How does the post-study work permit duration compare for New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK for a Master's/PhD?
New Zealand offers a fully open 3-year Post Study Work Visa for master's and PhD graduates, with no job offer required. Ireland grants a 2-year Stamp 1G for both. The UK gives master's graduates 2 years, dropping to 18 months from January 2027, while PhD graduates keep 3 years.
Your post study work window depends heavily on which country and which degree level you hold, since New Zealand, Ireland and the UK each set different rules. New Zealand rewards you with the longest, most open visa regardless of degree level, while the UK treats PhD holders more generously than master's graduates.
Post Study Work Visa Duration Comparison
| Country | Master's Duration | PhD Duration | Visa Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 3 years | 3 years | Post Study Work Visa |
| Ireland | 2 years, issued as 12 plus 12 months | 2 years, issued as 12 plus 12 months | Third Level Graduate Programme, Stamp 1G |
| United Kingdom | 2 years, dropping to 18 months for applications from January 2027 | 3 years, unaffected by the 2027 change | Graduate Route Visa |
What Each Visa Lets You Do
- New Zealand's visa is completely open, meaning you do not need a job offer and can work for any employer in any role.
- Ireland's Stamp 1G allows full-time work up to 40 hours a week without needing an employment permit first.
- The UK's Graduate Route is unsponsored and lets you switch jobs freely, but it cannot be extended, so you must convert to a Skilled Worker visa before it expires.
My Advice
If your timeline allows it, pursuing a PhD in the UK rather than a master's buys you a full extra year of post study work, and if you are weighing New Zealand against Ireland, remember New Zealand's visa needs no job offer at all, which matters if you want flexibility to explore before committing.
More expert answers
Yes, there are key differences between post-study work permit durations and conditions in Ireland and New Zealand.
- Ireland: Master’s graduates can stay for up to 24 months on a post-study work visa. During this period, you can work full-time but cannot be self-employed or run a business. Afterward, you need to secure an employment permit (such as the Critical Skills Employment Permit) to continue working, which can lead to permanent residency over time.
- New Zealand: Master’s graduates are eligible for a Post Study Work Visa valid for up to 3 years if they studied full-time for at least 30 weeks. This visa allows full-time work and offers a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category after gaining skilled work experience.
New Zealand generally offers a longer post-study work visa and more flexibility for employment compared to Ireland.
Here are the current post-study work permit durations:
United Kingdom:
- Bachelor's and Master's: 2 years (if you apply by 31 December 2026); 18 months from 1 January 2027
- PhD: 3 years (no change after 2027)
Ireland:
- Bachelor's: 12 months
- Master's and PhD: 24 months
New Zealand:
- Master's/PhD (Level 9/10): up to 3 years
- Bachelor's (Level 7): duration matches study length, up to 3 years
These durations are subject to change and may have conditions on the type of work.
How long can you stay and work after an Irish master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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