Post-Brexit Changes in UK Study and Immigration Policies | 英国脱欧后留学与移民政策变化分析

📚 Post-Brexit Changes in UK Study and Immigration Policies | 英国脱欧后留学与移民政策变化分析

The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union has fundamentally reshaped its immigration and higher education landscape. For international students, the end of free movement and the introduction of a new points-based immigration system have altered everything from visa applications to post-study work rights. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone planning to study in the UK, especially as policies continue to evolve in response to labour market needs and public sentiment.

英国脱欧从根本上重塑了其移民和高等教育格局。对国际学生而言，自由流动的终结以及新积分制移民系统的推出，改变了从签证申请到毕业后工作权利的方方面面。了解这些变化对于任何计划赴英留学的人来说至关重要，尤其是相关政策仍在根据劳动力市场需求和公众情绪不断演变。

1. Overview of the Pre-Brexit Landscape | 脱欧前背景概述

Before Brexit, the UK was part of the EU's single market, which guaranteed the free movement of people. EU students enjoyed the same tuition fee status and access to loans as domestic students, and they did not need a visa to study. Non-EU international students, meanwhile, navigated the Tier 4 visa system, which already imposed stricter controls. The referendum result in 2016 set in motion a series of legislative steps that would end these arrangements by 31 December 2020.

脱欧前，英国是欧盟单一市场的一部分，保障人员自由流动。欧盟学生享受与本国学生相同的学费标准和贷款资格，且无需签证即可学习。而非欧盟国际学生则需遵循Tier 4签证体系，该体系当时已施加了更严格的管控。2016年公投结果启动了一系列立法步骤，这些安排在2020年12月31日终止。

During the transition period, existing EU students were protected, but the future became uncertain for new cohorts. Universities feared a drop in EU enrolments and campaigned for a more welcoming post-study work offer to compensate for the loss of EU student numbers. This backdrop set the stage for the most significant immigration reform in decades.

在过渡期内，已在读的欧盟学生受到保护，但新生面临的前景不确定。大学担心欧盟入学人数下降，并积极游说政府提供更具吸引力的毕业后工作签证，以弥补欧盟学生数量的损失。这一背景为数十年来最重大的移民改革奠定了基础。

2. End of Free Movement and EU Citizens' Status | 自由流动终结与欧盟公民身份

From 1 January 2021, free movement between the UK and the EU ended. EU citizens arriving after that date became subject to the same immigration controls as non-EU nationals. Those already resident could apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, granting either settled or pre-settled status, preserving their rights to study and work. For new EU students, this meant requiring a visa for courses longer than six months.

自2021年1月1日起，英国与欧盟之间的自由流动终止。此后抵达的欧盟公民受到与非欧盟国家公民同样的移民管制。已定居的欧盟公民可申请欧盟定居计划，获得定居或准定居身份，保留学习和工作权利。对于新入学的欧盟学生来说，这意味着学习超过六个月就需要申请签证。

The EU Settlement Scheme deadline for most applicants passed in June 2021, but late applications could still be accepted under reasonable grounds. The scheme effectively created a 'protected' cohort of EU nationals with continued access to home fee status and the domestic student support system, while new arrivals were reclassified as international students.

欧盟定居计划对大多数申请人的截止日期为2021年6月，但合理理由下的逾期申请仍可受理。该计划有效地创造了一个受保护的欧盟公民群体，他们继续享有本国学费待遇和本土学生资助体系，而新入境者则被重新归类为国际学生。

3. Introduction of the Points-Based Immigration System | 积分制移民系统的引入

In December 2020, the UK launched its new points-based immigration system, designed to treat all applicants equally regardless of nationality. The system requires applicants to score a minimum number of points against specific attributes such as a job offer at an appropriate skill level, English language proficiency, and a salary threshold. It replaced the previous Tier 2 and Tier 4 routes with new streamlined categories.

2020年12月，英国推出了新的积分制移民系统，旨在对所有国籍的申请人一视同仁。该系统要求申请人根据特定属性获得最低积分，例如获得适当技能水平的工作邀请、英语语言能力和薪资门槛。它用新的简化类别取代了之前的Tier 2和Tier 4路径。

For students, the key element was the integration of the study route into this framework under the 'Student' and 'Child Student' visas. The points-based system made the rules more transparent: applicants must demonstrate a confirmed place at a licensed institution, financial maintenance, and English ability, which together award the necessary points.

对学生而言，关键要素是将学习途径整合进这一框架，即学生签证和儿童学生签证。积分制使得规则更加透明：申请人必须证明已获得持牌教育机构的确认录取名额、资金证明和英语能力，这些加在一起授予必需的积分。

4. Changes to the Student Visa Route (Tier 4 to Student Route) | 学生签证途径的变化

The Student Route replaced the Tier 4 (General) visa on 5 October 2020, shortly before the end of the transition period. The core requirements remained similar: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds, and English proficiency. However, the new route simplified the documentary requirements for low-risk nationals and introduced more flexible study conditions.

学生途径于2020年10月5日取代了Tier 4（普通）签证，几乎就在过渡期结束之前。核心要求保持相似：持牌担保机构发出的学习录取确认函(CAS)、资金证明和英语能力。然而，新途径简化了对低风险国家申请人的文件要求，并引入了更灵活的学习条件。

One significant change was the removal of the eight-year cap on studying at degree level for certain students, allowing more progression opportunities. Additionally, applicants from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland now had to use the same application process as non-EU nationals, levelling the playing field and increasing overall applicant volumes from these regions.

一个重大变化是取消了对某些学生在学位级别学习八年时限的限制，允许更多的升学机会。此外，来自欧盟、欧洲经济区和瑞士的申请人现在必须使用与非欧盟国家申请人相同的申请流程，这创造了公平的竞争环境，也增加了这些地区的总申请量。

The Student route also allows switching into other immigration categories from within the UK, such as the Skilled Worker visa, provided the applicant meets the relevant criteria. This flexibility was designed to align with the UK's ambition to attract global talent.

学生途径还允许在英国境内转换为其他移民类别，例如技术工人签证，前提是申请人满足相关标准。这一灵活性旨在与英国吸引全球精英的雄心保持一致。

5. The Graduate Route Visa | 毕业生工作签证

Perhaps the most celebrated post-Brexit educational policy is the Graduate Route, launched on 1 July 2021. This unsponsored visa allows international students who have completed a degree at an approved UK higher education provider to stay and work, or look for work, for up to two years (three years for PhD graduates). It replaced the former Doctorate Extension Scheme and the abolished Tier 1 Post-Study Work visa.

最受关注的脱欧后教育政策或许是2021年7月1日启动的毕业生工作签证。该非担保签证允许在英国认可的高等教育机构完成学位的国际学生留下来工作或寻找工作，期限最长为两年（博士毕业生为三年）。它取代了之前的博士扩展计划和已废除的Tier 1毕业后工作签证。

The Graduate Route requires no employer sponsorship, no minimum salary, and no job offer at the point of application. It effectively acts as a bridge allowing graduates to gain work experience, with the possibility of switching to a skilled work visa afterwards. The policy was explicitly introduced to boost the UK's competitiveness in the global education market post-Brexit.

毕业生签证在申请时无需雇主担保，无最低薪资要求，也不需要已有工作邀请。它有效地充当了一座桥梁，让毕业生能够获得工作经验，随后可转换为技术工作签证。该政策明确旨在提升英国在后脱欧时代全球教育市场的竞争力。

However, the route has been subject to review. In early 2024, the Home Office confirmed it would maintain the Graduate Route after a Migration Advisory Committee assessment, but also introduced measures to curb misuse, such as stricter compliance duties on universities. This demonstrated the delicate balance between attracting students and managing net migration figures.

然而，这一途径也曾受到审查。2024年初，内政部在移民咨询委员会评估后确认保留毕业生签证，但同时也出台了遏制滥用的措施，例如对大学施加更严格的合规责任。这显示出在吸引学生与控制净移民数字之间保持微妙平衡。

6. Immigration Health Surcharge and Financial Requirements | 移民健康附加费与资金要求

A major cost component for international students post-Brexit is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). All Student and Graduate Route applicants, including EU nationals now, must pay the IHS as part of their application. The surcharge increased significantly in early 2024, rising to £776 per year for students and their dependants, and to £1,035 per year for other routes.

脱欧后国际学生的一个主要成本是移民健康附加费(IHS)。所有学生和毕业生签证申请人，包括现在入境的欧盟公民，都必须支付IHS作为申请的一部分。附加费在2024年初大幅上涨，学生及其家属涨至每年776英镑，其他路径涨至每年1035英镑。

Maintenance requirements were also updated. Students must show they have sufficient funds to cover living costs for each month of their course, typically £1,334 per month for courses in London and £1,023 per month outside London, held for a consecutive 28-day period. These financial thresholds are designed to ensure students can support themselves, but they add to the upfront burden, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds.

广告 / Sponsored

资金证明要求也已更新。学生必须证明有足够资金支付课程期间每月的生活费，伦敦地区通常为每月1334英镑，伦敦以外为每月1023英镑，且资金需连续持有28天。这些财务门槛旨在确保学生能够自给自足，但也增加了前期负担，尤其对来自低收入背景的学生而言。

7. Impact on Tuition Fees for EU Students | 欧盟学生学费的影响

One of the most immediate consequences of Brexit for EU students was the loss of home fee status. From the 2021/22 academic year, new EU students enrolling at English universities no longer qualified for the domestic tuition fee cap (currently £9,250 per year) nor for access to the UK's student loan system. Instead, they were charged international tuition fees, which vary by course and institution but typically range between £10,000 and over £30,000 per year.

脱欧对欧盟学生最直接的后果之一是丧失本国学费资格。从2021/22学年起，进入英格兰大学的新欧盟学生不再有资格享受本国学费上限（目前为每年9250英镑），也无法获得英国学生贷款体系的支持。取而代之的是，他们需缴纳国际留学生学费，费用因课程和机构而异，但通常在每年1万至超过3万英镑之间。

This change dramatically reduced the number of EU undergraduates enrolling in the UK. Data from UCAS showed a significant year-on-year decline in EU applicant numbers, with some courses seeing drops of over 50%. However, many Scottish universities continued to offer home fee status for EU students under Scottish legislation until policies were harmonised. The change effectively repositioned the EU from a domestic applicant pool to a globally competitive international market.

这一变化极大减少了英国入读本科的欧盟学生人数。UCAS数据显示，欧盟申请人数量同比大幅下降，有些课程降幅超过50%。不过，苏格兰的许多大学在其立法下仍为欧盟学生提供本国学费待遇，直至政策统一。这一变化有效地将欧盟从国内申请人来源地重新定位为竞争激烈的国际生源市场。

8. Work Visa Options Post-Graduation (Skilled Worker) | 毕业后工作签证选择（技术工人签证）

After the Graduate Route period ends, many international graduates aim to switch to the Skilled Worker visa. This route requires a job offer from an approved employer at a skill level of RQF 3 or above (equivalent to A-level), a salary that meets the minimum threshold, and English language proficiency. The points-based system awards points for the job offer, appropriate salary, and language skills.

毕业生签证期满后，许多国际毕业生目标是转换为技术工人签证。该路径需要获得持牌雇主提供的工作邀请，技能达到RQF 3级或以上（相当于A-level水平），薪资满足最低门槛，以及英语语言能力。积分制对工作邀请、合适薪资和语言技能给予积分。

The general salary threshold for Skilled Workers was revised in April 2024 to £38,700 per year, though new entrants to the labour market and graduates can benefit from a lower threshold of £30,960 per year, or 70% of the going rate for the occupation, whichever is higher. PhD-level roles and shortage occupation list jobs may also qualify for reduced thresholds. This system favours graduates with skills in demand, such as STEM and healthcare.

技术工人的一般薪资门槛在2024年4月上调至每年38700英镑，但劳动力市场新进入者和毕业生可享受较低的每年30960英镑门槛，或职业薪资标准的70%，以较高者为准。博士级别职位和紧缺职业列表上的工作也可能适用降低的门槛。该系统偏向于具备紧缺技能的毕业生，例如STEM和医疗健康领域。

It is worth noting that time spent on the Graduate Route does not count towards settlement, but switching to a Skilled Worker visa can start the five-year route to indefinite leave to remain. This creates a clear but competitive pathway from student to permanent residency.

值得注意的是，在毕业生签证上度过的时间不计入定居年限，但转换为技术工人签证可启动通往永居的五年路径。这为学生到永久居留创造了一条明确但充满竞争的路径。

9. Impact on Dependants and Family Reunion | 家属与家庭团聚的影响

Post-Brexit policies have substantially restricted the ability of international students to bring dependants. From January 2024, new rules prevent most international students from bringing family members unless they are on a postgraduate research course (e.g., PhD) or a government-sponsored scholarship at a postgraduate level. This change marked a sharp departure from the previous practice where dependants could accompany students on courses lasting over nine months.

脱欧后的政策大幅限制了国际学生携带家属的能力。自2024年1月起，新规定禁止大多数国际学生携带家属，除非他们就读研究生研究课程（如博士）或政府资助的研究生级别奖学金项目。这一变化与以往课程时长超过九个月即可携带家属的做法截然不同。

For those eligible, dependants can still apply alongside the student, and family members can work provided the student is on a course of study level RQF 7 or above with a duration of nine months or more, but this is now limited to a smaller group. The restriction reflected the government's aim to reduce net migration, as the number of dependants joining students had soared in recent years.

对于符合条件的群体，家属仍可与学生一同申请，并且如果学生就读于RQF 7级或以上且时长九个月以上的课程，家属可以工作，但这现在仅限于较小的人群。这一限制反映了政府降低净移民的目标，因为近年来随学生来英的家属数量激增。

10. Implications for International Student Recruitment | 对国际学生招生的影响

The post-Brexit reforms created a mixed picture for UK universities. On the one hand, the Graduate Route made the UK more attractive to non-EU international students, contributing to record application numbers from countries like India, Nigeria, and China. On the other hand, the loss of EU student enrolments forced many institutions to diversify their recruitment strategies and adjust their financial models.

脱欧后的改革给英国大学带来了复杂局面。一方面，毕业生签证提高了英国对非欧盟国际学生的吸引力，促成了来自印度、尼日利亚和中国等国创纪录的申请人数。另一方面，欧盟学生入学人数的流失迫使许多高校多元化招生策略并调整财务模式。

Universities reported a stronger reliance on non-EU international fees to cross-subsidise research and domestic teaching, as EU numbers dwindled. However, policy uncertainty—such as the review of the Graduate Route and dependant restrictions—also caused anxiety in the sector, potentially deterring some prospective students who perceive the environment as less welcoming.

大学报告称，随着欧盟学生人数减少，越来越依赖非欧盟国际学生学费来交叉补贴研究和本土教学。然而，政策的不确定性——例如对毕业生签证的审查和家属限制——也引发了行业的焦虑，可能使一些潜在学生认为环境不那么友好。

11. Policy Changes and Future Outlook | 政策变更与未来展望

UK study and immigration policy remains dynamic. The government has signalled a continued commitment to the International Education Strategy, aiming to host 600,000 international students annually by 2030, a target already exceeded. Yet, the political pressure to reduce net migration may lead to further tightening, such as raising financial requirements or limiting the number of institutions eligible to sponsor visas.

英国留学与移民政策始终处于动态变化中。政府已表明继续致力于国际教育战略，目标是到2030年每年招收60万国际学生，这一目标已提前实现。然而，减少净移民的政治压力可能导致进一步收紧，例如提高资金要求或限制有资格担保签证的院校数量。

Discussions around regionalisation of the Graduate Route, such as linking it to institutions in specific areas or sectors, have emerged but have not yet been implemented. A key recommendation from the Migration Advisory Committee was to strengthen monitoring rather than abolish the route. Future policy will likely continue to balance economic benefits against public opinion on immigration levels.

将毕业生签证与特定地区或行业院校挂钩的区域化讨论已经出现，但尚未落实。移民咨询委员会的一个关键建议是加强监控而非废除该途径。未来的政策很可能继续在经济利益与移民水平的民意之间寻求平衡。

For prospective students, staying informed and planning visa pathways early is essential. Brexit has undeniably made the UK a more meritocratic but also more costly destination. The removal of EU privileges has created a truly global student visa system, but it demands greater preparation and financial commitment from applicants worldwide.

对于有志留学的人来说，及时了解信息并提早规划签证路径至关重要。脱欧无疑使英国成为一个更注重能力但成本也更高的留学目的地。取消欧盟特权创造了一个真正全球化的学生签证体系，但也要求全球申请人做出更充分的准备和更大的财务承诺。

12. Conclusion: Navigating the New Normal | 结论：适应新常态

The post-Brexit era has redefined the UK's educational immigration framework. EU students now face the same regulatory requirements as their global peers, while all international students benefit from more transparent points-based rules and an attractive Graduate Route. Challenges remain, particularly around costs, family reunification, and policy volatility, but the UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations with clear post-study opportunities.

后脱欧时代重新定义了英国的教育移民体系。欧盟学生如今面临与全球同伴相同的监管要求，而所有国际学生则受益于更透明的积分规则和极具吸引力的毕业生签证。尽管仍存在挑战，尤其是在费用、家庭团聚和政策波动方面，英国依然是全球领先的留学目的地，并提供明确的毕业后机会。

Adapting to these changes requires careful planning, early application, and a thorough understanding of visa conditions. As the UK continues to refine its immigration policies, those who remain agile and well-informed will be best positioned to turn these regulatory shifts into long-term academic and career success.

适应这些变化需要周密的规划、提前申请以及对签证条件的全面了解。随着英国不断完善其移民政策，那些保持灵活、消息灵通的人将最有可能将这些法规转变转化为长期的学业和职业成功。

Published by TutorHao | International Education Revision Series | aleveler.com

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