Studying abroad can be an amazing and life-changing experience. You get to 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 during their study abroad, enabling them to earn and learn at the same time. If you’re looking to study overseas and work, here are 10 best study abroad destinations to consider.
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 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 then 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, Stanford and others 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 for 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 UK like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and more have a global reputation for academic excellence spanning centuries. London is also a cosmopolitan global city and appealing destination for international students.
International students in the UK 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 2 years after finishing studies to work or look for work.
4. Australia
From buzzing metros like Sydney to the outback wilderness, Australia offers unique locales combined with a relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Australia also has a world-class higher education system with Universities like ANU, Melbourne, UNSW, ranked among the top 100 globally.
International students in Australia can work 40 hours per fortnight during semesters, and full-time during vacations. Graduates become eligible for a 1 to 4 year Temporary Graduate visa to live and work in Australia after finishing their degree.
5. Singapore
This vibrant city-state has been attracting international students from its 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 are allowed to 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. This keeps the cost of studying and living in Germany relatively low.
International students are allowed to 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 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 studies, and full-time during vacations. Graduates get a one year residence permit under the Passeport Talent scheme to seek jobs after study.
8. Netherlands
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 are allowed to work up to 16 hours per week during semesters and full-time during vacations. Graduates get one year to find work under the ‘zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden’ visa after finishing their degree.
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. During semesters, they can work 20 hours per week. Graduates get 9 months after studies to stay back and look for employment.
10. Switzerland
With cutting-edge research and innovation, Switzerland has one of the best higher education systems and student experiences globally. Some famous institutions include ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, University of Geneva and EPFL.
International students can take up work for 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 to consider 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 keep checking back www.workliveincanada.com for more tips on studying, working and living abroad!
