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The Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS)

The Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) exists to help international students stay on in the UK and work.

Specifically for non-EEA (European Economic Area) nationals, if you have graduated from a UK educational institution in certain mathematics, physical sciences or engineering subjects with a 2:2 or above, this scheme will allow you to stay in the UK for a further year after completion of your course in order to begin your career.

A useful stepping stone for those interested in staying in the UK after education, you can later obtain a work permit and then after five years apply for ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’ which will allow you to live and work in the UK without any further restrictions if you wish.

The basic requirements for the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme are as follows:

  • You must have successfully completed, with a second class honours (2.2) or higher, a recognised science or engineering degree course, Masters course or Ph.D at a UK institution of Higher or Further  Education, in a subject approved by the Department for Education and Skills at either: a publicly funded institution of further or higher education; or a bona fide private education institution.You will need to have satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance.

  • You need to have completed your degree, masters or PhD in the approved subject in the last 12 months.
  • You must intend to work for the 12 months granted under the scheme as long as you are able to produce to the Immigration Officer, on arrival, a valid United Kingdom entry clearance.
  • You can stay in the United Kingdom for one year as a Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme participant. Any time spent outside the United Kingdom during that period will be counted as part of the year.
  • You can switch into the scheme without leaving the UK from student status or return to the UK from abroad no later than one year after you have completed your course. You must intend to leave the UK at the end of one year, unless you are granted leave to stay as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person or innovator.
  • You must have the written consent of your official sponsor to enter or remain in the United Kingdom under the Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme if your approved studies, or any studies you have undertaken, were sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency.
  • You must hold a valid entry clearance for entry in this capacity unless you are a British National (Overseas), a British overseas territories citizen, a British Overseas citizen, a British protected person or a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject.
  • You must be able to maintain and accommodate yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.