Best Countries for a Post-Study Work Visa
For many students the real return on a degree abroad is the right to stay and work afterwards. The length of that window varies a lot between countries. The table below ranks destinations by their post-study work window straight from the Meridian dataset.
Ranked by post-study work
| # | Country | Post-study work | Monthly living cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates | — | €800–1800 |
| 2 | 🇦🇷 Argentina | — | €300–700 |
| 3 | 🇦🇹 Austria | — | €800–1600 |
| 4 | 🇦🇺 Australia | — | €1300–2500 |
| 5 | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | — | €150–400 |
| 6 | 🇧🇪 Belgium | — | €900–1700 |
| 7 | 🇧🇷 Brazil | — | €400–900 |
| 8 | 🇨🇦 Canada | — | €1200–2400 |
| 9 | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | — | €1600–2500 |
| 10 | 🇨🇱 Chile | — | €500–1100 |
| 11 | 🇨🇳 China | — | €400–1000 |
| 12 | 🇨🇴 Colombia | — | €350–800 |
See all 56 countries on Compare →
Sources: Frankfurter/ECB (USD/EUR), UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), AE Immigration Authority, Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/AUD), Australian Department of Home Affairs, BD Immigration Authority, U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory + UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), BE Immigration Authority, BR Immigration Authority, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CAD), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CHF), State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), CL Immigration Authority, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CNY), National Immigration Administration (NIA), Migración Colombia.
Figures are indicative estimates from the Meridian dataset — not official guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the official source before you decide.
Length isn’t everything
A longer window helps, but eligibility rules, qualification level, and whether the permit can lead to longer-term residence matter just as much. Several countries have changed these rules recently, so always confirm the current conditions on the official immigration source for your country and qualification before you rely on a number.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has the longest post-study work visa?
Among the pilot destinations, United Arab Emirates offers the longest post-study work window. Eligibility conditions apply and change, so confirm the current rules on the official source.
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