2026 Post-Study Work Visa Duration at a Glance
The table below compares how long you can typically work after graduation in each country based on the qualification you earn. All durations reflect official rules from DHA, Home Office, USCIS, IRCC and Immigration New Zealand as of June 2026.
| Country | Bachelor’s | Master’s (Coursework) | Master’s (Research) | PhD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years | 4 years |
| United Kingdom | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years (same as coursework) | 3 years |
| United States (OPT) | 1 year (STEM: up to 3) | 1 year (STEM: up to 3) | 1 year (STEM: up to 3) | 1–3 years (based on STEM) |
| Canada (PGWP) | Up to 3 years* | Up to 3 years* | Up to 3 years* | Up to 3 years* |
| New Zealand | Up to 3 years** | Up to 3 years** | Up to 3 years** | Up to 3 years** |
*Canada’s PGWP duration matches programme length (minimum 8 months, maximum 3 years). For example, a 2-year Master’s yields a 3-year PGWP; a 1-year Master’s yields 1 year. **New Zealand requires full-time study in NZ for at least 30 weeks. Level 7 Bachelor’s and postgraduate qualifications can get 3 years; Graduate Diplomas at Level 7 depend on Green List eligibility.
Australia: Duration by Degree Level Under the Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) sets explicit post-study work visa durations for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) Post-Higher Education Work stream. As of 2026, the entitlements by degree are:
- Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
- Masters by coursework: 2 years
- Masters by research: 3 years
- Doctoral degree (PhD): 4 years
These durations apply to graduates of Australian institutions registered on CRICOS. DHA figures (accessed 12 June 2026) show that around 72% of subclass 485 grants in 2025 were for the Post-Higher Education Work stream, making it the dominant pathway. A UNILINK licensed counsellor view (MARN QEAC credential) points out that many students from Southeast Asia and Latin America overlook the extra year gained by choosing a research Master’s — a decision that can double the window for finding an employer who will sponsor a permanent pathway.
United Kingdom: Graduate Route Length for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD
The UK Graduate Route, managed by the Home Office, continues to provide a post-study work visa without employer sponsorship. In 2026, the durations are:
- Bachelor’s degree: 2 years
- Master’s degree (taught or research): 2 years
- PhD: 3 years
UCAS end-of-cycle data for 2025 (accessed 12 June 2026) confirms that over 115,000 international students accepted undergraduate offers, and the Graduate Route remains a key decision factor. The Home Office caseworker guidance (accessed 12 June 2026) requires successful completion of a degree at a UK higher education provider with a track record of compliance. Unlike Australia, the UK does not distinguish between coursework and research Master’s for visa length — both receive 2 years.
United States: OPT and STEM OPT – How Long Can You Work After Graduation?
The United States does not have a standalone post-study work visa; instead, F-1 students use Optional Practical Training (OPT). USCIS rules (accessed 12 June 2026) grant 12 months of standard OPT for non-STEM degrees. For STEM-designated programmes, an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension is available, giving a total of 36 months (3 years). This applies across Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD levels, provided the degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. In 2026, approximately 225,000 students were on STEM OPT, according to USCIS data. Because Master’s by research and PhD programmes often fall under STEM fields, many postgraduate students effectively get 3 years, but the base post-study work authorisation for non-STEM Master’s (including MBAs) stays at 1 year.
Canada: PGWP Duration Rules for Programmes of Different Lengths
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit whose length mirrors programme duration. IRCC rules (accessed 12 June 2026) state:
- Programme length less than 8 months: not eligible for PGWP
- Programme length 8 months to less than 2 years: PGWP equals programme duration (e.g., a 1-year Master’s = 1-year permit)
- Programme length 2 years or more: PGWP of 3 years
This means a 2-year Master’s by coursework typically unlocks a 3-year post-study work visa, while a 1-year accelerated MBA only gives 1 year. Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) must meet PGWP eligibility criteria. In 2026, IRCC reported a 93% approval rate for PGWP applications, making it one of the most accessible routes.
New Zealand: Post-Study Work Visa Duration by Qualification Level
Immigration New Zealand (accessed 12 June 2026) offers a post-study work visa of up to 3 years for graduates who have completed a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification through at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. The key categories:
- Level 7 Bachelor’s degree and any Level 8 or above postgraduate qualification: 3 years
- Level 7 Graduate Diploma: 1 or 2 years if the qualification is not on the Green List, or up to 3 years if it leads to an occupation on the Green List
- Master’s by research and PhDs: 3 years
Because New Zealand does not differentiate between coursework and research at Master’s level for duration purposes, a Master’s graduate typically receives 3 years, provided the study was completed in New Zealand.
Anonymised Student Case: How a UNILINK Licensed Counsellor Guided a Graduate Towards Longer Work Rights
In June 2026, an anonymised student case was reviewed by a UNILINK licensed counsellor who holds both a MARN (Migration Agents Registration Number) for Australian migration advice and a QEAC (Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) credential. The student, a fresh graduate from Mexico holding a Bachelor of Engineering, was deciding between a 1-year Master’s by coursework at a Russell Group university in the UK and a 2-year Master’s by research at an Australian Go8 university.
The counsellor highlighted that the Australian option would deliver a 3-year post-study work visa (thanks to the research Master’s classification) compared to just 2 years under the UK Graduate Route. Factoring in Australia’s regional incentives, the student could also gain additional work rights by studying at a regional campus. The extra year, the counsellor noted, frequently makes the difference between securing employer sponsorship and having to leave. The student chose Australia and, according to the counsellor, is now in the first year of a graduate engineering role with a clear pathway to permanent residency. This case illustrates that degree type, not just the destination, is a decisive lever in post-study work visa planning.
FAQ
Q: How long can I stay and work in Australia after a Master’s degree in 2026?
If you completed a Masters by coursework, you can get a 2-year Post-Higher Education Work visa. If you did a Masters by research, you qualify for 3 years. PhD graduates receive 4 years. Source: DHA, June 2026.
Q: Is the UK Graduate Route still 2 years in 2026?
Yes, the UK Graduate Route remains 2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and 3 years for PhDs. It does not require sponsorship and you can work in any sector.
Q: Can I extend my post-study work permit in Canada if my programme was only 1 year?
Your PGWP will be valid for the same length as your programme, up to a maximum of 3 years. If you studied for 1 year, you get a 1-year open work permit. You cannot extend it beyond that duration unless you find a different pathway, such as an employer-specific work permit or provincial nomination.
Q: Does New Zealand still offer a 3-year post-study work visa in 2026?
Yes, if you complete a Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification that was studied in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks, you may be eligible for a 3-year post-study work visa. Some Level 7 Graduate Diplomas may also qualify if the qualification is related to an occupation on the Green List.
References
- Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Post-Higher Education Work stream, https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485/post-higher-education-work , accessed 12 June 2026.
- UK Home Office, Graduate visa, https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa , accessed 12 June 2026.
- USCIS, Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training , accessed 12 June 2026.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation.html , accessed 12 June 2026.
- Immigration New Zealand, Post-study work visa, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/post-study-work-visa , accessed 12 June 2026.
- UCAS, 2025 cycle applicant statistics, https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis/undergraduate-statistics-and-reports , accessed 12 June 2026.