Student visas: where to study as an international

Residence permits for university enrolment. Post-study work rights — often the most valuable part — vary dramatically between countries.

01 BR Brazil · VITEM IV — Student Visa Students enrolled in Brazilian higher-education or exchange programmes. · 3–8w processing No floor 02 CN China (Mainland) · X1 Visa — Long-Term Student Students accepted for courses of 6 months or longer in China. · 2–5w processing No floor 03 EG Egypt · Student Residence Permit Students at Egyptian universities and language programmes. · 3–8w processing No floor 04 IT Italy · Student Visa with Post-Study Permit (Attesa Occupazione) Non-EU graduates of Italian universities and technical institutes. · 4–10w processing · path to PR No floor 05 MX Mexico · Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante) Students at SEP-recognised Mexican institutions. · 2–6w processing No floor 06 MA Morocco · Student Residence Card Students at Moroccan universities and grandes écoles. · 4–10w processing No floor 07 NZ New Zealand · Post Study Work Visa International graduates of New Zealand qualifying programmes. · 3–8w processing No floor 08 ZA South Africa · Study Visa Students at registered South African learning institutions. · 6–12w processing No floor 09 GB United Kingdom · Graduate Route (post-study) International students graduating from UK higher-education institutions. · 2–8w processing No floor

Frequently asked

Which country has the best post-study work rights?

Canada (PGWP up to 3 years), Australia (2–4 years depending on qualification), UK (Graduate Route — 2 years bachelor's/master's, 3 years PhD), Germany (18 months). Netherlands offers a 1-year Orientation Year.

Can I work while studying?

Most countries allow 20 hours/week during term, full-time in holidays. UK, Ireland, Germany, Canada, Australia all permit this.