10 Countries That Let International Graduates Work After Study in 2026

Post study work options matter because they give you time to find a job, gain local experience, and in some countries move into longer term work permits or permanent residency routes.

The best country depends on your course level, your career field, your budget, and how clear the immigration pathway is.

Quick comparison at a glance

1) United Kingdom Graduate visa

The UK Graduate visa is one of the simplest routes. After an eligible course, you can stay and work without employer sponsorship. Most graduates get 2 years, while PhD graduates can get 3 years. You can work, switch jobs, and build experience, then move to a Skilled Worker visa if you get a qualifying role.

2) Canada Post Graduation Work Permit

Canada’s post graduation work permit is popular because it can be valid for up to 3 years, depending on your study programme. The big benefit is that Canadian work experience can help your profile for permanent residency pathways, including points based systems and provincial routes. Always confirm your programme and school eligibility before you decide.

3) Australia Temporary Graduate visa 485

Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa is a major post study option. The length depends on your level of qualification. It is attractive if your plan is to gain Australian work experience and then move into employer sponsored or skilled migration routes. Expect strict requirements around age, English, and compliance.

4) New Zealand Post study work visa

New Zealand offers a clear post study route. Graduates can stay and work for up to 3 years depending on the qualification and where they studied. The appeal is flexibility. You can work for almost any employer, build local experience, and plan your next visa step.

5) Germany 18 month job seeking permit

Germany allows graduates of German institutions to stay up to 18 months to look for a job related to their qualification. During this period, you can work to support yourself while searching for a long term role. Once you secure a suitable job, you can transition to longer term residence and work permits.

6) Ireland Third Level Graduate Programme Stamp 1G

Ireland offers a stay back option for graduates through Stamp 1G. The duration depends on your qualification level. This route is useful for graduates targeting multinational roles, especially in tech, healthcare, finance, and pharma. Many graduates use Stamp 1G time to get a job and then move into an employment permit route.

7) Netherlands Orientation Year permit

The Netherlands offers an Orientation Year permit that gives graduates one year to find a job or start a business. It cannot be extended, so you need a clear plan. If you find a job, you switch into the right work residence route, such as a highly skilled migrant permit if your role and employer qualify.

8) France Job seeker or business creator permit

France offers a one year job seeker or business creator permit, mainly for graduates at the master’s level. It is not renewable. It allows you to stay, work during the period, look for a job, or set up a business. Before it expires, you typically move into a work residence status once you have a qualifying role or business structure.

9) South Korea D 10 job seeker visa

South Korea’s D 10 visa allows graduates to stay while searching for work and gaining experience through internships. Policy updates have expanded how long you can remain through extensions, reported up to three years. Korea can be a strong option for tech, manufacturing, and research, but employer expectations can be high, so planning and timing matter.

10) Singapore Work holiday options and work passes

Singapore does not have one universal post study work visa like some Western countries. In many cases, your ability to stay longer depends on getting a job that qualifies for a work pass. Some graduates use short work holiday options, depending on eligibility, as a runway to secure employment. Singapore is best for students who already have strong employability and can secure an offer quickly.