The International Graduate Scheme (IGS) replaced the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) on 1 May 2007 with a ‘staying on’ scheme which is not academic subject specific. IGS enables international students who have acquired a bachelor degree or higher degree in any subject from the University of Hull to be able to apply to stay on to work in the UK for up to one year.
Those who complete their courses on or after 1 May 2007 can apply. Those who finished their courses before 1 May 2007 may still apply under the old Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) rules.
Key features of the new scheme are:
The old SEGS list of eligible courses, which expired at the end of April, were not renewed. Instead the Immigration Rules have been amended to indicate that no restrictions apply in relation to subject of qualification for those applying after completing a qualification.
- Unlike SEGS, which applied only to those with a 2:2 or above, any degree class (except fail) will be eligible;
- Those with postgraduate certificates and diplomas, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) will be eligible to apply;
- A re-branding of the scheme as the International Graduates Scheme in keeping with its widened scope;
- Eligible international graduates will be offered a permit granting them to stay in the UK for 12 months to seek work;
- The International Graduates Scheme will be a transitional route from studying in the UK into skilled work;
- To stay in the UK beyond the 12 months under this scheme, international graduates will be required to apply and meet the criteria of a suitable employment category.
Information of how to apply can be found on this page of the UK Border and Immigration website. An application form is available.
