Newcastle Graduates Stay in UK for Six Months After University with New Visa Scheme

Sponsored by Newcastle University Business School

Visa applications will be made a lot easier for prospective one-year master’s students applying to Newcastle University this year, thanks to a new visa pilot scheme.

Eligible international students applying to the prestigious Russell Group university will no longer be required to submit certificates, transcripts or documents showing they meet the Tier 4 visa maintenance requirements in their applications. The Tier 4 visa pilot has also increased the period students can stay in the UK after completing their programs from four to six months.

Anyone in the University’s 2018-2019 intake who wishes to study for 13 months or less will be able to participate in the pilot, which has also been rolled out to 22 other universities in England.

Students from the European Union and European Economic Area do not need visas to study in the UK at present, but the pilot could help if you’re from elsewhere in the world and wish to live and work in the UK after university.

Lucy Backhurst, Head of Recruitment and Admissions at Newcastle University said, "Newcastle University continues to successfully recruit students from across the globe based on our reputation for providing a world-class teaching and learning environment. The new pilot provides a far more streamlined process for genuine students who truly wish to study here."

The government said the pilot would support international students who hope to remain in the UK after their degree and switch to a work visa.

Chief executive of the Russell Group, Dr Tim Bradshaw, said: “International students enrich the learning environment on our campuses, enable local businesses to connect globally and bring huge economic benefit to the UK.

“For every seven international undergraduate students at a Russell Group university, £1 million is added to the economy.”

“The extension of this pilot is good news. It offers students a streamlined visa application and expands our post-study work offer. This will help attract students to study here and enable the UK to benefit from talented international graduates.”