What are the post-study work visa options and durations for a Master's in Ireland and the UK?

Many countries offer post-study work visas for master's graduates, allowing you to stay and work after your studies. Typical durations (subject to change) include:

- UK: 2 years (Graduate Route)
- Canada: Up to 3 years (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
- Australia: 2 - 3 years, depending on qualification (Temporary Graduate Visa)
- Ireland: Up to 2 years (Third Level Graduate Scheme)
- Germany: 18 months (Job Seeker Visa)
- New Zealand: Up to 3 years (Post-Study Work Visa)
- Netherlands: 12 months (Orientation Year)
- France: 12 months, often renewable for master's (Job Search/Business Creation)
- Sweden: 12 months (Extension)
- USA: 12 months OPT, with 24-month STEM extension possible

Visa rules and durations are subject to change. For personalized guidance, connect with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Yes, both Ireland and the UK offer post-study work visas (PSW) for international students.

- Ireland: The Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) allows bachelor's graduates to stay and work for 12 months, and master's or PhD graduates for up to 24 months (usually in two 12-month blocks). No employment permit is needed during this period.
- UK: The Graduate Visa lets bachelor's and master's graduates stay and work for 2 years (if applying on or before December 31, 2026), reducing to 18 months from January 1, 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years. No employer sponsorship is required.

Both options are subject to change and provide opportunities to gain work experience after your studies.

The UK offers a Graduate Visa after completing a bachelor's or master's degree. If you apply on or before December 31, 2026, you get a 2-year post-study stay; from January 1, 2027, this reduces to 18 months. PhD graduates receive 3 years. This visa allows you to work at any skill level without employer sponsorship but cannot be extended. To stay longer, you must switch to a Skilled Worker Visa with employer sponsorship.

In Ireland, the Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G) allows bachelor's graduates to stay and work full-time for 12 months, and master's or PhD graduates for up to 24 months (initial 12 months plus a possible 12-month extension with proof of active job search). After this, you may apply for a work permit to continue working.

Ireland offers a longer post-study work period for master's graduates, while the UK provides a larger job market but shorter duration from 2027. Visa rules are subject to change.

Post-study work permit durations vary by country:

- UK: Up to 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates under the Graduate Route Visa (reducing to 18 months from January 2027); 3 years for PhD graduates.
- Germany: 18 months with a Job Seeker Visa after graduation.
- Netherlands: 1-year "Orientation Year" visa for job search or starting a business.
- France: 12-month Temporary Residence Permit (APS) for job search or entrepreneurship.
- Ireland: 12 months for bachelor's graduates, up to 24 months for master's/PhD graduates.
- Sweden: 12 months to search for work or start a company.
- Finland: Up to 2 years for job searching after graduation.
- Spain: 12-month post-study job search permit, extendable if employed.

These durations are subject to change and typically allow graduates to seek employment related to their field. To stay longer, you generally need to secure a job and switch to a work visa.

Here are the post-study work visa durations for Germany, the UK, and Ireland:

- Germany: 18 months (Job Seeker Visa) after graduation to find work related to your degree. You can work in any job during this period, then switch to a work permit or EU Blue Card once employed in a relevant role.
- United Kingdom: 2 years (Graduate Visa) for bachelor's and master's graduates applying on or before December 31, 2026; this reduces to 18 months from January 1, 2027. PhD graduates receive 3 years regardless of application date.
- Ireland: 12 months (Stamp 1G) for bachelor's graduates; up to 24 months for master's and PhD graduates (initial 12 months, extendable by another 12 months). Full-time work is allowed during this period.

Visa durations and policies are subject to change.