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 | 🇨🇦 Canada | 36 months | €1200–2400 |
| 2 | 🇩🇰 Denmark | 36 months | €1000–1500 |
| 3 | 🇳🇿 New Zealand | 36 months | €900–1500 |
| 4 | 🇦🇺 Australia | 24 months | €1300–2500 |
| 5 | 🇫🇮 Finland | 24 months | €1000–1800 |
| 6 | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 24 months | €1500–3000 |
| 7 | 🇮🇪 Ireland | 24 months | €1100–1800 |
| 8 | 🇩🇪 Germany | 18 months | €900–1800 |
| 9 | 🇦🇹 Austria | 12 months | €800–1600 |
| 10 | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 12 months | €900–1700 |
| 11 | 🇪🇸 Spain | 12 months | €750–1500 |
| 12 | 🇫🇷 France | 12 months | €850–1700 |
See all 56 countries on Compare →
Sources: Frankfurter/ECB (USD/CAD), UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/DKK), Danish Agency for International Recruitment, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/NZD), Immigration New Zealand, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/AUD), U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory + UK FCDO Travel Advice (GOV.UK), Australian Department of Home Affairs, Frankfurter/ECB (USD/EUR), Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), Frankfurter/ECB (USD/GBP), UK Visas & Immigration (GOV.UK), Irish Immigration Service, Auswärtiges Amt (German Federal Foreign Office), Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, BE Immigration Authority, Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, France-Visas (Ministère de l'Intérieur).
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, Canada offers the longest post-study work window. Eligibility conditions apply and change, so confirm the current rules on the official source.