Want to work overseas? Start with a degree abroad.
Are you curious about how to work abroad? Many U.S. students who want to advance their careers abroad will often begin with a degree abroad. Some countries have very attractive post-study work visas opportunities, so be sure to pay attention to each country’s work right packages at the time of your university application.
Your first step is to research all of the countries that have post-study work visas. Not all countries have such convenient programs, and there is a lot of variation in duration and process for those that do. Once you have identified your top countries, you will need to identify the top programs and universities in that country. After you have applied and been accepted to your university, you will need to successfully complete your degree abroad. Next, you will need to find a job in the country where you studied. For example, you cannot study in the UK and then use the post-study work visa in New Zealand. You will stay in the same country to use the post-study work visa. You will still need to hustle to secure employment, but the post-study work visa allows local companies to hire you for the duration of the visa.
Conveniently, some countries also permit you to include family members with a study visa and a post-study work visa, but check with the university upon application to see what the regulations are for that country.
(Special note: With various entry restrictions due to COVID-19, be sure to inquire how a delayed start or an online start could affect your post-study work visa rights.)
Some popular countries with post-study work visa rights include:
New Zealand
New Zealand offers a generous 3-year post-study work visa to students who successfully complete their undergraduate, graduate or PhD program in New Zealand. You may also work up to 20 hours/week during your studies, too.
Canada
You can apply for Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit, which allows you to stay for up to three years. Afterwards, there is even a pathway to permanent residency.
United Kingdom
The UK allows students to work in the UK up to two years post-study at university. This new program expands their shorter post-study work visa program.
Australia
Australia’s post-work visa is anywhere from 2-4 years upon successfully graduating from an accredited Aussie university. If you complete a bachelors or “coursework masters” program, you can stay for two years. If you complete a “research masters” degree you can stay for three years. A PhD student can stay for up to four years.
Ireland
Ireland’s post-study work visa is anywhere from 1-2 years. Once you finish a bachelors in Ireland, you can stay and work for 12 months. Once you complete a masters program, you can stay and work for 24 months.
The Netherlands
The Dutch government has introduced a one-year orientation year residence permit (also known as Search Year) for students who successfully complete an accredited bachelors/masters in the Netherlands. During that time, you can get a job in the Netherlands, volunteer at a non-profit, do an internship or be self-employed.
Finland
Finland offers a 1-year post-study residence permit. During this time, you are allowed to seek employment, start a business, complete job training or volunteer. After a year, if you have a work placement you can apply for a new residence permit based on your job.
Germany
After graduating from an accredited German university, you can extend your residence permit for up to 18 months which allows you to find a job in your field. Once you are offered a job, you should then apply for another residence permit.
