The Science And Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS)
The Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) was launched on Monday 25 October. The scheme allows non-EEA nationals who have graduated from UK higher or further education establishments in certain physical sciences, mathematics and engineering subjects with a 2.2 or higher to remain in the UK for 12 months after their studies in order to pursue a career. Applicants may apply for leave under the scheme if they have extant leave as a student. Entry clearance is mandatory for those seeking leave to enter under the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme.
Why set up a scheme for science and engineering graduates?
Sir Gareth Roberts' review, “The Supply of People with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Skills" highlighted that the UK was suffering from a shortage of physical science, engineering and mathematics students at university and skilled workers in the labour market. He said that the shortage could do serious damage to the UK's future growth. As a proactive response to this, in Budget 2003 the Government announced that, from Summer 2004, foreign students at UK universities graduating from specific physical science, engineering and mathematics courses would be permitted to stay in the UK for one year following their graduation to take up employment.
Through the Scheme we are looking to invest in the high achievers of tomorrow. There is a real demand in sectors such as research and development and financial services for maths, science and engineering specialists. We hope that this scheme will encourage overseas students to study in the UK and following graduation be a real asset in the work place.
How do I qualify under the scheme?
To be granted leave under the scheme, applicants must:
• have successfully completed a degree course (with second class honours (2.2) or higher), Masters course or Ph.D on the relevant list of DfES approved physical science, mathematics and engineering courses at a UK institution of Higher or Further Education.
• intend to work during the period of leave granted under the scheme
• be able to maintain and accommodate themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds
• intend to leave the UK at the end of their stay (unless granted leave as a work permit holder, highly skilled migrant, business person or innovator)
How do I know if my course is eligible?
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has created a list of eligible Science and Engineering courses. The list focuses on the subjects and skills that the Roberts Review identified as being in short supply. Only those who have studied approved courses are eligible to apply for leave under the scheme.
What if my studies have been sponsored (for example by a government or international scholarship agency)?
Applicants who have been sponsored by a government or international scholarship agency will need to obtain written permission from their sponsor before applying for SEGS.
Can I switch into the scheme without leaving the UK?
Applicants may switch onto the scheme in‑country if they have valid leave as a student. This includes leave as a student, a student nurse, to re‑sit an examination, or to write up a thesis. Alternatively you can apply to return to the UK from abroad under the scheme no later than one year after you complete your course. Entry clearance is mandatory for those returning to the UK under the scheme.
What if I have my results, but have not graduated yet?
Applicants should provide their degree certificate to show that they have successfully completed their course. However applicants who have their result confirmed, but are awaiting graduation, may instead provide a letter from their personal tutor confirming that they have completed the course at the required level, providing the JACS code for the course.
How do I find out my course's JACS code?
Your personal tutor or another member of your university's staff will be able to provide you with your course's JACS code.
What type of work can I do?
There are no restrictions on the type of work you can do as a SEGS participant.
How long can I stay in the UK under the scheme?
You can stay in the United Kingdom for up to one year as a SEGS participant. We will count any time you spend outside the United Kingdom during that period as part of the year.
Can I switch into other employment categories?
SEGS participants are eligible to switch in‑country into employment and self employment categories (work permit employment, Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, business persons or Innovators), providing they meet the requirements of the category.
Can my dependants also stay in the UK?
Spouses, unmarried partners and children of students are eligible to switch in line with the SEGS applicant. If they are applying from abroad, entry clearance is mandatory.
How can I apply for the scheme?
You will need to complete an application form. To apply for the scheme while you are in the UK with leave as a student, you should get form FLR(SEGS). The address to send your completed application form to and details of the required fee are on the application form, along with details of the documentation you need to submit to demonstrate that you meet the relevant criteria.
If you want to apply while you are abroad to return to the UK under the scheme, you will need to apply for an entry clearance. For information about entry clearance for the United Kingdom, contact "UKvisas".
My course is not considered a "Science, Engineering or Mathematics course" for the purposes of this scheme - why not?
The courses were identified by referring to the subjects that Sir Gareth Roberts highlighted were in decline in his report "Set for success - the supply of people with science technology and engineering and mathematics skills". These subjects were stated as being mathematics, engineering, and the physical sciences.
The lists include science programmes where the trend in UK students qualifying in the programme at that level is under the average for programmes at that level. This means, in broad terms, that students qualify under SEGS if they are graduating in a science subject where the supply of UK graduates is failing.
What if I have taken a BEd?
Integrated undergraduate programmes leading to Qualified Teacher status commonly last for four years and lead to the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. Such programmes are regarded as comprising one half teacher training - which is not eligible for the scheme & and one half subject content. If the whole of the subject content is eligible, then the programme is eligible. The subject content may lie within a single JACS Principal Subject that is eligible, or may be split across more than one eligible Principal Subject.
What if I have graduated from an approved course, but have then studied a PGCE?
Unless you apply within one year of graduating from the approved course, you will not be eligible for the one year of leave as a SEGS participant. However, if you have been offered employment as a teacher in the UK, you can ask your employer to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Information on how to do this can be found on the "Work Permits" section of this website. If you have leave as a student (and have successfully graduated) you will not need to leave the UK to apply for leave to remain as a work permit holder.
Where can I find out more?
Further information is available in the Immigration Directorates' Instructions (IDI), which are available on the IND website: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
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