Work while studying, post-study work and PR routes

• United Kingdom

  While studying: 20 hrs/week in term

  Graduate visa (Graduate route)

  The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK after a successful degree and work at any level, or look for work, without a job offer or sponsor. You apply from inside the UK before your Student visa expires, once your university has told the Home Office you have completed the course. It cannot be extended, but you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if an employer sponsors you.

  Bachelor's or master's graduates:

  2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026; 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.

  PhD or other doctorate:

  3 years.

  Cost:

  £937 application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 for each year.

  Changes ahead: Confirmed: bachelor's and master's graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027 will get 18 months instead of two years; PhD graduates keep three years. Confirmed: the living funds for Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026 rise to £1,203 a month outside London and £1,570 in London. Proposed: an International Student Levy of £925 per international student per year, paid by universities in England from 1 August 2028, subject to Parliament; it is not charged to students directly, but it may affect fees.

  United Kingdom: work and post-study detailsGOV.UK: Graduate visaGOV.UK: National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage ratesGOV.UK: Skilled Worker visa – your job

• Australia

  While studying: 48 hrs/fortnight in term

  Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

  The Post-Higher Education Work stream of the subclass 485 visa lets recent graduates with a bachelor's degree or higher from an Australian institution live and work in Australia with no limit on hours. It is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residence on its own, but it gives you time to gain Australian work experience.

  Standard length of stay:

  Usually 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's, and 3 years after a research master's or PhD

  Indian nationals (AI-ECTA):

  Up to 2 years after a bachelor's (3 with first-class honours in STEM), 3 years after any master's and 4 years after a PhD

  Main eligibility:

  Aged 35 or under when you apply, recent graduate, met the two-year Australian study requirement, and applied within 6 months of finishing

  Changes ahead: Announced, not yet in force (as of 22 October 2026): the government plans to limit which family members Temporary Graduate visa applicants can include, with no start date published yet. It also plans a new Transfer stream for students who change provider; reports say this will start on 1 July 2027 and that, until then, most students must finish 12 months of their main course before transferring. Check Home Affairs before you rely on these dates.

  Australia: work and post-study detailsStudy Australia: The 2026 Australian minimum wage increaseStudy Australia: Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)DFAT: AI-ECTA side letter on post-study work visas

• Canada

  While studying: 24 hrs/week in term

  Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

  The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible programmes at eligible DLIs. You can work for almost any employer, and skilled work experience gained on it can later help with permanent residence applications. You can only get one PGWP in your lifetime.

  Length:

  Up to 3 years for master's graduates (programme of at least 8 months) and for programmes of 2 years or more; otherwise it matches the programme length

  Language test:

  CLB 7 in all four skills for bachelor's, master's and PhD graduates; CLB 5 for college and other non-university programmes

  Field of study:

  No field rule for bachelor's, master's or PhD; most college programmes must be in a listed eligible field

  Changes ahead: IRCC said in January 2026 that it would not change the list of PGWP-eligible fields of study during 2026, so the current list applies for now; a later update has not been dated. The immigration levels plan also sets targets of 150,000 new international students in both 2027 and 2028, and the 2027 cap and attestation letter allocations have not yet been announced.

  Canada: work and post-study detailsIRCC: Proof of financial support for a study permitIRCC: Documents for a study permit applicationIRCC: Provincial or territorial attestation letter

• Ireland

  While studying: 20 hrs/week in term

  Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)

  Graduates of Irish higher education institutions can stay on to look for graduate-level work. During this time you can work full-time. The aim is to find a job that qualifies for an employment permit before your Stamp 1G ends.

  Honours bachelor's (NFQ level 8):

  12 months

  Master's or PhD (NFQ level 9 or 10):

  12 months, renewable once for another 12 months if you show you are looking for graduate work (up to 24 months)

  Who can apply:

  Non-EU graduates of a recognised Irish award, holding current Stamp 2, who apply within six months of being told their results

  Changes ahead: Under a government roadmap published in December 2025, employment permit salary thresholds are to be reviewed and raised each year until 2030, with the next review expected around 2027. The minimum wage is set to rise to €14.94 an hour from 1 January 2027, subject to legislation. We found no announced change to Stamp 1G itself as at October 2026.

  Ireland: work and post-study detailsImmigration Service Delivery: Third Level Graduate Programme (Stamp 1G)Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment: Critical Skills Employment PermitCitizens Information: Minimum wage

• Germany

  While studying: 140 days/yr or 20 hrs/week

  18-month job-seeker residence permit

  Once you complete your degree in Germany, you can apply for a permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that matches your qualification. You may take any job during this time. When you find skilled work, you switch to an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit.

  Length:

  Up to 18 months, for both bachelor's and master's graduates

  Work allowed:

  Any job while you search for skilled employment

  Eligibility:

  Successful completion of your German degree, valid health insurance and the means to support yourself

  Changes ahead: Not yet in force: the minimum wage rises to €14.60 an hour on 1 January 2027. FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg will charge new non-EU students tuition from summer semester 2027, and TUM fees rise from winter semester 2027/28. The government plans to raise the BAföG housing allowance from summer semester 2027 and the basic rate from winter semester 2027/28. The blocked account amount has followed BAföG rates in the past, so it may rise too, but no new figure has been announced.

  Germany: work and post-study detailsFederal Employment Agency: EU Blue Card thresholds 2026Federal Government: minimum wage 2026 and 2027FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg: employment rules for international students

• New Zealand

  While studying: 25 hrs/week in term

  Post Study Work Visa

  The Post Study Work Visa lets eligible graduates stay and work after finishing a New Zealand qualification. A degree-level visa gives open work rights for any employer and any job, so you do not need a job offer to apply. You can only hold one Post Study Work Visa in your lifetime.

  Master's or PhD:

  Up to 3 years, with at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand

  Bachelor's degree or Level 8 (e.g. postgraduate diploma):

  Same length as the time you studied in New Zealand, as confirmed by your provider

  Below-degree qualifications:

  Only if the qualification is on INZ's eligible list; work must relate to your studies

  Changes ahead: From 16 November 2026 (not yet in force): Level 7 graduate diploma holders who studied full-time in New Zealand for the whole course and already hold a bachelor's degree (from New Zealand or overseas) become eligible for a Post Study Work Visa. A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa also opens on that date, giving eligible graduates up to six months of open work rights to look for a job. Check Immigration New Zealand for the final criteria before you rely on either option.

  New Zealand: work and post-study detailsImmigration New Zealand: Upcoming changes to student visa work rightsImmigration New Zealand: Staying to work after finishing your studyEducation New Zealand: Update from Immigration New Zealand (25 March 2026)

• Netherlands

  While studying: Up to 16 hrs/week

  Orientation year for highly educated persons (zoekjaar)

  After you graduate, you can apply for a one-year residence permit to look for a job or start a company. During that year you can work in any job without a work permit. If an employer then hires you as a highly skilled migrant, a lower salary threshold applies to recent graduates.

  Length:

  1 year; it cannot be extended

  Who can apply:

  Graduates of an accredited Dutch bachelor's or master's, within 3 years of graduating (graduates of some top-ranked foreign universities can also qualify)

  Work rights:

  Free to work; no work permit (TWV) needed

  Changes ahead: Proposed, not yet law: in July 2025 the Dutch cabinet announced plans to raise the highly skilled migrant salary thresholds, to allow the lower graduate threshold only within 3 years of graduating, and to tighten rules for sponsoring employers. Separately, the Internationalisation in Balance Act (bill 36555), which would add tests for new English-taught programmes and allow caps on international intake in some programmes, is still before parliament. Neither has a start date yet.

  Netherlands: work and post-study detailsIND: Student residence permit for university or higher professional educationIND: Residence permit for orientation yearRijksoverheid: Minimum wage amounts 2026

• Dubai (UAE)

  While studying: Only with a work permit

  Job Seeker, employer and Golden visas

  Unlike the UK or Australia, the UAE has no automatic post-study work visa. Your student visa is cancelled after you finish, so you need a job offer, a job-seeker visit visa, or one of the long-term residence routes to stay on. In practice, most graduates move straight onto an employer-sponsored work visa.

  Employer-sponsored work visa:

  The usual route. Your employer applies for it; it is valid for two years and renewable. You can switch from a student visa inside the UAE.

  Job Seeker visit visa:

  Single-entry visa for 60, 90 or 120 days with no sponsor needed. Open to people in MoHRE skill levels 1–3 and to recent graduates of universities on the approved world top-500 list; a refundable deposit applies.

  Green Visa (skilled employee):

  A five-year self-sponsored residence visa for people with a bachelor's degree, a job in skill level 1–3 and a salary of at least AED 15,000 a month. Rarely reachable in a first job.

  Changes ahead: We found no announced changes to UAE student or graduate visa rules as of October 2026. Dubai's Education 33 strategy aims to raise international students to 50% of enrolment by 2033, so watch for new measures, but rely only on rules already published by ICP, GDRFA or MoHRE.

  Dubai (UAE): work and post-study detailsUAE Government portal: Residence visa for studying in the UAEMoHRE: Training and work permit for studentsUAE Government portal: Jobseeker visit visa

• Spain

  While studying: Up to 30 hrs/week

  Residence authorisation for job search or starting a business

  Graduates who studied at a higher-education institution in Spain at bachelor's level or above can apply for a 24-month permit to look for work related to their studies or to start a business. It cannot be extended, and it does not itself allow you to work: once you find a suitable job you apply for the right work permit.

  Duration:

  24 months, not extendable

  Who qualifies:

  Holders of a Spanish student authorisation who finished studies at EQF level 6 or above (bachelor's, master's, PhD)

  When to apply:

  In the 60 days before your student authorisation ends (late applications within 90 days risk a fine)

  Changes ahead: No changes to these student or graduate rules have been announced since the May 2025 regulation. Check the Ministry of Inclusion and the Embassy of Spain in India before you apply.

  Spain: work and post-study detailsMinistry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: Work rights for students (Hoja 4 bis)Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: Job-search residence permit (Hoja 20)BOE: Royal Decree 126/2026 on the 2026 minimum wage

• Malta

  While studying: 20 hrs/week with licence

  Post-study residence permit (9 months)

  After you complete your course, Identità can grant a one-time, non-renewable permit of up to 9 months to look for work or set up a business linked to your studies. To stay longer you need a work-based permit.

  Length:

  Up to 9 months, granted once and not renewable

  Who can apply:

  Graduates who have successfully finished a higher education course in Malta and still hold a valid study residence permit

  Working during the 9 months:

  Paid work still needs an employment licence through Jobsplus; check the current Identità FAQ before you accept a job

  Changes ahead: Announced in November 2025 but not yet detailed: amendments to Malta's single permit rules to act against worker exploitation, and extension of the sector Skills Pass beyond tourism. Longer two- or three-year work permits for skilled workers were also announced. Check Identità for what is in force when you graduate.

  Malta: work and post-study detailsIdentità – Non-employment permits: study, research, trainees, volunteers and internsIdentità – Rights and obligations of permit holders (PDF)University of Malta – Visa and e-Residence permit

• Cyprus

  While studying: 20 hrs/week in term

  Permit to seek work or start a business

  Cyprus lets some graduates stay on after their degree. If you finish a master's degree or higher (EQF level 7 or above), you can apply for a residence permit of up to 12 months to look for a job or set up a business at the level of your studies. Bachelor's graduates do not qualify and need a job offer and a work permit to stay.

  Bachelor's graduates:

  No post-study stay; you need an employer-backed work permit

  Master's and PhD graduates:

  Up to 12 months to look for work or start a business

  Type of job:

  The job or business must match the level of your studies

  Changes ahead: As of October 2026 we found no announced change to the 12-month post-study permit. The rules on student work were revised in May 2024 and again in March 2026, so check the Civil Registry and Migration Department and the Department of Labour before you rely on them.

  Cyprus: work and post-study detailsCivil Registry and Migration Department: stay after studies to seek work or start a businessCivil Registry and Migration Department: employment of students (hours)University of Cyprus: entry permit regulations, 2026

• Latvia

  While studying: 20 hrs/week in term (UG)

  Temporary residence permit for job seeking after graduation

  Latvia does not have an open post-study work visa like the UK's Graduate Route. Graduates of full-time master's or doctoral programmes can apply for a short permit to look for work or start a business. Everyone else needs a job offer and an employment-based permit before their study permit ends.

  Who qualifies:

  Graduates of a full-time master's or doctoral programme with a state-recognised Latvian diploma

  Duration:

  Up to nine months, not renewable

  When to apply:

  Within three months of graduating; you can apply from inside Latvia

  Changes ahead: Proposed, not yet law (October 2026): the government endorsed an Interior Ministry plan on 22 September 2026 that includes caps on the share of international students at each university, quotas for third-country nationals from early 2027 and stricter admission standards. The Ministry of Education has also proposed a 60% minimum grade, Latvian at A2 level for foreign students, stricter attendance rules and a ban on new admissions for institutions where more than 30% of invited students were refused visas. A new online migration portal is planned from 1 November 2026, and an early integration programme with basic Latvian applies from the end of 2027, though full-time students are reported to be exempt.

  Latvia: work and post-study detailsPMLP (Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs): Residence permit for studiesPMLP: Residence permit after graduationEurostat: Monthly minimum wages (earn_mw_cur)

• Lithuania

  While studying: 20–40 hrs/week (by year)

  Temporary residence permit for job search after graduation

  Graduates of Lithuanian universities can stay on to look for work. In your final year the study permit can be extended by 3 months after the course ends, and you can then apply for a 12-month permit for job search or self-employment, so up to about 15 months in total. This permit is only for people who hold a study-based residence permit, not a visa.

  Extension at the end of studies:

  Up to 3 months after the course ends

  Job-search permit:

  12 months, for job search or self-employment; no work permit needed during this time

  Eligibility:

  Graduated from a Lithuanian university while holding a valid study residence permit

  Changes ahead: From 1 November 2026, people who entered Lithuania on a Schengen visa (including one issued by another country) will no longer be able to apply inside Lithuania for a study- or work-based permit, so apply from India. Other measures debated in 2025, such as a list of institutions allowed to admit foreign students and limits on master's students bringing family, should be checked with your university before you apply.

  Lithuania: work and post-study detailsMigration Department: state fees for residence permits (updated Oct 2026)Migration Department: residence permit grounds accepted in India (Jan 2024)State Labour Inspectorate: minimum wage

Permanent residence is decided by each country's immigration rules at the time you apply, usually after skilled work experience. Treat post-study work as a chance to gain experience, not a promise of a job or residence, and plan your budget without it.