Several leading UK universities are advising recent graduates to apply for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits, such as Universal Credit, once their university courses conclude. Institutions including King’s College London (KCL), the University of Stirling, and Loughborough University have communicated to students that claiming benefits is a practical measure to ease the transition from full-time study to employment or further education.
King’s College London highlighted in a blog post that graduates “shouldn’t feel bad” about claiming benefits and described them as an important safety net, even for those living at home or with a job lined up in the coming weeks. Similarly, the University of Stirling’s guidance notes eligibility for claims “from the day after your official course end date,” suggesting that Universal Credit support may be necessary while seeking employment or starting further studies.
Loughborough University advises that if graduates are not commencing paid work immediately, they may wish to apply for Universal Credit. The university also encourages early applications, noting, “Universal Credit can be claimed from the day after your course finishes. You can start to make an application a week or two before, as it takes some time to complete the process.” They emphasise, “As a general rule, do not delay in making any claim for benefits.”
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The advice offered by these universities has attracted criticism from some political figures. Laura Trott, the Conservative Party shadow education secretary, labelled the guidance “madness,” arguing that universities should prepare young people for employment rather than facilitating immediate access to welfare benefits. She expressed concern that many graduates are turning to welfare, increasing the financial burden on taxpayers.
Conversely, Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, emphasised that graduates have “as much right as everyone else to use the benefits system to tide them through uncertain times.” He noted that while higher education generally leads to positive employment outcomes, not all graduates can secure well-paid jobs immediately.
A representative from King’s College London underscored the university’s strong graduate employment record, with 86% of graduates in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months post-graduation. They stated, “For a small number of our students who do not have savings or alternative means of support, we offer advice on how to seek additional assistance whilst they look for work – as is our duty of care.”