What are the post-study work permit durations in Germany, UK, and Ireland for a Master's/PhD?

Here’s a summary of post-study work permit durations and settlement options for the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and key European countries:

United Kingdom:
- Post-study work permit (Graduate Visa): 2 years for bachelor’s/master’s graduates (reducing to 18 months from Jan 2027), 3 years for PhD graduates
- Can switch to a Skilled Worker visa, leading to permanent residency after 5 years

Ireland:
- Stamp 1G (post-study work permit): 12 months for bachelor’s, up to 24 months for master’s/PhD
- Can apply for Critical Skills or General Employment Permits after
- Permanent residency: after 2 years on Critical Skills or 5 years on General Employment Permit

New Zealand:
- Post-study work visa: Up to 3 years for master’s/PhD (full-time, 30+ weeks study)
- Bachelor’s or lower: visa matches study length, up to 3 years
- Can apply for permanent residency via Skilled Migrant Category after skilled work experience

Europe (selected countries):
- Germany: 18-month Job Seeker Visa; EU Blue Card leads to permanent residency after 21 - 33 months
- France: 12-month Temporary Residence Permit (APS) for master’s+; can switch to work permit, permanent residency after 5 years
- Netherlands, Sweden, Finland: Post-study work permits range 1 - 2 years; pathways to permanent residency depend on employment and duration

Work experience gained during the post-study period is essential for permanent residency pathways. Policies and durations are subject to change.