Does the UK offer a 12-month post-study work visa for master's students?
No, the UK does not offer a 12-month post-study work visa for Master's students. Instead, you get the Graduate Route visa, lasting 2 years for applications submitted on or before December 31, 2026, dropping to 18 months for applications made from January 1, 2027 onward, with no sponsor required.
No, there is no 12-month post-study work visa waiting for you as a Master's graduate in the UK. What you actually get is the Graduate Route visa, and it runs longer than 12 months right now, though the exact length depends entirely on when you submit your application.
Graduate Route Visa Duration for Master's Graduates
| Application Timing | Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| On or before December 31, 2026 | 2 years |
| On or after January 1, 2027 | 18 months |
Key Details of the Graduate Route
- No sponsorship is required, so you can work in most jobs, switch employers, or be self-employed freely.
- You must complete an eligible undergraduate, Master's, or doctoral degree at a UK provider while on a valid Student visa.
- For courses longer than 12 months, you must have spent at least 12 months studying in the UK on that Student visa.
My Advice
If your graduation date sits close to the end of 2026, check your exact application submission date now, since applying even a few weeks later could shift your Graduate Route entitlement from 2 years down to 18 months.
How long can you stay and work after a UK master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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