While the deal doesn’t directly touch student visa rules, it is definitely opening up doors that could make life easier for students and recent grads. One big shift is that social security contributions are being dropped for some temporary workers. Students aren’t included yet, but if you're planning to stay and work in the UK after uni under a training or professional scheme, this could help in a big way.

Another part of the deal that stands out is the mutual recognition of qualifications. Basically, if you get your degree in the UK, it will be easier to use it in India and vice versa. So no need to requalify just to apply for a job back home or abroad.

On a separate note, the UK is rolling out a new eVisa system from July 15, 2025. No more visa stickers in passports. Your status will now be digital and linked directly to your passport through the UKVI platform. It is meant to speed things up, reduce delays, and save everyone the trouble of lost documents or expired labels.

But it is not all good news. The UK’s latest immigration white paper is bringing in some tighter rules. The Graduate Route (the one that lets you stay and work after uni) is being trimmed down from two years to 18 months. Plus, English language requirements are being raised, even for dependents in some situations.

So yes, the UK is clearly trying to balance being open to global talent while also putting more limits in place. Some of the changes feel a bit restrictive, but the trade deal with India could help ease things a bit, especially by making academic and career moves between the two countries smoother.

Bottom line: It is not the simplest time to be an international student in the UK, but if you have a clear plan and you're thinking long-term, there are still plenty of doors open.