One-year Master’s = faster visa, weaker depth Many programs are intense but shallow—employers value experience more than speed.

 One-year Master’s programs are marketed as efficient, cost-saving, and visa-friendly.

But speed often comes at a price.

These programs are intense—but shallow. Compressing what is typically a two-year curriculum into 12 months leaves little room for:

• Research depth

• Industry projects

• Internships or co-ops

• Skill consolidation

Students rush from assignments to exams, graduating with a credential—but not always with confidence.

From an employer’s perspective, the equation is simple:

Experience + applied skills > program duration

Hiring managers rarely ask “Was it one year or two?”
They ask:

• What tools can you use?

• Have you worked in real-world environments?

• Can you solve problems independently?

In many sectors—tech, business, hospitality, healthcare administration—a one-year Master’s without prior experience struggles to compete with:

• Two-year programs with internships

• Candidates with 2–3 years of relevant work experience

• Strong applied diplomas + experience combinations

The real risk

Students choose one-year Master’s not for learning—but for:

• Faster visas

• Shorter stay

• Quicker work permit eligibility

When immigration rules change (as they often do), the academic shortcut is exposed.