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How long should I plan to stay abroad after completing my master's for gaining work experience in UK/Ireland?

27 Aug 2026 · Answered by Gangadhara N S · 1 min read
Gangadhara N S
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Plan to stay abroad for 1.5 to 2 years after your master's to gain work experience. The exact duration depends on the country:

- Germany: 18-month Job Seeker Visa after graduation.
- Ireland: Up to 24 months full-time work under the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G), usually in two 12-month periods.
- UK: Currently 2 years on the Graduate Visa, but this will reduce to 18 months from January 2027. This 2-year period applies to applications made before 1 January 2027; applications submitted on or after that date receive 18 months, while PhD graduates continue to receive 3 years.

To stay longer (2-5 years), you’ll need to secure a job and switch to a long-term work visa or permit.

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