International Graduates Scheme

The Home Office will launch the International Graduates Scheme (IGS) on 1st May 2007, replacing the current Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS).

IGS will enable non-EEA students who have successfully completed a Bachelors, Masters, PhD or postgraduate certificate or diploma on or after 1st May 2007 to work in the UK for up to a year upon completion of their studies.

Applicants must:

1. Have completed their course at a recognised UK Higher or Further Education institution (www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegree)
2. Have completed their course in the last 12 months (as shown by the date of expiry of leave as a Student to complete this course)
3. Intend to work during the period of leave granted under the scheme
4. Be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds
5. Intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay (unless granted leave to remain as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person, innovator or student).

Applicants may switch into the scheme whilst in the UK if they have valid leave to remain as a student. Alternatively they can apply to return to the UK from abroad under the scheme no later than 1 year after they complete their course. A maximum of 12 months leave will be granted as an IGS participant.

Applicants who graduated their courses prior to 1st May 2007 may still be considered under the SEGS guidelines. Applicants that commenced a Masters or Phd course prior to 1st May 2006 and have completed it prior to 1st May 2007 may also qualify for IGS.

More information will be available after 1st May.