STUDY ABROAD ADVISORYStudy Abroad Advisory from Dubai — Student Visa Guidance for 14 Destinations

Guidance on choosing an SEVP-certified school, preparing your I-20 and funds evidence, and getting ready for your visa interview. 2026 brings fixed-term admission and expanded online-presence screening, so early preparation matters.

Work rights

On-campus up to 20 hrs/week during term and full-time in breaks; off-campus work only through authorised CPT/OPT.

Funds benchmark

No single national figure. Your school's I-20 estimate of tuition and living costs sets the benchmark.

After graduation

OPT (12 months; STEM extension rules apply), subject to ongoing US policy review.

Support choosing a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), securing the provincial attestation letter where required, and preparing proof of funds and your study plan.

Work rights

Up to 24 hrs/week off campus during term (full-time in scheduled breaks); on-campus work has no hour cap.

Funds benchmark

Around CAD 22,895 for a single applicant (living costs, indexed annually) plus first-year tuition and travel.

After graduation

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility depends on institution and field of study.

Guidance on CRICOS-registered course selection, your Confirmation of Enrolment, the Genuine Student statement and financial-capacity evidence.

Work rights

Up to 48 hrs per fortnight while your course is in session; unlimited during scheduled breaks (Master's by research and PhD students have no cap).

Funds benchmark

Living-cost benchmark has been about AUD 29,710 per year (plus tuition and travel). Confirm the current Home Affairs figure.

After graduation

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), subject to age, qualification and English criteria.

Guidance on course and provider selection, tuition-payment evidence and living-cost funds for New Zealand study.

Work rights

Up to 25 hrs/week during term (raised from 20 on 3 November 2025) for eligible students, and full-time in scheduled holidays.

Funds benchmark

NZD 20,000 per year for living costs (NZD 1,667 per month for courses under a year) plus tuition.

After graduation

Post-Study Work Visa. Duration depends on qualification level; criteria for some Level 7 graduate diplomas change from late 2026.

Guidance on choosing a licensed sponsor, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the 28-day funds rule and the English-language requirement.

Work rights

Degree-level students: up to 20 hrs/week in term and full-time in vacations; below degree level: up to 10 hrs/week.

Funds benchmark

Living costs of £1,529/month (London) or £1,171/month (outside London) for up to 9 months, plus first-year tuition, held for 28 days.

After graduation

Graduate visa: currently 2 years (3 for PhD). Bachelor's and Master's graduates applying on or after 1 January 2027 get 18 months.

Guidance on approved programmes, tuition-payment evidence and funds proof, and registering your Stamp 2 permission on arrival.

Work rights

Up to 20 hrs/week in term; up to 40 hrs/week in 1 June–30 September and 15 December–15 January. Hours cannot be averaged.

Funds benchmark

At least €10,000 for courses longer than 8 months, plus tuition evidence.

After graduation

Stamp 1G Graduate Scheme lets eligible graduates stay to seek skilled employment.

Guidance on admission, the blocked-account requirement, health insurance and the residence permit you apply for after arrival.

Work rights

Up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year.

Funds benchmark

Blocked account of about €11,904/year (€992/month) for 2026. One provider cites €12,030, so confirm the figure with your embassy.

After graduation

18-month job-seeker residence permit after graduation, leading to work permits such as the EU Blue Card.

Guidance on the Campus France / Études en France procedure where it applies, funds evidence and validating your visa online after arrival.

Work rights

Up to 964 hours per year (about 20 hrs/week) without a separate work permit.

Funds benchmark

At least €615 per month for the length of your stay.

After graduation

Job-search and business-creation permits are available to eligible graduates (APS).

Guidance on admission, the combined MVV/residence-permit (TEV) procedure your university submits, and funds evidence.

Work rights

Maximum 16 hrs/week in term, or full-time in June–August. Your employer must obtain a work permit (TWV).

Funds benchmark

The IND's 2026 monthly study amount is about €1,130.77, usually evidenced as a 12-month total.

After graduation

Orientation-year (zoekjaar) residence permit: 12 months to look for work after graduating.

Guidance on admission, Swiss-bank funds confirmation and the cantonal residence permit. Switzerland is one of the most expensive study destinations, so budgeting matters.

Work rights

No work in the first 6 months; afterwards up to 15 hrs/week in term with cantonal approval.

Funds benchmark

About CHF 21,000 per year confirmed by a Swiss bank (varies by canton).

After graduation

Up to 6 months after graduation to look for qualifying work, subject to annual non-EU quotas.

Guidance on university admission, funds evidence and the temporary residence permit you apply for in Poland for longer programmes.

Work rights

Full-time students at accredited institutions can work without a separate work permit; part-time and non-degree routes can differ.

Funds benchmark

Set by Polish authorities as monthly living and accommodation costs plus return travel. Confirm the current figure with the Voivodeship Office.

After graduation

Graduates of full-time Polish studies have access to the labour market; a job-search residence permit also exists (confirm duration).

Guidance on admission to an approved institution, which then registers your Student's Pass application through ICA's SOLAR system, plus tuition-grant options and funds planning.

Work rights

At approved institutions: up to 16 hrs/week in term and full-time in vacations. Exchange students may not work.

Funds benchmark

Tuition and living costs as required by your institution and ICA.

After graduation

Employer-sponsored Employment Pass or S Pass; the MOE Tuition Grant carries a 3-year service commitment.

Guidance on school selection, the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) your school applies for, and sponsor and funds documentation.

Work rights

Only after separate permission for activity outside status: up to 28 hrs/week in term and 8 hrs/day (40 hrs/week) in long vacations.

Funds benchmark

Schools typically look for roughly JPY 2.0–2.5 million for a one-year programme. Confirm with your school.

After graduation

Job-hunting 'Designated Activities' status, then a work visa.

Guidance on university admission, the D3 study visa and the study residence permit you apply for within roughly 45 days of arrival.

Work rights

Student work rights are limited and may need separate authorisation; since 1 March 2026 a separate right-to-work permit is required for employment.

Funds benchmark

Tuition and living-cost evidence as requested by your university and the Public Service Development Agency.

After graduation

Possible move to other residence permits (for example work) after graduation.