London, UK: Introduced in 2021, the UK’s Graduate Visa allows international students to remain in the country for at least two years after successfully completing their degree. This policy has become a major draw for Indian students seeking global education and career opportunities.

According to Dr. Stephen Jarvis, Provost and Vice-Principal at the University of Birmingham (UOB), the UK’s current government has reinforced its commitment to post-study work visas. Speaking to the Times of India during his visit to Goa, Dr. Jarvis noted, “One of the new government’s initial announcements was a strong reassurance on this visa policy, emphasizing its importance for international students.”

For students considering overseas education, the UK presents an appealing option due to this stable policy framework. Dr. Jarvis believes that with the government likely to remain in office for the next five years, the Graduate Visa will continue to provide security and clarity for international students.

Eligibility and Pathway to Skilled Worker Visa

International students holding a Tier 4 (General) student visa and who have completed a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in the UK can stay for two years under the Graduate Visa. Those who have earned a PhD or doctoral qualification are eligible for a three-year stay. Additionally, graduates can transition to a Skilled Worker Visa if they secure employment in the UK.

Dr. Jarvis emphasized that the post-study work visa was introduced to attract top talent in key sectors such as technology, engineering, and biomedical sciences. “Our aim is to strengthen the UK economy by drawing in and retaining highly skilled individuals,” he explained.

University and Industry Collaboration for Employment

Leading UK institutions, including UOB, which is part of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 research-intensive universities, are prioritizing the link between education and employment. “The Graduate Visa plays a crucial role in this,” Dr. Jarvis stated. “We collaborate with industries to shape our curriculum, ensuring that students acquire essential skills such as communication and proficiency in emerging technologies like AI.”

Over the past three years, approximately 2,500 Indian students have enrolled at UOB, including an annual intake of 60 undergraduate and 1,000 postgraduate students. The university is also witnessing a steady rise in Indian students pursuing postgraduate research.

The city of Birmingham offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for students, with increasing job opportunities as more businesses relocate from London. Beyond technology, fields such as sports management and creative industries are also gaining traction among international students.

Addressing Concerns Over Skilled Worker Visa Salary Threshold

The recent increase in the salary threshold for Skilled Worker Visas has raised concerns for international students and professionals. However, leading universities remain optimistic. “For our graduates, this isn’t a major issue,” Dr. Jarvis assured. “Our students secure well-paying jobs that surpass industry median salaries. In fact, we were recently ranked number one in a survey on graduate employment.”

He advised Indian students to choose universities wisely, as top institutions provide robust training, excellent job prospects, and strong industry connections. “While reputed universities continue to attract talented students, there are institutions where employment outcomes may not be as strong,” he cautioned.

Evolving Study Preferences Among Indian Students

Over the years, the academic preferences of Indian students in the UK have diversified. “Two decades ago, most inquiries revolved around MBAs and computer science,” Dr. Jarvis noted. “Now, we see increasing interest in sustainability, climate change, renewable energy, material sciences, and aerospace.” These fields offer strong industry linkages, making them attractive for work placements and long-term careers.

In addition, there has been significant growth in demand for non-STEM courses like sports management and creative industries, which are now seen as promising career paths.

Supporting Entrepreneurship and Scholarships

UOB actively supports entrepreneurial ambitions through its UOB Elevate platform, which is particularly popular among Indian students. “This initiative helps students develop their business ideas and establish startups,” Dr. Jarvis shared. “Our former chancellor, Lord Karan Bilimoria, was deeply committed to fostering student entrepreneurship and launched several startup initiatives.”

As UOB celebrates its 125th anniversary, it has increased its scholarship offerings for Indian students. “This is an excellent year to apply to Birmingham, especially for students seeking financial support,” Dr. Jarvis concluded.