Visas and policy
The UK Graduate visa is moving to 18 months: what it means for your plans
Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will lead to an 18-month visa. Here is what that means if you are planning a UK Master's.
- Written by
- Devanka Pathak
- Reviewed by
- Devanka Pathak
- Published
- Last reviewed
Quick answer
How long is the UK Graduate visa from 2027?
According to GOV.UK, the Graduate visa lasts 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027, compared with 2 years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026. PhD and other doctoral graduates can stay for 3 years.
Last reviewed: 11 September 2026. Fees, visa rules and deadlines change. Check the official sources listed below before making decisions.
What changes and what stays the same
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Length (application on or before 31 December 2026) | 2 years |
| Length (application on or after 1 January 2027) | 18 months |
| Length for PhD or other doctoral graduates | 3 years |
| Application fee | £937 |
| Healthcare surcharge | Usually £1,035 for each year |
| Extension | Cannot be extended; switching to another visa may be possible |
Eligibility is unchanged in principle: you must be in the UK, hold a Student visa, have successfully completed an eligible course, and your education provider must confirm completion to the Home Office.
What it means for planning a Master's
- Most students starting a one-year taught Master's from 2026 onwards will apply for the Graduate visa in 2027 or later, so 18 months is the realistic assumption.
- Start career preparation during the course rather than after it: build a portfolio, attend careers events and understand the roles you are targeting.
- Choose courses partly on how well they prepare you for employment or further study, not only on post-study time.
- If you intend to stay longer, research the requirements of other routes early, rather than relying on the Graduate visa.
A note on policy change
Frequently asked questions
Does the change affect my Student visa?
No. It affects the length of the Graduate visa you can apply for after completing an eligible course.
Should I rush to finish before 2027?
For most people starting now, that is not realistic, and choosing a course for timing alone is rarely wise. Choose the course that fits and plan your career steps within the 18-month period.
Sources
- Graduate visa — GOV.UK, checked 11 September 2026
- Student visa — GOV.UK, checked 11 September 2026
How this guidance was written
Written by Devanka Pathak. Devanka holds a PhD in Creative Computing from Bath Spa University, an MPhil in Gravitational Physics from Cardiff University and an MSc in Physics from Tezpur University, and has taught in UK higher education. Facts are checked against the official sources listed above and reviewed before publication. This page is general guidance, not immigration or legal advice, and does not guarantee any admission or visa outcome. Read our editorial standards.
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