This scheme allows certain non-EEA graduates of physical sciences, mathematics and engineering courses of UK further or higher educational establishments to pursue a career in the UK.

The SEGS method is a transitional route, which enables certain students who have chosen to study in the UK to have some extra time to seek employment and gain work experience for up to 12 months upon completion of their studies.

Applicants who have existing leave to remain in the UK as students may apply to switch into the SEGS category.

Alternatively, if applying from abroad an application must be submitted within 12 months from the date of completion of the course, via the relevant entry clearance post in the applicant's country of origin or legal residence.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to be granted leave under this scheme applicants must have successfully completed a relevant course at a UK institution of Higher or Further Education. This is:

  • A degree course (with second class honours (2.2) or higher) on the relevant list of physical science, mathematics and engineering courses approved by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for the purposes of this scheme; or

  • A Master's or PhD course, where study commenced before 1 May 2006, on the relevant list of physical science, mathematics and engineering courses approved by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) for the purposes of this scheme; or

  • A Master's or PhD course in any subject, where study commenced on or after 1 May 2006.

In addition the applicant must:

  • Have completed their course in the last 12 months (as shown by the date of expiry of leave as a Student to complete this course)

  • 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 and

  • 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).

In summary:

  1. Applicants with an undergraduate scheme will only be eligible to make an application under SEGS if they have completed a course on the relevant list of approved courses set by the Department for Education and Skills

  2. Applicants with a Master's or PhD who commenced their studies before the 1 May 2006 will also only be eligible for SEGS if they have completed a course on the relevant list

  3. Applicants with a Master's or PhD who commenced their studies on or after 1 May 2006 can qualify regardless of the course they have studied.

There are usually no restrictions on the type of work that an applicant can undertake under the SEGS scheme, although leave under the scheme is only granted for a maximum of 12 months and no further extensions can be made.

If the applicant is required for a further period they will normally be eligible to switch whilst in the UK into employment and self-employment categories (work permit employment or HSMP) provided they meet the requirements of the category.

It is important to note that time spent under SEGS in the UK will not count towards permanent residency.

Processing Times

If the applicant is in the UK, Mishcon de Reya can submit an application via the fast track process at the Home Office in Croydon where applications are normally processed within one day. Postal applications can take up to three months to be decided.

Applicants abroad will need to apply for entry clearance at a British Diplomatic Post where they have legal residence.

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This article is only intended as a general statement and no action should be taken in reliance on it without specific legal advice.