Hi everyone!

Welcome to the January edition of Monthly Higher Education Briefing - a simple and clear update on what’s happening across higher education here in the UK, and what it means for you as a Coventry University student.

This briefing is here to help you stay informed, understand sector-wide changes, and feel confident about the year ahead - whether you’re a home or international student.

What’s New in Higher Education & Immigration

Graduate Route Changes

The UK Government has confirmed that the Graduate Route (post-study work visa) will be reduced from two years to 18 months for most degrees from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates will continue to be eligible for longer stays under this route. (clarkhill.com)

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Expansion

From 4 November 2025, the HPI visa - which allows recent graduates to live and work in the UK without a job offer - has been expanded to include graduates from universities ranked in the world’s top 100, with an annual cap of 8,000 applications. (y-axis.com)

English Language Requirement & Visa Rule Updates

New immigration rules introduced state that, from 8 January 2026, applicants for certain UK visas (including the HPI and skilled worker routes) must demonstrate a higher level of English language proficiency (B2). (Capital Law)

New Entrepreneur Pathway

Starting 25 November 2025, international graduates can transition directly from a student visa to the Innovator Founder route, allowing them to start innovative businesses in the UK. (Capital Law)

Sector & Student Trends

Visa data suggests that overall student migration has declined compared with recent peak levels, partly due to tighter immigration rules and fewer dependents being allowed to travel with student visas. (Migration Observatory)

What This Means for You

For International Students

• Plan early for post-study routes: With the Graduate Route being reduced, consider alternative work or visa options ahead of graduation.

• Explore the HPI visa: If you graduate from a top-ranked university, the expanded HPI route may offer work flexibility without a job offer.

• Meet new English language standards: Make sure you understand the updated requirements if you’ll be applying for immigration routes in 2026 or later.

For Home (UK) Students

• Universities are adapting to changing visa landscapes and recruitment trends, which can influence course offerings, employability support, and international opportunities.

• The success of initiatives like the Turing Scheme - which funds overseas study, work, and volunteering - shows opportunities are still expanding even in a shifting sector. (GOV.UK)

Support Available

You can access support at any time through:

• SU Advice - for academic, housing, visa, or wellbeing concerns

• Talent Team (Now Career and experience team) - for CVs, placements, part-time work, and future planning

• Success Coaches & Library - for study support and skill development

If anything in this briefing affects you personally, reach out - you will not be alone in navigating these changes.

In-Person Briefings

As promised, the Monthly Higher Education Briefing will be held in person across all campuses.

Our next sessions are planned at:

• Coventry University (Main Campus) – Room 1.25, 18 February

• CU Coventry – North Atrium, 10 March

Both sessions will be informal and student-friendly, with food, games, and networking, alongside space to discuss higher education updates and your questions.

Stay Connected & Get Involved

If these changes raise questions for you, or if there’s a topic you’d like explained next month, we want to hear from you.

Got a question? Want something explained next month??

This briefing is built with you, and for you.

Submit topics via the online feedback platform.

Updates will be provided each month via yoursu.org.