accepted into British universities this year. Over 8,000 UAE students are currently studying in the UK, nearly double the number from five years ago, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

This number is poised to rise as the UK's Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) received 3,690 applications from UAE students by January 31 for undergraduate courses starting in September 2024.

New Labour government pledges greater support

However, this growth occurs as the European Union (EU) offers more relaxed visas for GCC students.
Hale Education UK and Research Specialist Sam McNeilly said “The UK’s graduate visa scheme allows students studying all subjects to remain in the UK for two years following the completion of their degree. Not only is this generous in comparison to post-study work options in other popular study destinations, it provides graduates with access to one of the world’s leading economies and a diverse job market, which has exceptional opportunities in sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare and creative industries. Moreover, the scheme presents a pathway to permanent residency once a graduate finds employment”

Rema Menon Vellat, Director, Counseling Point Training and Development, stressed that although currently the job market in the UK may not be robust, the scenario could change in the next few months. “Keeping this in mind, I have students who have applied and secured admissions at various UK universities.”

She added, “Students who have invested time, effort, energy, and money in their higher education are naturally looking at opportunities to secure jobs and get an insight into working in the UK.”

How do students feel?

While the government ensures that the graduate route is not being misused and that the demand for study visas is driven by a genuine desire for education rather than immigration, UAE students who have long dreamed of studying in the UK remain determined to pursue their goals.

Syrian student Abdel Soud, who is headed to the UK this fall to study computer science and software engineering, said, “From a young age, I have been captivated by the idea of studying in the UK. This fascination stems from various factors, including the world-class education my cousins have studied there and their welcoming nature."

"However, I am aware that the current economic downturn is making it challenging to find jobs there. I am certain this visa will offer some support to graduating students. I remain hopeful that the situation will improve by the time I graduate," he added.

A final year student at Warwick University, Neil Bhattacharya said, “This graduate visa does give you an alternative option to stay back and continue finding work or gives you a head start at least. 

According to the 22-year-old who completed his schooling in the UAE, despite hypothetically getting the visa for two years, employers may still ask questions about future sponsorship requirements. Some companies may reject the application even if the applicant requires the sponsorship two years later.

Discover new opportunities with the UK graduate visa—UAE students can now stay for 2-3 years post-graduation to explore career prospects! Subscribe Just Dubai to stay updated!