Career Prospects and Job Opportunities for International Students after Studying Abroad

Every major decision starts with a question, doesn't it? It then grows through the challenges and gets shaped by new perspectives to come out as a unique and personal choice made to achieve a certain goal. So, if studying abroad is the goal that you've set for yourself, here are a few things that you need to analyse:

Start by questioning your intent and understand how it would contribute to your overall development.
Before deciding on the particular destination/university, ensure that it aligns with both your academic and career goals.
Evaluate the effectiveness of your choice - in terms of finance, academic objectives, research infrastructure, career prospects, community and student friendliness, etc., to avoid unpleasant surprises later.

To this end, we have compiled a comprehensive guide on the fundamentals of studying abroad, how it contributes to meeting expectations in a globalised economy and the career prospects for graduates after completing studies overseas.

Why Study Abroad?

Better career prospects and infrastructure aside, you might be wondering why studying abroad has become a norm and how it actually benefits your academic goals? Have a look at the following benefits and decide for yourself.

Popular study abroad destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada are known for their immigrant-friendly culture and diversity which make them a hotspot for studying abroad.
Top multicultural cities in the world including Toronto, Sydney, New York City, Paris and London are featured in the QS rankings for their strong education sector and career opportunities for aspiring international students. When you're a part of a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates your worth, then the way to sustainable development and progress becomes easier.

Also Read - Cost of Studying in Popular Study-Abroad Destinations

1. Multicultural Lifestyle

Popular study abroad destinations like the USA, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Canada are known for their immigrant-friendly culture and diversity which make them a hotspot for studying abroad.
Top multicultural cities in the world including Toronto, Sydney, New York City, Paris and London are featured in the QS rankings for their strong education sector and career opportunities for aspiring international students. When you're a part of a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates your worth, then the way to sustainable development and progress becomes easier.

2. Global Career Opportunities

Working as a professional abroad has been a shared fantasy of generations. High-paying corporate jobs overseas have always had an appeal and in this competitive world, you need to stay ahead of the curve and let your resume do the talking. And here is why a degree abroad helps:

According to a study by the Institute for International Education (IIE), more than 70% of employers say that they actively seek candidates with study abroad experience.
According to a survey by QS, 83% of employers say that they value intercultural skills when hiring new graduates.
In another survey conducted by IIE, 50% reported that they secured their first job after graduation with the help of the professional connections they made while studying abroad.

3. Holistic Development

Studying abroad exposes you to new cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. With new places come new perspectives and experiences which could enrich and expand your own beliefs and push you to seek something better. And that's the best part about studying abroad - you'll be a part of a new lifestyle and a cultural setting that makes you more sensitive and tolerant to differences in approach, customs and practices.

A diverse, multilingual environment makes you more aware of the different customs across the world and contributes to your overall development by giving you a broader perspective on career, personal life and future goals.

4. Networking Opportunities

Studying abroad presents a great opportunity to network with a wide range of people who come from different backgrounds and communities. Apart from helping with career development, the contacts you make could potentially help you in many instances such as, making lifestyle improvements, developing hobbies/interests and even starting a family.

Living in a new country to pursue higher education implies adapting to a different system and stepping out of your comfort zone. The relationships you make during your stay abroad determine the overall efficacy of your academic journey and how it contributes to fulfilling your career and personal goals. So network at every opportunity you get to make the most of your studies abroad.

5. Scholarships

Scholarships and financial aid contribute significantly in managing the cost of living abroad. Most popular destinations including Australia, the USA, the UK, Singapore, New Zealand and Canada offer government-aided and university sponsored scholarships to support aspiring international students to have a hassle-free educational experience.

These scholarships along with subsidised accommodation options considerably reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and allows you to plan your finances better.

Know More: Abroad Scholarships

Career Prospects for Graduates After Studying Abroad

Career opportunities are plenty for graduates with international education. From technology and engineering to art and design, employers worldwide recognise and prefer talent with an international academic experience. Here are a few examples of career prospects and job opportunities that international students may pursue after studying abroad:

1. Technology

Tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony, Amazon and Meta and other Fortune 500 companies prefer and hire graduates with a technical background. With advanced knowledge in the latest technological concepts like machine learning, artificial intelligence, software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity, students with international education can be highly sought after in this field.

2. Business and Finance

Fields like Investment Banking, Accounting, Stock broking, Law, Management Consulting prefer graduates with strong business and finance acumen to strategize and structure their operations and manage their core businesses. Corporates value the diverse perspectives and language skills that international students bring to these roles.

3. Healthcare

International students graduating in healthcare-related fields, such as medicine, nursing, or public health, may find job opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, public health agencies and even international organisations like the World Health Organization.

4. Education

Education is another sector where professionals with international education can find lucrative employment opportunities in universities, research institutions, international organisations and other government organisations to aid and develop education/research standards and best practices.

5. Arts and Culture:

For students desirous of pursuing careers in arts, culture, music, theatre and performing arts, having an international qualification and internship would boost your chances of getting employed in established production houses and art galleries.

Also Read - How to Decide Where to Study Abroad?

Post-Study Work Visas

Most popular study destinations have desirable work visas to encourage international students to find suitable career opportunities abroad. Let's have a look at the post-study work visa regulations in popular study abroad destinations:

Country	Duration	How to apply?
Australia	Usually between 2 and 4 years, depending on your qualification. However, from 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights.	have held a student visa in the last 6 months have a recent degree in a CRICOS-registered course provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants when you apply provide evidence you have applied for an AFP check when you apply provide evidence of the required level of English with the application
UK	International students completing an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.	When you apply you’ll need to provide: a valid passport or other travel document that shows your identity and nationality your biometric residence permit (BRP), if you were given one when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from when you applied for your Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa
USA	To get temporary employment based on their field of study, international students need an F1 visa. After receiving the F1 visa, they can stay in the USA for a year once they finish their degree. Another choice would be the H1B visa which would require international students to get a job offer from one of the US-based companies to work in a field that demands specialised knowledge and skills. H1B visas are valid for 3 years and can be extended until 6 years.	Ensure your eligibility for the H1B visa Apply for an active job opening in the US to find a petitioner Ask your employer to start with the petition for the H1-B visa Apply for the H1-B visa at your closest US Embassy
Canada	A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) may be valid anywhere between eight months and up to three years. The length of your permit will depend on the length of the study program you completed in Canada.	Confirm your eligibility for PGWP Gather required documents such as your passport, study permit, a copy of your transcript or degree, and a letter from your school confirming your eligibility for a PGWP. Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Singapore	International students who have graduated from a Singaporean university may be eligible for the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) under the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The duration of the PGWP depends on the level of the degree obtained: Bachelor's degree: Graduates with a bachelor's degree from a Singaporean university may apply for a one-year Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) under the Student Pass scheme, which allows them to work in Singapore. Master's degree or higher: Graduates with a master's degree or higher from a Singaporean university may apply for a one-year Employment Pass (EP) under the Professional, Managerial, and Executive Scheme, which allows them to work in Singapore.	Confirm eligibility and have a job offer from a Singaporean employer before applying for the LTVP or EPT The employer must submit the application for the LTVP or EP through the Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) website. Ensure that the application includes all required documents, such as the candidate's passport, education certificates, and employment contract.

Why Connect With AECC?

AECC is your end-to-end education consultancy for all your study abroad needs. From helping you choose the right career path and helping you with your higher education goals, we'll be with you every step of the way. Get in touch with our expert counsellors right away to take the first step of your study abroad journey.

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Career Prospects and Job Opportunities for International Students after Studying Abroad

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