Post-study work visa of 10 countries explained
Introduction
Every student who aspires to study in a foreign country does so with an aim to be able to find suitable job opportunities there, which could help them build a stronger base for a better future. And before making such an important decision, one must dive deeper into the available options to make sure you select the route that works for you.
And we can help you tailor a custom path that’s perfectly right for you!
Let’s look closely into various countries and the post-study work visa situation they have to offer:
France
Studying at French Universities sounds like a romantic endeavour as France offers many unique opportunities for students studying there for part-time work during their durations of studies as well as work permit post-study.
A student pursuing their Master’s program can avail on completion a temporary residence permit: APS - a 24-month post-study work permit which will allow them to search for job opportunities to build a bright future for themselves in France. It must be noted that this is only available to students pursuing a long term Master’s program having ‘Visa de long séjour études’. Although in case of temporary visa for short term studies or bachelor’s program, students who have been able to snag a paid employment for themselves on/before completion can apply for residence permit for France.
For most international graduates, the post-study route is now generally treated as a 12-month job-seeking residence permit (APS / RECE pathway) In many cases, graduates transition into a Talent Passport or salaried work permit after securing a qualifying job.
Students can also apply for ‘EU Blue Card’ for residency permit for a duration of up to 5 years.
Tired of endless shortlists and jargon over the Internet? This 8min video will clear all your doubts
Germany
Germany is the largest economy in the entirety of Europe, widely known for its expertise in engineering and the automobile industries. Apart from its amazing job opportunities, natural beauty and heritage, and praise-worthy architecture, Germany also provides its residences with high standards of living and thus it comes as no surprise that Germany is one of the much sought after places for settling post studies.
Talking about work permits, students studying in Germany are eligible to apply for a Job Seeking Visa, which is popularly known as a post-study work visa, which allows them an extended stay of 18-months in the country to look for job opportunities. During these 18 months, candidates can work any job as much as they like to support themselves as well as look for well-paying job opportunities to settle in Germany.
USA
The United States of America stands to be one of the highly coveted study abroad destinations among prospective candidates. USA’s high standard of education, job opportunities as well as high quality standard of living attracts most students attention to settle with good job opportunities in the US.
There are three types of student visas available for studying in the United States, namely F1 visa, M1 visa and J1 visa, that permit students a limited time stay in the country post-completion of their studies. Out of these three, F-1 students can usually work through OPT for 12 months after graduation, with eligible STEM graduates able to extend this by 24 months. Transitioning to H-1B is possible but competitive due to annual lottery caps.
F1 visa holders can apply for OPT (optional practical training) which will then allow them to stay in the US and work for a whole year. This training option can be availed during or post-completion of studies. The international students are given a maximum of 90 days to find a job opportunity after their course completion and must find an opportunity in the field of their study only.
Post this one can get a permanent job offer and apply for an H1B visa to stay and work in the US long-term. H1B visas are provided to immigrants from foreign countries with job offers to work and stay in the USA.
UK
The United Kingdom has been a students’ favourite when it comes to pursuing higher studies for international students. Although previously the UK did not welcome international students to stay longer than 2-4 months after completing their study, things have changed for the better now.
An international student pursuing higher education in the UK is allowed a stay for 2 years post-study in the UK, to find work and later can extend their stay with a Skilled Worker visa under employer sponsored programmes. While a graduate programme student is granted 2 years post study, a PhD student is granted 3 years of stay post-study and can later apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Canada
Canada is a dream study-destination for international students, flowing with kindness and generosity, while accepting students with utmost welcome attitude. Canada has made it very easy for international students graduating by introducing the Post-Graduation Work Permit Programme (PGWPP) which allows students graduating from recognized Canadian Universities to seek employment in Canada.
Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows eligible graduates to work for up to 3 years, depending on program length. Under this program, students can be granted work permit for following no. of years-
Course Study period between 8 months to 2 years: students will be granted work stay up to the equivalent of their period of study.
Course Study period more than 2 years: work permit of up to 3 years can be allowed for such students.
In case a student doesn’t qualify for PGWPP’s work permit, they can apply for different work permits like Open Work Permits and Employer Specific Work Permits.
Australia
Australia is one of the most accepting and welcoming countries in terms of post-study work permits for international students. Work visa program in Australia allows international students to even include their family members making it an irresistible visa offer.
Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible graduates to stay and work temporarily after study, with duration depending on qualification level, stream, and study location.
Austria
Austria is a beautiful country to study and settle in. Austria provides international students with its own benefits of studying there. International students who complete their graduation or post-graduation from Austria are allowed to stay for a period of 12- months post-study. During this post-study period of 12 months, they can find job opportunities as well as start their own business in Austria.
Once this period has passed and candidates have found the right job for themselves, they can apply for a long-term residence permit via the Red White Red Card. Thus, making it easier for students to stay and work in Austria while following their entrepreneurial pursuits.
Czech Republic
Czech Republic is a country where students are allowed to work and study together while keeping a healthy balance between the two. Students studying at Czech Republic’s Universities are allowed to officially work 20 hours per week. This helps to earn a few extra bucks with part-time jobs, but bear in mind most part-time jobs require you to have learned their local language.
International students who’ve graduated from Universities recognised by the country’s Ministry of Education are eligible to apply for a work permit, given they’ve already found the right job opportunity by the end of the course of their study. Otherwise, they can apply for long-term residence permit that is provided for 9 months to seek the right job opportunities or start a business in the Czech Republic.
Switzerland
The process of settling in Switzerland can be a bit stressful to deal with. After completing their studies, international students can apply for a temporary residence permit that will allow them to extend their stay in the country of the Swiss by a period of 6 months. During this period, the students are urged to find a job opportunity suitable for themselves in the field of their study.
Graduates may apply for a temporary residence extension of up to 6 months to search for relevant employment after graduation.The employer will apply for a Swiss Work Visa for you which will be valid as long as you are employed under the said employer.
Singapore
The mighty country of Singapore is well-known for its qualitative higher education and research programs. Singapore allows international students to apply for a Short Term Visit Pass post-completion of their course study when their Student Pass (visa) has expired. This will grant them a grace period of 90-days to reside in Singapore and search for the right job opportunities for themselves.
There are three types of post-study work visas available for international students-
Employment Pass: for top level foreign professionals, managers and executives.
S Pass: for mid-level skilled job candidates, earning at least SG$2500 and fulfilling other assessment criteria
Entry Pass: for foreign national entrepreneurs keen to start and operate their business in Singapore, who are either financially backed by a venture or hold innovative technologies.
Conclusion
This blog aims to give you an overview of life after your higher studies in countries like France, Germany, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, Czech republic, Switzerland, Singapore and what you can expect in terms of post-study work visa, stay permits, period of stay allowed for job hunting, permit for part-time jobs, and much more is provided in this article.
These 10 countries provide post-study work visas and extended stay to find the right job opportunity for you to settle therein. An easy-to-comprehend list of available options to help prepare beforehand a clear plan for searching a compatible job within your field of study, during and after the completion of your course program. For more help with study abroad programs, visas, and applications, contact us here.
Success Stories
Krutika
Admits from EDHEC Business School
Bijal was instrumental in structuring my application to demonstrate my work. She provided me with timely feedback and guidance. Being an MiM student herself, she shared her personal experience at every stage which helped me to have a better understanding of the process and get into the school of my choice.
Santanu Kumar Pal
Admits from EDHEC Business School
I highly recommend Bijal Gandhi, the founder of EdYou Abroad, a Higher Education Consultancy Company, for her exceptional services in guiding students through the master’s application process. Bijal’s expertise in personalized assistance, value for money, and honest, unbiased advice sets her apart. Her commitment extends beyond admission, as she continues to provide valuable guidance even after acceptance. With Bijal’s assistance, I successfully gained admission to EDHEC Business School, a top-tier institution. I am grateful for her professionalism and dedication, and I confidently endorse EdYou Abroad’s consultancy services for anyone pursuing higher education opportunities.
Urmi Panchamia
Admits from University of Toronto
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Simran Jariwala
Admits from Stevens Institute of Technology
Even though I had no tech background, Bijal’s help got me into good business and data analytics programs that too with scholarships. Thank you so much for believing in me!
Sreekanth Reddy Annareddy
Admits from EDHEC, SKEMA
I highly recommend Bijal as a study abroad consultant. What really set her apart was how personalized the entire service was. She didn’t just give generic advice but took the time to understand my goals, preferences, and concerns. From suggesting the right universities to helping me refine my application, every step felt tailored to my needs.
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Aditya Shetty
Admits from SKEMA Business School
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Ananya Shenoy
Admits from Georgetown University
Bijal played a pivotal role in helping me structure my application to highlight my work and achievements effectively. Her feedback was always timely, insightful, and tailored to my goals. Her guidance was instrumental throughout the process and played a key part in helping me gain admission to the school of my choice. Thankyou!
Sivaraam K
Admits from ESADE, EDHEC, FSFM
I am incredibly grateful to Bijal for the invaluable support and guidance she provided throughout my academic journey. At a time when I felt uncertain and doubted the strength of my profile, Bijal’s insightful understanding and personalized approach completely transformed my perspective. She helped me streamline my entire application process and gave me clarity on choosing the right university—one that I genuinely had a chance at—and even helped improve my acceptance chances significantly.
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Anshul Pokharna
Admits from EDHEC, BITSOM
I worked with Bijal Gandhi during my MBA application process, and I’m genuinely glad I did. When I first started, I was focused on going abroad. But after a few discussions with my parents, I began exploring Indian options too — that’s where Bijal really stepped in.
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Bhavana Manikonda
Admits from UCL
am super happy to recommend Bijal! She was an amazing mentor who guided me through a big career change from medicine to management. I got into UCL, which top 9 in the world…I was clueless about what course to choose, which university to choose , but Bijal’s guidance and support were spot on. She’s super friendly, and always available to help.Bijal not only provided me with valuable insights and advice but also ensured that I was well-prepared for every step of the process. She was consistently available to answer my questions and offer support, and her enthusiasm and passion for her work are contagious.
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What struck me most about Bijal was her commitment to delivering on her promises. She did everything she mentioned . I had a smooth and successful experience. Her guidance and mentorship were invaluable, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with her. Bijal made the whole process smooth and stress-free. If you need guidance on your abroad journey bijal is the best!!!
Mrunal Hulke
Admits from ESSEC Business School
I’m incredibly grateful to Bijal for her unwavering support throughout my study abroad application journey. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, and helped me express my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her feedback on my applications to HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School was always clear, actionable, and encouraging, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Bijal also guided me through my interview prep, helping me find my voice and present myself with confidence. Thanks to her mentorship, I was thrilled to receive initial shortlists from both schools. I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone pursuing their dream of studying abroad, her guidance and genuine care truly make all the difference.
Cesar Souza
Admits from London Business School
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, and especially to Bijal Gandhi from EdYou Abroad, who played a key role in making this achievement possible. Their support went far beyond strategic guidance. They helped me structure my story, highlight my experiences, and build a coherent and authentic application. I couldn’t have done it without them.