Finding the best countries to study and work abroad can feel hard. Every country has its own rules about visas, work hours, and living costs.
Studying abroad while working part‑time gives you skills, money, and fun experiences all at once. You learn in top schools and earn cash to pay bills. You also make friends from around the world.
7 Best Countries Offering Study and Work Opportunities for International Students
1. Germany
Post‑study Work Visa
- After graduation, you get an 18‑month job seeker visa.
- You can apply for a work visa if you find a job in your field.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- You may work full-time during semester breaks.
- Common Jobs: Café barista, library assistant, or campus helper.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- Many public universities charge little or no tuition.
- Germany has strong engineering, science, and business programs.
- Monthly Living Cost: €800–€1,000 for rent, food, transport, and fun.
2. Canada
Post‑study Work Visa
- The Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lasts up to three years, depending on your program length.
- You can switch to permanent residence after work experience.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Work up to 20 hours per week during classes.
- Full‑time work is allowed in summer and winter breaks.
- Popular Jobs: Retail clerk, campus tour guide, or office assistant.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- Top schools in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
- Canada is safe and welcoming to students.
- Tuition ranges CAD 15,000–CAD 30,000 per year.
- Monthly Living Cost: CAD 1,000–CAD 1,200 in major cities.
3. Australia
Post‑study Work Visa
- Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) gives 2–4 years of work rights.
- You can gain skilled work experience in Australia.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Up to 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during sessions.
- Unlimited work hours during breaks.
- Jobs include café work, tutoring, and retail.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- Renowned universities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Friendly, multicultural communities.
- Tuition Fees: AUD 20,000–AUD 37,000 per year.
- Living Cost: AUD 1,200–AUD 1,500 per month.
4. United Kingdom
Post‑study Work Visa
- The Graduate Route visa lets you stay for two years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- PhD graduates can stay for three years.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Work up to 20 hours per week during the term.
- Full‑time work is allowed during holidays.
- Common Roles: Waiter, tutor, research assistant.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- World‑class universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL.
- Rich history and vibrant student life.
- Tuition Fees: £10,000–£38,000 per year.
- Monthly Living Cost: £1,000–£1,200, depending on city.
5. Ireland
Post‑study Work Visa
- The third-level graduate Scheme offers two years of work rights.
- Ireland welcomes tech, science, and business graduates.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Work up to 20 hours per week during the term.
- Full‑time work is allowed in the summer.
- Popular Jobs: Bar staff, student ambassador, or retail.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- High‑quality universities in Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
- Friendly, English‑speaking community.
- Tuition Fees: €9,000–€25,000 per year.
- Living Cost: €1,000–€1,200 per month.
6. New Zealand
Post‑study Work Visa
- Graduate Work Visa grants up to three years of work rights.
- You can apply for skilled migrant residence later.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Up to 20 hours per week during classes.
- No limit on work during breaks.
- Jobs: Farm assistant, café barista, or admin worker.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- Universities in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
- Beautiful nature and safe cities.
- Tuition Fees: NZD 22,000–NZD 32,000 per year.
- Living Cost: NZD 1,000–NZD 1,200 per month.
7. Netherlands
Post‑study Work Visa
- Orientation Year permit lets you stay for one year to find a job.
- No job offer is needed to apply.
Part‑time Work for Students
- Work up to 16 hours per week.
- Full‑time is allowed from June to August.
- Common Roles: Guest lecturer, retail, or hospitality.
Quality of Education and Living Standards
- Top programs in Delft, Amsterdam, and Leiden.
- English‑taught degrees are widely available.
- Tuition Fees: €8,000–€20,000 per year.
- Living Cost: €900–€1,100 per month.
Best Countries Comparison of Tuition Fees and Cost of Living
Studying and working abroad means balancing school fees and daily costs. Here is a quick look:
| Country | Tuition (Yearly) | Living Cost (Monthly) |
| Germany | €0 – €1,500 | €800 – €1,000 |
| Canada | CAD 15,000 – 30,000 | CAD 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Australia | AUD 20,000 – 37,000 | AUD 1,200 – 1,500 |
| United Kingdom | £10,000 – 38,000 | £1,000 – 1,200 |
| Ireland | €9,000 – 25,000 | €1,000 – 1,200 |
| New Zealand | NZD 22,000 – 32,000 | NZD 1,000 – 1,200 |
| Netherlands | €8,000 – 20,000 | €900 – 1,100 |
“Use this comparison to see which country matches your budget.”
Success Stories of International Students
Real stories can inspire you to pick the best countries to study and plan better.
1. Ana’s Journey in Germany
Ana came from Brazil to study mechanical engineering in Munich. She worked 20 hours per week at a campus café. She used her 18‑month visa seeker permit to look for jobs.
After six months, Ana landed an internship at a car company in Stuttgart. Today, she has a full‑time role and plans to stay in Germany long term.
2. Priya’s Path in Canada
Priya moved from India to study business at the University of Toronto. She lived in a student residence and worked weekends at a retail store. She quickly improved her English and networked at campus events.
After graduation, she held a marketing internship. With her PGWP, Priya now works as a marketing analyst in Toronto and hopes to apply for permanent residency.
3. Liam’s Adventure in Australia
Liam traveled from Ireland to study nursing in Sydney. He worked part‑time in a community clinic. His Temporary Graduate visa let him work as a registered nurse for three years.
Liam loved the warm weather and relaxed lifestyle. He is now saving to buy a home in Australia and is grateful for the skills he gained working and studying abroad.
Conclusion: Best Countries to Study Abroad
Choosing the best countries to study and work abroad comes down to your goals, budget, and dream lifestyle.
- Germany is ideal for low or no tuition and strong research programs.
- Canada offers the longest post‑study work permits and clear paths to residency.
- Australia has flexible work limits and a great climate.
- The UK provides world‑class degrees and a simple two‑year graduate visa.
- Ireland is friendly to English speakers and growing in tech.
- New Zealand combines beautiful nature with safe cities.
- The Netherlands gives a one‑year job search permit and many English programs.
Think about where you want to live, how much you can spend, and what you want to study. Then pick the country that fits you best. Your adventure in a new land can boost your career, grow your network, and give you memories that last a lifetime.
Happy planning!