Studying abroad can be a great way to experience a new culture, learn a new language and access the best educational institutions in the world. However, if you pick the right destination, it can also be a catalyst for job opportunities, potentially providing a strong return on your investment in international study programs.
If you’re thinking of studying abroad as a gateway to working in another country after graduating, there are plenty of things you’ll want to consider, not least whether that country offers competitive salaries. In this article, we’ll break down what makes a country a viable option after completing your studies, and list some of the best countries to consider for high-paying graduate salaries.
What factors determine the best countries to work in after studying abroad?
Choosing a country to study abroad in requires a great deal of research and planning. If you’re just starting out in your search for study abroad opportunities, Jobseeker’s study abroad guide can equip you with all the key information you’ll need to consider. However, if you’re considering studying abroad as a gateway to potentially working overseas after graduating, there are a whole host of other things to consider. When coming to the decision of where to study for post-graduation work opportunities, think about the following:
International study opportunities
Of course, the first and most important part of your decision on which country to select for your study abroad program is the strength and availability of its international study opportunities. Think about the general quality of education and the presence of world-class universities, as well as the cost of tuition, the visa requirements and the overall student experience. While the quality and availability of international study opportunities doesn’t necessarily correlate fully with job opportunities after studying, these will match up in many cases.
Competitive salary
The second key thing you’ll want to consider for post-graduation employment opportunities is salary. Before making your decision on where to apply, you might want to check the correlation between great study abroad programs and high graduate salaries. As you’ll read below, there are other factors that might come into the equation when deciding the best country to stay and work in after studying abroad, but high salary is typically a key one.
Language barriers
Language is a key consideration for your choice of country when studying abroad, and particularly if you hope to work there after graduation. Universities in many non-English-speaking countries offer study programs in English, but you might be expected to speak the local language once you join the workforce.
Favorable working visa conditions
Staying on in a country to work after graduating can become easier or harder depending on the visa requirements. Aside from student visas, make sure you check the requirements for staying to work in a country after graduating. For example, the UK’s graduate visa allows you to stay and work in the country for up to two years after graduating as an international student.
Affordable cost of living
World-class universities, top job opportunities and high salaries often correlate with a high cost of living. As such, you might just have to accept that if you want to work in the most desirable countries, a higher cost of living is something that comes with the package. However, it can be a consideration if you’re willing to accept trade-offs, like a lower salary.
High quality of life
Similarly, high quality of life is likely to correlate closely to your potential earnings in a country after graduating. However, it’s still worth searching for the countries that offer the best balance of salary and quality of life. Earning a high salary might become less appealing if you’re experiencing a poor work-life balance or a working culture that doesn’t suit your preferences.
Industry trends
The right country for your career progression after graduating will depend heavily on which industry sectors are thriving there. Look for countries that have a strong association with your chosen degree subject, emerging trends that suggest strong future job opportunities, or the presence of reputable employers that would be good for your career prospects.
What are the best countries to study abroad for high-paying job opportunities?
Taking all these things into consideration, which are the best countries to study in as an international student if you want to land a high-paying job after your studies? Here are the best countries to choose, depending on your situation and preferences:
Canada: best balance of study and immigration opportunities
With three institutions within the top 50 of Times Higher Education’s list of the world’s best universities, Canada has long been a stable choice for students and a viable route to settlement as a graduate employee. Recent changes in Canadian policy make this more complex however still worth considering as a top destination.
Germany: best for low tuition and tech/science jobs
Germany is known for its low tuition fees, with most international students paying no tuition fees to study at public universities, only requiring payment of a small semester fee. The country is also renowned for its world-class engineering and technology sectors, and demand for professionals in these high-paying specialisms is typically strong. However, language can be a barrier. While many universities offer English-language courses, you’ll need to speak German for many job opportunities.
Australia: best for specialist sectors and quality of life
Australia’s excellent climate and high quality of life are some of its key attractions for foreign visitors, but it also benefits from some top-class universities and outstanding employment opportunities in several high-paying and professional sectors. These include heathcare, mining, engineering and IT. Australia also offers a clear visa route for overseas graduates entering employment.
United Kingdom: best for top universities and graduate opportunities
The UK is home to plenty of the world’s most renowned and historic universities. If you’re lucky enough to study at Oxford, Cambridge or one of the 24 Russell Group universities, you’re likely to receive a world-class education. This is backed up by strong graduate job opportunities in various professional sectors, particularly in London, but increasingly in Birmingham, Manchester and other regional cities. Cost of living, however, can be high, particularly in London.
USA: best for high salaries in graduate roles
The US is still home to more of the world’s top public universities than any other country. Though tuition fees can be prohibitively high, attendance at one of the country’s more prestigious universities can be a gateway to significant earning potential. The US also beats most other countries for average salary, although immigration rules are complex and may require employer sponsorship.
Switzerland: best balance of high salary and quality of life
When it comes to average salaries, many studies show there are only two countries that top the US. Luxembourg just pips the US to second place, but Switzerland stands alone at the top of the pile. The country’s high salaries reflect a concentration of high-tech, export-driven industries and a world-leading financial sector. The country is also known for its excellent quality of life metrics, while being home to several top class universities. However, visa requirements are strict.
Key takeaways
There are clearly a wealth of considerations to factor in when choosing where to study as an international student, and this is particularly true if you’re hoping for employment opportunities after you graduate. You’ll need to think about your degree subject and the job opportunities in your target country, plus various lifestyle and practical decisions that will be completely personal to you.
However, there’s no doubt that some of the most renowned countries for studying abroad also offer the best high-salary job opportunities for graduates. So take your time and carefully consider your options, because your study abroad destination could be a springboard for future employment and a long-term stay overseas.
Mike Potter is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and an experienced copywriter specializing in careers and professional development. He uses extensive knowledge of workplace culture to create insightful and actionable articles on CV writing and career pathways.
