Study Visa Comparison: Canada, Australia, UK, USA and New Zealand for International Students
Compare study visa programs across Canada, Australia, UK, USA, and New Zealand. Post-graduation work rights, PR pathways after study, tuition costs, and part-time work allowances.
Study Visa Comparison for International Students
Choosing where to study abroad is a major decision that affects your education quality, career prospects, and long-term immigration options. This comparison covers the five most popular study destinations for international students.
Canada Study Permit
Canada's study permit allows international students to study at a designated learning institution for the duration of their program. Part-time work: up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP): up to 3 years depending on program length. PGWP holders gain Canadian work experience that qualifies for Canadian Experience Class PR. Spouses of study permit holders receive open work permits. Average undergraduate tuition: CAD 30,000 per year. Health insurance required. SDS (Student Direct Stream) offers faster processing for applicants from select countries.
Australia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
Australia's student visa allows study at a registered Australian education provider. Part-time work: 48 hours per fortnight during study, unlimited during breaks. Post-study work: Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) offers 2-4 years of work rights depending on qualification level. PR pathways are strong through skilled migration points for Australian study (5 bonus points), work experience, and the Graduate Work Stream. Average undergraduate tuition: AUD 30,000-45,000 per year. Health cover (OSHC) mandatory.
UK Student Visa
The UK Student visa allows study at a licensed student sponsor. Part-time work: up to 20 hours per week during term-time for degree-level students. Graduate Route visa: 2 years for bachelor's and master's graduates, 3 years for PhD graduates. Graduate Route allows unrestricted work at any skill level. Transition to Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor at RQF 3+ level. Average undergraduate tuition: GBP 15,000-25,000 per year. Immigration Health Surcharge applies.
USA F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa permits study at SEVP-certified US institutions. Part-time work: 20 hours per week on-campus only during academic sessions. CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows off-campus work integral to your program after one academic year. OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months post-completion work authorization extendable to 36 months for STEM graduates. H-1B visa lottery remains the primary PR pathway. Average undergraduate tuition: USD 25,000-55,000 per year. Health insurance required.
New Zealand Student Visa
New Zealand's student visa allows study at an approved education provider. Part-time work: 20 hours per week during study, full-time during holidays for full-time students. Post-study work visa: 1-3 years depending on qualification and study location. Green List occupations offer direct PR pathways for graduates in high-demand fields. Average undergraduate tuition: NZD 25,000-35,000 per year. Required to have medical and travel insurance.
PR Pathway Comparison After Study
Canada offers the most straightforward PR pathway through Canadian Experience Class after one year of skilled work. Australia awards bonus points for Australian study and provides the Graduate Work Stream. UK requires transition to Skilled Worker visa after Graduate Route expiry. USA depends on the H-1B lottery with no guaranteed PR pathway. New Zealand offers Green List direct residence for in-demand occupations. For students whose primary goal is permanent residence, Canada and Australia offer the most predictable post-study PR pathways.