How many years of stay back or post-study work permit do UK and New Zealand offer after masters for a Master's?
After a Master's, the UK Graduate Visa gives you 2 years if you apply by December 31, 2026, dropping to 18 months from January 1, 2027 onward. New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa gives you 3 years, provided you apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring.
If you are choosing between the UK and New Zealand after your Master's, the post-study work visa length is a real differentiator. Your UK Graduate Visa gives you 2 years of open work rights if you apply on or before December 31, 2026, but this shortens to 18 months for applications from January 1, 2027 onward. New Zealand's Post Study Work Visa gives you a longer 3 years, as long as you apply within 3 months of your student visa expiring.
UK Vs New Zealand Post Study Work Visa
| Country | Visa Name | Duration | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Graduate Visa | 2 years if applying by Dec 31, 2026; 18 months from Jan 1, 2027 | Must apply from within the UK, non-extendable |
| New Zealand | Post Study Work Visa | 3 years | Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry, tied to Level 9 qualification |
What Each Visa Lets You Do
- Both visas are open work visas, letting you work for almost any employer in most roles without a sponsor.
- The UK route does not allow extensions, so you need to plan your next step within your window.
- New Zealand's visa is tied to your qualification level, so confirm your program meets Level 9 standards before you count on it.
My Advice
If your UK program finishes close to the end of 2026, apply for your Graduate Visa before December 31, 2026 rather than waiting into January, since that timing alone is worth an extra 6 months of work rights.
How long can you stay and work after a NZ master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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