How long does the student visa last for studying in the UK for a PhD/Postgraduate?
Your UK student visa covers your full course length plus extra wrap-up time. A one-year taught master's typically gets around 16 months total, while a PhD lasting 3 to 4 years can span up to 4 years and 4 months, with no maximum cap for postgraduate research.
Wondering how long you actually get to stay in the UK once your student visa is approved? It runs for your entire course length plus a buffer, and if you are doing a PhD, there is no hard cap on top of that.
How Long Your UK Student Visa Lasts
| Course Type | Typical Course Length | Visa Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Taught Master's | 1 year | Around 16 months, course length plus 4 months wrap-up time |
| PhD or Doctoral Research | 3 to 4 years | Up to 4 years and 4 months, no maximum cap on postgraduate research visas |
Extending Your Stay After Graduation
- PhD graduates can move to a UK Graduate Visa for 3 more years without needing employer sponsorship
- Master's graduates get a 2-year Graduate Visa extension if you apply on or before December 31, 2026
- From January 1, 2027 onward, the master's extension reduces to 18 months, so timing your application matters
My Advice
Once your Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) confirms your exact start and end dates, calendar your Graduate Visa application date immediately, especially if you are finishing a master's close to the end of 2026, since that cutoff changes your post-study runway by six months.
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