Post-Study Work Visas: When planning to study abroad, it is essential to consider countries that offer post-study work opportunities. International work experience not only enhances your resume but also equips you with practical skills that prepare you for the job market. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia provide promising job prospects for international students. Below are some of the top destinations that grant post-study work visas.
1. United Kingdom
Students who completed a bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree or other eligible course for a minimum period of time with their student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa are eligible to apply for Graduate Route Visa which allows you to stay in the UK for up to 2 years to work or look for work. Students must apply for the Graduate Route visa online.
Students enrolled in a PhD program are eligible to stay up to three years for work.
2. Canada
Students who completed a master’s program of more than eight months and meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) which allows you to stay up to three years.
For other programs, the PGWP will be valid for the same length as the duration of your program. For a nine-month program, you will be allowed to stay for nine months with your PGWP. For a program longer than two years, work permit will be given for a duration of up to three years.
3. Australia
Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows students to temporarily live, study, and work in Australia if they have graduated with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification relevant to an occupation in demand, or if they have earned a degree from an Australian institution.
Post-Vocational Education Work stream allows students to stay up to 18 months with their family while Post-Higher Education Work stream allows you to stay for up to 3 years along with your family.
Check for more details regarding the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) here, “Graduate Visa (subclass 485)”.
4. Germany
Students can apply for a residence permit which allows them to stay for up to 18 months to look for a job after their studies. The following proofs will be required by students to be eligible for the residence permit:
- Proof of successfully completed studies.
- Proof of health insurance cover.
- Proof of being able to secure your livelihood.
5. Ireland
Ireland’s Third Level Graduate Scheme allows legally resident Irish educated non-EEA graduates who hold a level 8 or level 9 award from a recognized Irish awarding body to remain in Ireland after their studies for a period of 12 months.
- Level 8 awards generally represent honours bachelor’s degrees or higher diplomas.
- Level 9 awards generally correspond to master’s degrees or postgraduate diplomas.
