THE INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE SCHEME (IGS)

The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) has replaced the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) from the 1st of May 2007. The Scheme allows graduates who meet the scheme’s criteria to come to the UK, or extend their stay, for 12 months. There are no restrictions on the types of work in which a participant can engage.

The IGS is open to any graduate who has completed one of the following degrees on or after May 1st 2007 at a UK institution that is registered or listed by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
  • BA

  • MA

  • PhD

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) or

  • Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)


Additionally participants must
  • intend to seek and take work

  • have completed their qualification in the last 12 months

  • maintain and accommodate themselves and their dependants without public funds

  • intend to leave the UK

  • if applicable, have the written consent of their official sponsor to participate in the scheme if their studies were sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency and

  • if applicable, hold a valid entry clearance for entry to the UK if they are returning after having returned home


It is possible to stay in the UK after living for 12 months in the UK as a participant in the IGS if you are granted leave to remain as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person, or innovator.

For a link to DfES page of listed and registered institutions click here.

Postgraduate certificate and diploma programmes are taken following a successfully completed B.A. degree and are usually one year in length. They are offered in almost any discipline, from Russian to Internet Technology for eBusiness, depending on the accrediting institution.

Students graduating prior to May 1st 2007 will still need to apply for a visa under the SEGS rules. SEGS was open to students who had a recognised UK degree (with second class honours or above) in a subject approved by the Department for Education and Skills for the purposes of the SEGS.







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