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The best country to study and work in depends on your budget, your field and how long you want to stay after graduation. This guide compares six popular destinations on the rules that matter most: how much you can work during your course, what you can do after it, and what it costs.
Quick comparison
| Country | Work during study | Work after study |
|---|---|---|
| United States | On campus, up to 20 hours a week in term | OPT 12 months, plus 24 months for STEM |
| Canada | Up to 24 hours a week off campus | PGWP, length tied to your programme, up to 3 years |
| Germany | 140 full days or 280 half days a year | Up to 18 months to find a job |
| Australia | 48 hours per fortnight | Subclass 485, length depends on your qualification |
| United Kingdom | Usually 20 hours a week at degree level | Graduate Route, 2 years now, 18 months from 1 January 2027 |
| New Zealand | Up to 25 hours a week on new visas | Post-study work visa, length depends on level |
1. United States
Education: The US has the widest range of programmes and research options, and tuition varies sharply between public and private universities.
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Work: F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year. Optional Practical Training gives up to 12 months of work after each degree level, and eligible STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension. USCIS accepts OPT applications up to 90 days before the programme end date.
Check first: A partial US visa suspension applies to Nigerian nationals for F, M and J visas from 1 January 2026, with exceptions. Applications and interviews can still go ahead, but read the State Department notice before you plan this route.
2. Canada
Education: Canada is known for strong universities and colleges. Funds for a study permit outside Quebec are CAD 23,448 a year from 1 September 2026, plus tuition and travel.
Work: Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and full time during scheduled breaks. After graduation the Post-Graduation Work Permit can last up to 3 years depending on your programme. University graduates need English CLB 7 (or French NCLC 7), college graduates CLB 5, and college programmes must be in an eligible field. Read our Canada study permit guide.
3. Germany
Education: Most public universities do not charge tuition, but there are exceptions. Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students EUR 1,500 per semester, and the Technical University of Munich charges new non-EU students per semester from winter 2024/25. Every student pays a semester contribution, about EUR 250 on average.
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Work: Students can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency, or up to 20 hours a week in lecture periods. After graduating, a residence permit of up to 18 months lets you look for a job. The student visa proof of funds is EUR 11,904 a year.
4. Australia
Education: Australia has strong research universities. The student visa financial capacity figure is AUD 29,710.
Work: Students can work 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets degree graduates stay and work after study. Length depends on your qualification and there is an age limit, so check the Home Affairs page. See Australia student work rights.
5. United Kingdom
Education: One-year master’s degrees make the UK a shorter and often cheaper route. Maintenance funds are GBP 1,529 a month in London or GBP 1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months.
Work: Students on degree courses can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time. The Graduate Route lets graduates stay for 2 years today (3 for PhD graduates). For applications from 1 January 2027 it falls to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
6. New Zealand
Education: Universities such as Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington offer a research and practice focus. Proof of funds is NZD 20,000 a year, plus tuition and a ticket out.
Work: Eligible students can work up to 25 hours a week on visas granted from 3 November 2025. Students already on a 20-hour visa need to apply for a variation to get the higher limit. Post-study work visa length depends on the qualification.
How to choose
- Start with total cost: tuition plus the official living-cost figure.
- Check whether your course qualifies for the post-study route, for example the field list for Canadian college programmes.
- Look at refusal risk and recent rule changes for your nationality.
- Make sure you can show the funds. See student proof of funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is cheapest for international students?
Germany is often the lowest on tuition, but fees now apply in some states and at TUM. Compare the total yearly cost, not just tuition.
Can I work full time while studying?
Not during term in any of these six countries. Full-time work is usually allowed only in scheduled breaks, within each country’s limits.
Do post-study permits guarantee a job?
No. They give you time to look for work. Employers still hire on skills and experience.
For help choosing a school and preparing your visa, chat with KP Visa & Travels.
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