How does the post-study work visa and job search process work in countries like France, Ireland, and New Zealand for a Master's?
France's APS and Ireland's Stamp 1G both give master's graduates 24 months of full-time work, while New Zealand's Post-Study Work Visa runs up to 3 years with no job offer needed. France requires your next job to match your field and meet a salary threshold near 1.5 times minimum wage.
Your post-master's job search window differs meaningfully across France, Ireland and New Zealand, even though all three let you work full time while you search. New Zealand hands you the longest runway with no job offer required upfront, while France sets the strictest conversion requirement afterward.
France vs Ireland vs New Zealand Post Study Rules
| Feature | France | Ireland | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa name | APS or RECE | Stamp 1G | Post-Study Work Visa |
| Duration | 24 months | 24 months | Up to 3 years |
| Work rights | Full-time, up to 35 hours a week | Full-time, up to 40 hours a week, any employer | Full-time, fully open work |
| Conversion requirement | Job matching your field, salary around 1.5x the SMIC minimum wage | Critical Skills Employment Permit, salary threshold around 36,848 EUR | Long-term employment with an accredited employer |
How to Approach Your Job Search in Each Country
- In France, your job must relate to your field of study, so start applying within your degree sector early in your APS window.
- In Ireland, aim for roles on the Critical Skills list to unlock the reduced graduate salary threshold and a faster path to Stamp 4.
- In New Zealand, you can work in almost any role for any accredited employer, so use the full 3 years to build local experience before targeting residency.
My Advice
If flexibility matters most to you, New Zealand's open 3-year visa gives you the most room to explore before committing, but if you already know your target sector, France and Ireland reward you for moving fast toward a matching, salary-qualifying job offer within your first year.
How long can you stay and work after a France master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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