International Graduates Scheme (IGS)

If you would like further information and personal advice on the International Graduates Scheme (IGS), please complete our simple query form.

The International Graduate scheme was launched on 1 May 2007 and supersedes the Science and Engineering Graduates Students (SEGS) scheme. Under the new scheme any non-EEA graduate who has completed a course of studies in the United Kingdom in a higher education institution can apply to remain in the country for a period of one year following their graduation.

The purpose of this is to allow graduates the opportunity of gaining work experience in the UK. Unlike the SEGS scheme, this scheme allows for a graduate of any discipline to apply. 

There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do during the 12 months stay under this scheme. Those who are in the UK on the IGS scheme can then apply to switch into other immigration categories, such as the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP).

A graduate can apply for IGS before they are issued with their degree certificate. If they do not have a degree certificate, a letter from their institution confirming that they have completed the course at the required level will be accepted as proof.

Do I qualify?

The requirements you will need to fulfil in order to participate in this scheme are that:

1. You have completed and obtained either;
   • 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 Science and Engineering Graduates scheme, or
   • a recognised UK degree, Master's degree, or PhD in any subject or a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in any subject, or
   • a postgraduate certificate or postgraduate diploma in any subject.
2. The course has been completed in the last 12 months
3. That you intend to work during the one year period that has been granted by the scheme
4. You are able to support and accommodate yourself  and any dependants without the resorting the use of public funds
5. That you intend to leave the UK after the one year period (unless you transfer to another immigration category such as Work Permit or Highly Skilled Migrant Programme)
6. If your studies where sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency, then you must also have permission from your sponsor before applying for IGS.

If you are unsure as to whether your institution of studies is recognized refer to the for Innovation, Universities & Skills website at  http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/higher-education/recognised-uk-degrees/. There is no restriction as to which discipline or subject your degree is in, as long as it was completed on or after 1 May 2007.

The scheme still allows for those who completed their degree on or before 1 May 2007 to apply under the old SEGS scheme.

If you have not graduated, but you have your results

If you are applying under this scheme you will need to provide your degree certificate in order to prove that you have successfully completed the course. Once you have your results confirmed, but you are still waiting to graduate you will need to obtain a letter from your personal tutor which confirms that you have completed the course at the required level. 

Switching into other employment categories

Participants in the International Graduates Scheme are permitted to switch in-country into other employment and self employment categories such as:

1. Work permit employment,
2. Highly Skilled Migrant Programme,
3. Business persons or
4. Innovators provided you meet the requirements of the category.

Dependants

Spouses, unmarried partners and children of students are permitted to switch along with you when you come to the UK as a participant in the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme. If they are applying from abroad, they will also need to apply for an entry clearance.