What is the duration and visa validity for a UK master's program?
Most UK Master's programs run for 12 months with a 16-month student visa. After graduating, you can switch to the Graduate Route for 2 years if you apply before 31 December 2026, or 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.
Most UK Master's programs run for 12 months. Your student visa covers the full course duration plus 4 months extra. After graduating, you can switch to the Graduate Route - currently 2 years, but reducing to 18 months for anyone applying on or after 1 January 2027. If you're planning to apply, this deadline matters.
Course Duration vs. Visa Validity
Master's Program Type | Course Duration | Student Visa Validity |
|---|---|---|
Standard Taught Master's (MA, MSc, MBA) | 12 months | 16 months (course + 4 months) |
Extended / Research Master's (MPhil, MRes) | 24 months | 28 months (course + 4 months) |
Key Visa Rules to Know
Arrival window: You can enter the UK up to 1 month before your course start date listed on your CAS.
Work rights during study: Up to 20 hours per week during term time, full-time during official university holidays.
Dependants: Taught Master's students cannot bring family members or dependants. Only research-based postgraduate students (MPhil, PhD) qualify for dependent visas.
Graduate Route (Post-Study Work Visa)
Application Timeline | Stay-Back Duration |
|---|---|
Applied on or before 31 December 2026 | 2 years (24 months) |
Applied on or after 1 January 2027 | 18 months |
The Graduate Route is unsponsored - no job offer is needed. You can work in any role at any salary level while looking for skilled employment.
My Advice
The January 2027 deadline is the most important thing I'd flag for anyone currently planning their application. If you're targeting the September 2026 intake and complete your degree by September 2027, you will apply for the Graduate Route in mid-to-late 2027 - after the January 2027 cutoff - and will receive 18 months. The 2-year window applies only to students who complete and apply before 31 December 2026. For January 2027 intake graduates, the 18-month rule also applies. Plan your timeline around this - it directly affects how long you have to find sponsored employment after graduating. Also, if you're married and your partner wants to join you, a taught Master's in the UK won't allow that. It's a decision point worth discussing before committing.
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