Having an opportunity to Study overseas is an amazing and life-changing experience. You can live in a new country, experience a different culture, make global friends, and advance your career prospects. Many international students also take up part-time work while studying abroad, enabling them to earn and learn simultaneously.
If you want to study overseas and work, here are the 10 best study-abroad destinations.
1. Canada
Canada is currently among the most popular study-abroad destinations on the planet owing to its tolerant multicultural society, high life standards, and superb education system. Canadian universities like the University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and Waterloo rank among the top universities worldwide.
International students can work part-time on campus without a work permit. After graduation, you can apply for a 3-year open Post Graduation Work Permit, allowing work opportunities across Canada. The skills, experience and networks gained can help you immigrate and work permanently in Canada later.
2. United States
America has been the holy grail for international students for decades now. Universities like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford feature in the global top 10 year after year. Although studying in the US is expensive, the high-quality education, prospects of working during and after studies, and potential for immigration make it worthwhile.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations. Under the OPT program, students get an additional 1 to 3 years after graduation to work in the US in their field of study.
3. United Kingdom
Universities in the UK, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and others, have a global reputation for academic excellence spanning centuries. London is also a cosmopolitan global city and an appealing destination for international students.
UK international students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during breaks. Under the Graduate Immigration Route, eligible graduates can stay back for two years after finishing their studies to work or look for work.
4. Australia
Australia offers unique locales and a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, from buzzing metros like Sydney to the outback wilderness. Australia also has a world-class higher education system, with Universities like ANU, Melbourne, and UNSW ranked among the top 100 globally.
International students in Australia can work 40 hours per fortnight during semesters and full-time during vacations. After finishing their degree, graduates become eligible for a 1—to 4-year Temporary Graduate visa to live and work in Australia.
5. Singapore
This vibrant city-state has attracted international students from world-class universities like NUS and NTU for decades. Its central location in Asia, high living standards, cultural diversity and booming economy are big draws.
International students can work 16 hours per week during semesters and full-time on holidays. Under the EP – Post Study Work Pass, graduates can stay back and work for 1-2 years after completing their degrees.
6. Germany
Germany has a long tradition of academic excellence in fields like engineering, technology, and sciences. Most undergraduate degrees are taught free of charge, even for international students, keeping the cost of studying and living in Germany relatively low.
International students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Graduates can stay back for 18 months under the job-seeker visa to find suitable employment in Germany after their studies.
7. France
France is a leading study-abroad destination with a high-quality university system and festive culture. Popular student cities like Paris, Nice, Lyon, and Bordeaux give international students memorable campus experiences.
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies and full-time during vacations. Graduates get a one-year residence permit under the Passport Talent scheme to seek jobs after study.
8. Netherlands
The Netherlands is well-known for its English-taught programs and vibrant student cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Universities like Eindhoven University of Technology, University of Amsterdam, and TU Delft are leading names.
International students can work up to 16 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations. After finishing their degree, graduates have one year to find work under the ‘zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden’ visa.
9. Sweden
Sweden offers high-quality education completely free of tuition fees for international students! World-class institutes like Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, and Chalmers University of Technology attract students from around the globe.
International students can work unlimited hours during holidays and weekends and 20 hours per week during semesters. Graduates have nine months after studies to stay back and look for employment.
10. Switzerland
With cutting-edge research and innovation, Switzerland has one of the best global higher education systems and student experiences. Some famous institutions include ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Geneva and EPFL.
International students can work up to 15 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations. Graduates are granted 6-12 months to find work under the ‘job search’ residence permit.
This sums up our pick of the top 10 study-abroad destinations for international students looking to study overseas and work part-time. Each country offers unique advantages, so choose the one that aligns best with your academic interests, career goals, budget and lifestyle needs. I hope you found this guide useful. Don’t forget to check back at www.workliveincanada.com for more tips on studying, working and living abroad!
