Science and Engineering Graduate Students
The Home Office have launched a new scheme designed to enable graduates of UK higher or further education establishments to remain in the United Kingdom for 12 months after their studies in order to pursue a career.
Applicants need to have been awarded a 2:2 or higher in certain specified areas of physical sciences, mathematics and engineering.
If students satisfy the rules they can apply to switch from a student visa to a visa under this scheme from within the United Kingdom. Those seeking permission to enter the United Kingdom from abroad under this scheme will need to obtain a visa (Entry Clearance).
The Home Office says that the scheme has been set up to include overseas students who study in the UK and who, following graduation, would be a real asset in the workplace. Introduction of the scheme follows a review carried out by Sir Gareth Roberts which highlighted that the UK was suffering from a shortage of physical science, engineering and mathematics students at university and skilled workers in the labour market. He said that the shortage could do serious damage to the UK’s
future growth.
The scheme was introduced on 25 October 2004.
In order to qualify, students will need to show that they:
- Have successfully completed a recognised science or engineering degree course, masters course or PhD at a UK institution of higher or further education, with at least second class honours; and
- Intend to work during the period of leave granted under the scheme; and
- Be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds; and
- Intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay unless granted further permission to remain as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person or innovator.
Applicants who have been sponsored by government or international scholarship agencies will need to obtain written permission from their sponsor before applying under the scheme.