Countries with the Best Post-Study Work Visa in 2026

The post-study work visa is often more valuable than the degree itself. It determines whether you can stay, work, and build a career in the country where you studied. We ranked the top destinations by visa duration, work conditions, and pathway to permanent residency — updated for 2026 policy changes.

The full ranking

1. South Korea — up to 3 years, expanding fast

South Korea's D-10 visa now offers up to 3 years of post-study work rights — the longest in Asia and among the longest globally. The country hit 305,000 international students in 2025 (ahead of its 300K target) and is actively expanding pathways to retention.

For STEM graduates, the D-10 can be extended further. The tech job market is strong, anchored by Samsung, LG, SK Hynix, and a growing startup ecosystem in Seoul and Pangyo.

2026 change: Korea is expanding its Points-based Skilled Worker visa to make it easier for international graduates to transition from D-10 to long-term employment visas.

2. Canada — 3-year PGWP, but major restrictions

Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) remains one of the world's most generous — up to 3 years for programmes of 2+ years. Combined with Express Entry, it has historically offered one of the fastest PR pathways.

But the landscape has changed dramatically. Canada slashed study permit approvals by 48% in 2024-2025. New restrictions require institutional approval (PALs) and tighter credential requirements. The PGWP itself is under review, with potential programme-specific restrictions.

If you can get in, the pathway remains excellent. But getting in is significantly harder than it was two years ago.

3. Australia — 2–4 years, PhD students favoured

Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) offers 2 years for bachelor's graduates, 3 years for master's, and 4 years for PhD graduates. Regional study and certain STEM fields can add 1-2 years.

2026 change: Australia introduced university enrollment caps and tightened Genuine Student requirements. But for those admitted, the post-study work rights remain strong — especially the 4-year PhD pathway, the most generous for doctoral graduates worldwide.

4. Germany — 18 months + clear PR path

Germany's 18-month job seeker visa (§20(3) AufenthG) is shorter than some competitors, but the PR pathway is one of the clearest: find a job in your field within 18 months, work for 2 years, and you qualify for permanent residency. With 150K+ unfilled IT positions, STEM graduates have strong prospects.

5–7. New Zealand, UK, France

New Zealand has seen a 49% surge in international students and offers 1–3 year post-study work visas with a strong PR pathway. The points-based Skilled Migrant Category favours those who studied in NZ.

UK Graduate Route gives 2 years (3 for PhD) but has no direct path to settlement — you must switch to a Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship. The route is under political pressure, with potential cuts being debated.

France extended its Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour (APS) to 2 years in 2025, making it more competitive. Combined with just €243/year tuition at public universities, France offers exceptional value.

What to consider beyond duration

A longer visa is not always better. Consider the actual job market in your field, salary levels, language requirements, and whether you need employer sponsorship. Germany's 18-month visa with a clear self-sponsored PR path may be more practical than a 3-year visa in a country where jobs require language fluency you do not have.