Studying abroad has become an increasingly appealing option for students worldwide. The opportunity to experience different cultures, gain a world-class education, and build a global network of contacts is enticing.
However, one aspect that has gained significant attention in recent years is the availability of post-study work visas. These visas hold immense importance for international students as they provide the chance to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a real-world setting.
A recent report from the International Education Association of Australia highlights the importance of employment outcomes for international students and the challenges they face in finding work after graduation.
Several countries offer post-study work visas: Canada (up to 3 years), Australia (up to 4 years), the United Kingdom (up to 2 years), Germany (18 months), and New Zealand (up to 12 months). These policies aim to attract and retain international talent in the competitive field of global education.
ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS
Post-study work visas are not only beneficial to international graduates but also contribute significantly to the host country’s economy. As international students enrol in educational institutions and later contribute to the workforce, they play a crucial role in economic growth. Post-study work visas create a win-win situation.
While they benefit international graduates by providing career opportunities, they also benefit the host country by addressing skill shortages in various sectors.
In the year 2020, more than 6.3 million international students collectively made a financial contribution of USD 370 billion to the global economy. These students have not only generated employment opportunities but have also established billion-dollar enterprises and developed innovative procedures that have played a substantial role in economic expansion.
Gaurav Batra, the Founder & CEO of the Infinite Group, has provided a compilation of countries that extend post-study work visas to international students.
The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has been a popular destination for international students, and it continues to attract a diverse range of talent from around the world. A significant reason for its popularity is the availability of post-study work visas. One such program is the Graduate Route.
The Graduate Route is the UK’s post-study work visa program. It allows international students who have completed a degree at a UK institution to work or seek employment at any skill level for a duration of up to two years (or three years for doctoral students). This program provides graduates with the opportunity to gain practical work experience and establish their careers in the UK.
To qualify for a UK Graduate visa, individuals must meet specific criteria. They should be residing in the UK and hold a Student visa or a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Moreover, they must have completed a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree or a qualifying course, meeting the required minimum study duration under their student visa.
The educational institution, such as a university or college, must also report their successful course completion to the Home Office. If unsure, individuals can verify this with their education provider to ensure Home Office notification.
Canada
Canada is renowned for its high-quality education and welcoming environment for international students. The country’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is a testament to its commitment to retaining top talent. The PGWPP allows international graduates who have completed a program of study in Canada to obtain an open work permit.
This permit enables them to work for any employer in Canada and gain valuable work experience. The duration of the permit varies depending on the length of the program completed.
Canada has emerged as a prominent destination for top-tier higher education and research, as evidenced by numerous universities consistently securing high rankings in global university assessments, such as the QS and Times Higher Education world university rankings.
The Canadian government actively fosters academic research across a wide spectrum of fields, ensuring students benefit from well-equipped campuses and interdisciplinary curricula that nurture essential skills for success in the job market.
Canada’s inclusive society fosters equality and respect, providing international students with a welcoming environment. The nation boasts an exceptional quality of life, a strong safety record, and an overall pleasant atmosphere.
Affordable tuition fees and a reasonable cost of living make it an enticing choice for students seeking top-notch education, diverse career opportunities, and a high-quality life. Additionally, Canada permits international students to engage in part-time employment during their studies, providing valuable work experience aligned with their career goals or supplemental income opportunities.
Australia
Australia is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly culture, and world-class education. It also offers post-study work opportunities through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It allows international graduates to work, study, and live in Australia temporarily. It has two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The availability of these streams and their specific criteria will be explained.
Australia’s education system enjoys a global reputation, with numerous universities ranking prominently in the QS World University Rankings 2021.
The country offers an affordable cost of living, averaging between $30,000 and $34,000 AUD, thanks to a favourable exchange rate. Australia serves as an excellent place for mastering English, given that the majority of its population primarily speaks the language at home.
Moreover, Australia permits international students to work part-time during the semester, offering a competitive minimum wage of nearly AUD 20/hour, making it an appealing destination for higher education. Additionally, post-graduation and temporary graduate visas facilitate living and working in Australia temporarily, with the option to bring along family members.
New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and top-notch education system. It also offers various post-study work visa options for international graduates, such as the Post-study Work Visa (open) and the Post-study Work Visa (employer-assisted). Understanding these options will help students plan their post-study careers effectively.
New Zealand’s educational institutions provide various opportunities for research and study, catering to a wide range of interests in the arts, sciences, and commerce.
Students have the flexibility to choose from a diverse selection of programs, including Diplomas, Postgraduate Diplomas, Masters, Degrees, and PhD options. Its affordability sets New Zealand apart, making it an attractive study destination. While tuition costs vary by course, they can often be offset by part-time work.
Students can also benefit from the opportunity to work part-time while pursuing full-time programs and extend their stay in New Zealand for up to one year after graduation. Those working in jobs aligned with their degree for two years can even apply for permanent residency, making New Zealand an appealing choice for international students seeking not only quality education but also long-term career prospects.
Other countries
In addition to the countries mentioned above, numerous other nations extend post-study work visa options to international students. Though not delving into the specifics of each, countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and others are worth noting. These countries offer distinctive features and advantages in their post-study work visa programmes.
Post-study work visas have become a game-changer for international students. For international students, the decision to study abroad is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building a future. With the right information and guidance, they can leverage post-study work visas to embark on successful careers and, in some cases, secure permanent residency in their chosen host country.
As the world becomes more interconnected, these visas are bridges to a brighter, more global future.
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