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Most students who want a career abroad plan around two things: a work placement during the course and a post-study permit after it. This guide compares the post-study routes in five countries, with the conditions that decide whether you qualify.
Post-study routes at a glance
| Country | Permit | How long | Key condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit | Up to 3 years, tied to programme length | English CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college |
| Germany | Job-search residence permit | Up to 18 months | Completed degree in Germany |
| Australia | Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485 | Depends on qualification | Age limit and course rules apply |
| United Kingdom | Graduate Route | 2 years now, 18 months from 1 January 2027 | Degree-level UK study |
| New Zealand | Post-study work visa | Depends on qualification | Qualification level and institution |
Country details
Canada
Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have no field-of-study requirement for the PGWP. College and other non-university graduates must have studied in an eligible field, in one of six areas: agriculture and agri-food, education, health care, STEM, trades and transport. IRCC has frozen the list for 2026, so no programmes will be added or removed this year. Graduates can later apply through Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme.
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If your programme has a required work placement, eligible post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op permit from 1 April 2026. Your school must confirm the placement is part of the programme, and it must be no more than 50% of the course. See our PGWP programme list guide.
Germany
After graduating you can usually receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job that fits your degree. During study you can work 140 full days or 280 half days a year. Student assistant jobs and jobs closely related to your studies have no hour limit. Graduates who find a qualifying job can move to a work permit such as the EU Blue Card. See work in Germany.
Australia
Degree-level graduates apply for the Temporary Graduate visa through the Post-Higher Education Work stream. Reported durations are up to 2 years for a bachelor’s or coursework master’s and up to 3 years for a research master’s or PhD, with a general age limit of 35. These details have changed in recent years, so confirm them on the Department of Home Affairs website before you choose a course.
United Kingdom
The Graduate Route lets you stay and work without a job offer. It is two years today. For applications made on or after 1 January 2027, bachelor’s and master’s graduates get 18 months, and PhD graduates keep three years. A one-year placement in a sandwich course gives industry experience inside the degree.
New Zealand
Post-study work visa length depends on the qualification you complete. Students on visas granted from 3 November 2025 can work up to 25 hours a week during study, which helps build local experience. Check Immigration New Zealand for current conditions.
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Other Routes Worth Knowing
| Country | Route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | Stamp 1G graduate permission | 12 months for a Level 8 degree and 24 months for Level 9 or 10; work of up to 40 hours a week |
| United States | Optional Practical Training | 12 months, plus a 24-month extension for eligible STEM degrees; a partial suspension affects Nigerian F, M and J visa applicants from 1 January 2026, with exceptions |
| Singapore | Employment Pass | A job offer is needed; the minimum monthly salary is SGD 5,600 from 1 January 2025 (SGD 6,200 in financial services) and rises with age |
Worked Examples
UK: the 2027 change
Hypothetical example: two master’s students finish the same course. One applies for the Graduate Route in December 2026 and the other in February 2027. Under the announced change, the first receives the current 2-year permission and the second 18 months, because the shorter period applies to applications made on or after 1 January 2027 for bachelor’s and master’s graduates. PhD graduates keep 3 years. If your timing is flexible, check which rule applies to you before you submit.
Germany: using the 18 months well
| Month | Activity (hypothetical) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 1 | Apply for the job-search permit; update CV in German and English |
| 1 to 6 | Apply in your field, use university career services and alumni networks |
| 6 to 12 | Widen the search by region and company size; consider a related role as a bridge |
| 12 to 18 | Confirm a qualifying contract; ask the foreigners’ office about switching to a work permit such as the EU Blue Card |
The permit is for a job that fits your degree. Plan for how you will cover living costs during the search, since unrestricted work during the search period depends on the rules in force.
Canada: from graduation to PGWP
A student completes a two-year master’s, takes the language test at CLB 7 or higher, receives the school’s completion letter, and applies for the PGWP within the allowed window. She then works under the permit and builds Canadian work experience, which counts toward later applications through Express Entry or a provincial nominee programme. A college student on the same path needs a programme on the eligible list and CLB 5.
Choosing by What Matters to You
| Your priority | Look first at | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Longest time after study | Canada (up to 3 years) | Language tests and programme rules |
| No job offer needed to stay | UK Graduate Route, Germany job search, Canada PGWP | The UK period is shortening |
| Lower tuition | Germany | Proof of funds and, outside campus work, German skills |
| A path to a skilled work permit | Germany (EU Blue Card), Canada (Express Entry) | You still need a qualifying job or points |
Making a Placement Count
- Treat the placement as a long interview: ask for feedback and a reference before it ends.
- Pick a placement in the sector where you want a job, not only the one that pays the most.
- Keep your placement contract, hours log and pay records.
- Check your visa or permit allows the placement, as rules differ between work during study and a placement that is part of the course.
Steps to plan your route
- Pick the post-study route you want first, then choose a course that qualifies.
- Check the permit rules on the government site, not an agent page.
- Choose a course with a placement, co-op or industry year if one exists.
- Build a CV and LinkedIn profile during your first term.
- Keep records of every job and placement, because you may be asked for them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country has the longest post-study stay?
Canada can reach three years, depending on your programme length. Other countries vary by qualification.
Do I need a job offer?
Not for the UK Graduate Route, Germany’s job-search permit, or the Canadian PGWP. A job offer becomes important when you switch to a longer work permit.
What about employer-sponsored work visas?
See our guide to work visas for new graduates.
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