If I want to apply to the graduate program of big 4 middle east and I will graduate in April 2026, with a master's degree, I can no longer be considered a recent graduate after 6 months? What is a recent graduate for a master's degree graduate?

Great question! This is something a lot of people get confused about 🙂

In the region, “recent graduate” usually means within 12–24 months of finishing your degree. Six months is definitely still considered fresh.

For master’s students, firms in the Middle East tend to look at your final graduation date (so April 2026 in your case) as the official marker. As long as you apply around or shortly after that, you should still fit the “graduate program” track. If more time passes (say beyond 1–2 years) they may suggest applying for an “experienced hire” role instead.

My advice: double-check the specific firm’s website since each Big 4 can phrase it slightly differently, but with an April 2026 graduation you’ll be safely in the “recent graduate” category for at least a year after.

Best regards!

Hey!

For most Big 4 graduate programs in the Middle East, a “recent graduate” typically means someone who has completed their degree within the last year, sometimes extending up to 18 months depending on the country and the specific firm’s policy. 

If you are graduating with your master’s in April 2026, you would generally remain eligible for graduate program applications through the end of that year and possibly into early 2027, as long as you have not accumulated significant full-time post-graduation experience that would instead place you in the “experienced hire” category. 

The key is to apply as close to your graduation date as possible to maximize your chances, since firms prefer candidates who are fresh out of university and available to start in line with their intake cycles.

Hi!

It means someone who has completed their degree within the last 12 months, though this can vary slightly by firm. Since you will graduate in April 2026, you would generally still be considered a recent graduate for applications submitted within the following year. The exact definition can differ between programs, so it’s a good idea to check each firm’s eligibility criteria, but for a master’s degree, most programs are flexible and will allow applications up to a year after graduation.