What are the post-study work permit durations for the UK and Ireland for Bachelor's and Master's graduates?
02 Jul 2026 · Answered by Shairal Pathak · 1 min read
In the UK, you can stay and work for up to two years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or three years after a doctorate. In Ireland, it’s 12 months after an honours bachelor’s degree and up to 24 months after a master’s or doctorate, all without needing sponsorship or a work permit.
More expert answers
In Ireland, the post-study work permit (Third Level Graduate Programme, Stamp 1G) allows:
- 12 months for Level 8 (Honours Bachelor's Degree)
- 24 months for Level 9 (Master's) or Level 10 (PhD)
You can work full-time during this period. For long-term employment, you may transition to a Critical Skills or General Employment Permit.
In the UK, the Graduate Route visa allows:
- 2 years for Bachelor's or Master's graduates
- 3 years for PhD graduates
From 1 Jan 2027, the UK duration for Bachelor's and Master's will reduce to 18 months (subject to change). Both countries offer pathways to longer-term work and potential residency.
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