Damilola Amuda
Yesterday, I shared a post expressing my view that, at the moment, coming to the United Kingdom through the study route as a self-funded international student is no longer financially worthwhile. Since then, I have received numerous messages asking me to elaborate.
While these are purely my personal opinions and not definitive facts, here are five key reasons I believe pursuing studies in the UK as a self-funded student has become a financial blunder.
Increasing Difficulty in Securing Permanent Residency (ILR)
The pathway to obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) — equivalent to permanent residency — has become more stringent. There are indications that the qualifying period may soon be extended to 10 years.
In contrast, countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand offer more accessible and clearly defined routes to permanent residency for international graduates.
Removal of Dependents for Most Student Visas
The United Kingdom no longer allows international students to bring dependents unless they are enrolled in research-based programmes.
Between 2021 and 2024, this dependent option was a major factor attracting many students, as dependents could work full-time while the primary student was limited to 20 hours per week.
With this option removed, surviving on a single student’s 20-hour-per-week income has become significantly harder—especially when compared to other countries that allow dependents and grant students up to 30 hours of work per week.
Reduction of the Post-Study Work Visa Duration
The UK government has announced plans to reduce the Post-Study Work Visa from 2 years to 18 months, effective January 2027.
This change diminishes one of the key incentives that previously attracted international students. By comparison, countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand offer up to three years of post-study work rights for master’s degree holders.
Rising Tuition and Living Costs
Another major concern is the significant increase in tuition fees, visa fees, and health surcharges (IHS). Currently, the average tuition fee for international master’s students in the UK is about £15,000, which is roughly ₦30 million (Naira).
The UK government has recently raised visa application fees, IHS charges, and the required proof of living expenses, further inflating the overall cost of studying in the UK.
Difficulty in Securing Sponsorship Jobs
Finding a sponsorship job after graduation has also become increasingly difficult.
The healthcare sector, which once served as a safety net for international students transitioning to work visas, is tightening.
The UK government has announced that the Care Visa route will be phased out by 2028. Many graduates are already struggling to secure sponsorship jobs, and some have returned home after unsuccessful attempts.
Final Thoughts
For these reasons, I currently do not recommend the UK study route for self-funded individuals. However, there are still viable alternatives, such as:
• The Global Talent Visa,
• Skilled Worker Visas in sectors like healthcare (doctors and nurses) and IT
• Temporary work visas under categories such as creative arts, religious work, or global business mobility.
These alternatives may be challenging, but they are achievable for those who meet the necessary qualifications and requirements.
Damilola Amuda, well known as GoalGetter, is a Nigerian sports journalist based in the United Kingdom.