15 Best Countries for International Students to Study and Work

Published on August 4, 2023 at 4:52 pm by Maleha Afzal in Lists, News

In this article, we will be covering the 15 best countries for international students to study and work. This article will cover recent trends and navigate through the labor market for international students. If you want to skip our analysis, go directly to the 5 Best Countries for International Students to Study and Work.

According to the Institute of International Education, the United States is one of the top countries hosting international students. As of 2022, the country welcomed 948,519 international students reporting a 3.77% increase in foreign student enrollment compared to 2021. The United Kingdom stands as the second biggest student attraction boasting a foreign student enrollment of 679,970 students as of 2022. Canada reported the largest increase in foreign student enrollment in 2022 of 30%, relative to 2021. Students from China and India made up most of the international students in the countries mentioned above. This explains the high number of Indians in job positions abroad.

According to a report by Washington Post, Canada is set to offer 10,000 work permits to people on H1B visas. The Canadian government is particularly very clever in its efforts to attract talent from across the world. With the current faltering job market and unemployment stats in the United States, it is fairly difficult for workers on an H1B visa to find a job within 60 days.

Moreover, as of fiscal 2022, companies in the United States have been reported to lay off over 310,000 workers. Notable companies like Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) have also recently laid off 11,000 workers. However, despite the statistics, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is a popular company amongst students and fresh graduates.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is one of the few companies that offer extensive career opportunities for workers from all over the globe. Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) runs an internship program that goes by the name of Meta Internship. This internship is open to workers from across the globe, especially to students from developing communities. This internship program is primarily directed toward shaping the careers of university students and fresh graduates. To apply, students would have to submit their resume along with their academic documents to the application form. Engineering students must also appear on a 70-minute coding test.

Alphabet Inc.(NASDAQ:GOOG), a superpower in the tech industry, offers generous scholarships to students from all over the world. Notable scholarships include Generation Google Scholarship (EMEA), Google Lime Scholarship, and Google Europe Students with Disabilities Scholarship. These scholarships empower students from all over the world to enhance their careers. To apply students must be enrolled in a relevant degree program with a strong academic record. Additionally, the company also offers a range of internships in all of its departments.

To apply for the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) student internship, one must be enrolled full-time in a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program. Notable internships include the MBA internship program, the AIML scholars program, and Launch@Apple Mentorship and Externship Opportunities. These internship programs at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) are primarily aimed to enhance students’ leadership skills, technical skills, and social skills. To apply, students must be enrolled in a recognized degree and must submit their resume and academic records along with the online application form.

These opportunities allow students to work and study abroad. Moreover, if a student has completed these internship programs, it is relatively easier for them to land high-paying jobs once they graduate.

Countries That Do Not Allow International Students to Work

Moving out of your home country for better working and learning opportunities is a common phenomenon across the globe. Most countries allow international students to work on their study visas with certain restrictions such as limited working hours and job opportunities/roles. For example, for your first year in the United States as a student, you can only look for on-campus employment opportunities. Starting from your second year, the state allows you to work off-campus.

However, a few countries have not yet streamlined their policies to run the globalization race. A report by Studee states that India is amongst the very few countries that do not permit international students to work in the country on a study visa. However, these students are still allowed to take internships related to their course of study. India is an attractive spot for international students because of the particularly low cost of living, but despite all this, the Indian study visa does not provide any work-related rights to the student. Such students are also not allowed to extend their study visas in case of getting a job opportunity after graduation.

Cyprus is another popular student attraction that limits work opportunities for its international student community. While international students from EU member states can work for 20 hours a week for some industries, non-EU citizens on the other hand, are not allowed to work unless the state makes an exception.

Costa Rica does not allow international students to work alongside their studies, therefore the visa process entails strict measures for proof of financial means to sustain in the country as a student. Moreover, these strict rules are enforced to protect the domestic labor market.

Challenges Faced by International Students

To sustain a certain living standard or to meet necessities, international students usually engage in illegal work as a way around strict policies. Illegal work includes jobs that are paid for in cash, and are therefore off the record, and not accounted for in tax returns. These include tutoring, delivery persons, and drivers. The repercussions of such illegal acts are immense. International students may be immediately deported and may never be allowed to apply to foreign countries. However, for some international students, it is close to impossible to survive with the current work restrictions.

As discussed above, Indians make up a large percentage of international students. In 2022, Canada welcomed 807,750 international students. 40% of the international students were Indian. A news article by The Economic Times reported that 700 Indian students arrived in Canada with fraudulent admission letters. The Indians claimed that they were misled by consultants in India and were told that they had to apply to other colleges since seats in their current courses were full.

Such behavior by consultants stems from the lack of exposure and experience on the part of the students and foreign workers. The reports suggest that people belonging to lower-middle-class families usually feel intimidated by filling out application forms and are therefore forced to depend on consultants and agents to do the work for them. Amongst them, most people either feel they are being robbed of their money.

However, the exploitation and abuse does not end with leaving the country. Canadian institutions tend to exploit international students by offering them lower salaries and hiring them for industries with no potential future for upskilling and growth, adding to the risk of job insecurity. Additionally, female international students have had to bear the brunt of sexual harassment after shifting to a foreign land. Most landlords consider such women to be in a vulnerable position and therefore take advantage of them. A report by CBC News highlights that most international students refrain from reporting indecent behavior, assuming the repercussions may have adverse impacts on their stay in Canada.

Companies that Sponsor and Hire Workers from Abroad

While the future may seem bleak for some international students and foreign workers, globalization has significantly contributed to making it easier for international students to settle abroad. The United Arab Emirates boasts the highest number of expats. According to a report by MoneyTransfers.com, 88.13% of the entire population in the United Arab Emirates consists of expats. Expats consist of people working or studying abroad and people traveling for leisure or other personal reasons.

Due to the advent of globalization, many companies hire people from abroad to work in other countries. Such companies are very generous with their relocation benefits and perks. Notable names include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), CERN Switzerland, and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).

As of 2023, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), has a H1B visa approval rate of 99.91%. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), is one of the leading companies that sponsors workers from abroad. Not only does the company sponsor work visas but with its intensive graduate program offerings, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is also a popular company choice for fresh international student graduates. As of August 1, 2023, the company had a market cap of $3.088 trillion.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, CERN Switzerland, is an incredible company to work for. The company offers a valid work visa of almost 5 years to professionals and a valid work visa of 12-24 months for a student or graduate. The company currently demands people from the following professions: administration, data analytics, international relations, mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, civil engineering, and support services.

Alphabet Inc.(NASDAQ:GOOG) is one of the most popular company choices for international students and foreign workers. The company not only offers generous graduate programs, but it also has a record of hiring qualified foreign workers. The company boasts a market cap of $1.679 trillion as of August 1, 2023.

However, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) recently announced a delay in the processing of green card applications for their foreign employees. As per new policies, If a foreign employee wishes to acquire a green card they must apply for permanent labor certification (PERM). This certification indicates that the position held by the foreign employee cannot be filled by a US citizen, for lack of skills or otherwise. Moreover, if the foreign employee is qualified and skillful enough, they can self-sponsor themselves to acquire a green card.

Our Methodology

To calculate the 15 best countries for international students to study and work, we used an overall score consisting of starting salaries for entry-level jobs, the minimum wage of a country, and the cost of living index. Our rankings were based on the hypothesis that countries with a higher annual average wage would also have significantly higher starting salaries for entry-level jobs. To test our hypothesis, we acquired the annual average wages to shortlist our top 50 countries.

Our metric takes the average of the starting salaries of a fresh graduate for entry-level jobs and the minimum wage. However, some countries like Singapore, Denmark, and Switzerland do not have government-mandated minimum wages. We acquired the lowest salary for unskilled workers where the national minimum wage was unavailable.

After drafting an average of the two wage categories, we divided them by the cost of living index of each country. The cost of living index for all our countries was acquired from Numbeo.

The final metric served as a score for each country and was sorted in ascending order.

15 Best Countries for International Students to Study and Work

15. Ireland

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 367

Ireland is amongst the 15 best countries for international students to study and work. The country has an annual minimum wage of $24,011 and a cost of living index of 70.4. Moreover, Ireland also has post-study work-friendly policies for international students, with a booming tech and management industry.

International Students can also resort to applying for jobs to acquire permanent residence in case of work restrictions in their country of study. Due to the advent of globalization, many companies hire people from abroad to work in other countries. Notable names include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).

14. United Arab Emirates

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 390

The United Arab Emirates is a well-known destination because of its relatively high standard of living. The United Arab Emirates enjoys a minimum wage of $9,801 and a cost of living index of 60.7. The United Arab Emirates allows international students to stay back after graduation after acquiring a work permit. Moreover, the country also offers a golden visa to outstanding students. Such students must graduate with a GPA of 3.75 and above.

13. Canada

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 400

Canada is a highly popular destination for students primarily because of the country’s easy immigration policies. The country offers a minimum wage of $22,949 and a cost of living index of 68. The country allows students to work and stay permanently in Canada once they graduate.

12. Belgium

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 414

Belgium is a country with a booming technical industry. With the advent of startup culture, the country has become a tech hub located in the heart of Europe. The country enjoys a minimum wage of $23,641 and a cost of living index by country of 65.8. The country ranks amongst the 15 best countries for international students to study and work.

11. Italy

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 415

Italy is not only a popular tourist site but also an attractive choice for international students to study and work. The country is particularly very generous with its scholarships for international students. Notable scholarships include ERGO, EDISU, and DSU scholarships. Most students from developing countries are paid to study in Italy amounting to their average cost of living. The country has a reported minimum wage of $14,880 and a cost of living index of 61.

10. New Zealand

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 437

New Zealand allows international students to stay for up to 3 years after they graduate. Within this time frame, the student has the opportunity to find a job and eventually apply for permanent residence. The country has a reported minimum wage of $26,536 and a cost of living index of 70.7.

9. Switzerland

Average Wage* Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 451

Switzerland does not have a government-regulated minimum wage. Therefore, we used the lowest salary offered in the country to an unskilled worker. The lowest salary for an unskilled worker in Switzerland was reported at $30,084 with a cost of living index of 117.3.

8. Spain

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 453

Spain is amongst the 15 best countries for international students to study and work. International students graduating in Spain can apply for post-study work that allows them to stay in the country for up to one year after graduation. The minimum wage in Spain is reported at $15,387 and a cost of living index of 49.9.

7. Australia

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 459

Australia is another popular destination for students to study and work. After graduation, international students can apply for a temporary graduate 485 visa. This visa allows students to stay in Australia for up to 18 months after graduation. Fresh graduates can use this time to look for jobs, improve their English, and engage in travel. The minimum wage in Australia is $27,441 with a reported cost of living index of 75.4.

6. United Kingdom

Average Wage Adjusted to the Cost of Living Index: 500

The United Kingdom is amongst one of the most popular countries for work and study. The reason is the quality of education coupled with highly paid jobs. The minimum wage in the United Kingdom is reported at $24,956 with a cost of living index of 63.6. Since the eventful exit of the country from the European Union, the country has begun to offer generous immigration programs to people from abroad, including work visas, and business visas.

To acquire work visas, one must have a valid offer letter from their potential host country. Many companies hire people from abroad to work. These include Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).

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