It is the dream of thousands of Indian students to study abroad and embark on a career filled with exciting opportunities. But they also share a common worry.
Why study abroad for a foreign degree if you cannot stay back and work after graduating?
Post-study work visas give you time to gain experience, settle into the job market, and build a career outside India.
In this guide, I will share details of the top countries offering post-study work visas. I also provide information about what each visa is called, how long it lasts, the cost, and what Indian students should be careful about.
Major countries that offer post-study work visas for Indian students
1. Canada
Canada continues to be one of the most welcoming places for Indian students. The country offers a lengthy work period after graduation.
Visa Name: Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Duration: Up to 3 years. The length depends on your course. A 2-year program usually gives you a 3-year PGWP.
Cost: The PGWP application fee is 255 CAD. This includes 155 CAD for the work permit and 100 CAD for the open work permit holder fee.
There is no separate health surcharge, but you must have medical insurance during your stay.
Why it works for Indian students: The rules are simple. You can work full-time, switch jobs, or explore different career paths. PGWP experience also supports future PR applications. The main thing to check is whether your college is PGWP eligible. Not all private colleges qualify.
2. United Kingdom
The UK attracts thousands of Indian students each year because of its strong universities and clear post-study work path.
Visa Name: Graduate Route Visa
Duration: 2 years for bachelor and master graduates and 3 years for PhD graduates. From January 1, 2027 the duration for undergraduate and graduate degree holders will change to 18 months,
Cost: Application fee: 822 GBP Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): 1,035 GBP for each year of stay
Why it works for Indian students: You do not need a job offer to stay. You can work in almost any role, full time or part time. It is a good way to build experience while preparing for a Skilled Worker Visa later.
One key point. You must apply from inside the UK while holding a valid Student Visa.
“Migration will always be a vital part of Britain’s story.” – UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to the House of Commons (November 2025)
3. Australia
Australia is known for its technical courses, safe cities, and strong job demand in engineering, healthcare, IT and sciences.
Visa Name: Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 (Post Study Work Stream)
Duration: Most students get 2 to 4 years. STEM and high demand fields may receive longer extensions depending on location and qualification.
Cost: Application fee: starts from 2,300 AUD You also need health insurance during your stay. If you include family members, the fee increases.
Why it works for Indian students: The visa lets you work full time without employer sponsorship. This gives you freedom to build your profile at your own pace. The main requirement is that your program must be CRICOS registered.
4. Germany
Germany offers high quality education with relatively low tuition costs. Many public universities charge very little or nothing for tuition.
Visa Name: 18 Month Residence Permit for Job Seeking (Commonly called the Job Seeker Visa for graduates)
Duration: Up to 18 months
Cost: Residence permit fee: around 100 EUR Health insurance is mandatory and costs extra each month.
Why it works for Indian students: You can stay in Germany after graduation to search for a job. During this period, you can work in any role to support yourself. Your goal should be to secure a job that meets salary and skill requirements for the EU Blue Card or a work residence permit.
“We have to have immigration, because otherwise we are losing a lot of economic power.” – Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel (October 2025).
5. New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its well structured post study work rights, nature filled environment, and strong focus on work life balance.
Visa Name: Post Study Work Visa (New Zealand)
Duration: 1, 2 or 3 years The exact time depends on your qualification level and where you studied.
Cost: Application fee: NZ $1,670 for an online application. You must also have health insurance.
Why it works for Indian students: You can work for any employer in almost any job. This helps students explore job opportunities before deciding whether they want to stay long term through skilled migration pathways.
6. USA
The USA does not have a traditional post study work visa like Canada or the UK. But it offers OPT, which gives international students with an F-1 visa a chance to work after graduation.
Work Authorization Name: Optional Practical Training work authorization.
Duration: The standard 12-month OPT is available for any major. 24-month STEM OPT extension (total up to 36 months) is limited to students with degrees in STEM fields.
Cost: $470 for online filing or $520 for paper filing.
Why it works for Indian students: The United States has one of the largest job markets in the world. STEM graduates, especially in data science, AI, software, robotics, and engineering, find strong hiring demand. Students also use OPT experience to apply for the H1B work visa later.
If you have any doubts while applying, GradRight is here to help. Sai Sree Meka successfully completed an MS in USA and then OPT in spite of huge obstacles with our help and support.
Here is a comparison table for the top countries offering post study work visas to Indian students.
| Country | Post‑study visa / route | Typical duration after study | Approx. govt. application cost (main applicant) | Key conditions / notes |
| Canada | Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Up to 3 years; 2‑year program often → 3‑year PGWP | 255 CAD (155 CAD work permit + 100 CAD open WP holder fee) | Program and institution must be PGWP‑eligible; open work permit; experience helps PR. |
| United Kingdom | Graduate Route (Graduate visa) | 2 years (Bachelor/Master); 3 years (PhD) | About 880 GBP + 1,035 GBP per year Immigration Health Surcharge | Apply from inside the UK on a valid Student visa; no job offer needed; route towards Skilled Worker. |
| Australia | Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485 – post‑study stream) | Usually 2–4 years depending on level and location | Around 2,200+ AUD (recent increases; exact charge varies by stream) | Course must be CRICOS‑registered; full‑time work allowed; different streams/rules. |
| Germany | 18‑month residence permit for job seeking (for graduates) | Up to 18 months | About 75–100 EUR (varies by city/authority) | For graduates of German institutions; can work in any job while searching; aim for EU Blue Card or work permit. |
| New Zealand | Post Study Work Visa | 1, 2, or 3 years depending on qualification and location | Around 1,670 NZD (base application fee) | Eligible higher‑level NZ qualifications; can work for most employers; health insurance required. |
| United States | OPT (Optional Practical Training, F‑1) | 12 months standard; STEM: up to 36 months total (with 24‑month extension) | About 470 USD online or 520 USD paper (Form I‑765) | Work must relate to the field of study; STEM extension requires E‑Verify employer; often used before H‑1B. |
Now that you know the major countries offering post study work visas, the next step is choosing which one fits your goals, finances and future.
A post study work visa is one of the most important reasons to study abroad. It gives you a bridge between your degree and your career. Every country offers a different version of this opportunity, and understanding the visa type, duration, cost and rules helps you make a confident choice.
The best decision is the one that matches your field, budget and long term goals. Do not wait until graduation to think about your work plan. Start early, compare options, and choose a country that supports your ambitions. If you need help and support, you can reach out to us at any time.
