Explore the study, money, language and life decisions behind a destination. There isn’t one best country for everyone.
START WITH YOUR PRIORITIES
What matters most to you?
Start with full costs and upfront funds.
Compare exact programmes and cities. A lower tuition fee can still come with substantial living costs and proof-of-funds requirements. Budget time for language learning, including the level required for admission or work.
DE
Germany
Look closely at qualification recognition, language and the full cost of living.
YOUR COST CHECK
Check the specific university’s tuition and required living-funds evidence. Lower tuition is not the same as low upfront funds.
Understand the full route
Academic entry
Check direct university entrance versus a preparatory route for your qualification, plus subject and language requirements at each university.
Language & everyday life
German can be important for undergraduate courses and later employment. English-taught study does not remove workplace language needs.
Temporary work after study
Eligible third-country graduates of German universities can seek a residence permit for up to 18 months to look for qualified employment.
Longer-term settlement
A graduate-specific settlement route may be available after qualified employment and other legal conditions. Graduation alone does not confer permanent residence.
Start with the exact institution and programme, then check work-permit eligibility.
YOUR COST CHECK
Price tuition, housing, insurance, travel and permit-related proof of funds independently. Do not rely on future part-time work to fund entry.
Understand the full route
Academic entry
Check curriculum-specific entry requirements, prerequisite subjects and language evidence for each programme.
Language & everyday life
English or French requirements depend on the institution; a later work permit has its own language rules.
Temporary work after study
A PGWP is available only when the institution, programme and applicant satisfy the rules. Language and, for some programmes, field-of-study requirements apply.
Longer-term settlement
A PGWP is temporary. Work experience may support a later immigration application, but permanent residence is a separate competitive or eligibility-based process.
Understand course entry requirements and the time-limited graduate work route.
YOUR COST CHECK
Include tuition, accommodation, visa fees and health surcharge in your budget; check the official maintenance requirement separately.
Understand the full route
Academic entry
Check the university’s acceptance of your qualification, subject prerequisites and whether a foundation route is needed.
Language & everyday life
English-language evidence and accepted qualifications vary by provider and visa route.
Temporary work after study
The Graduate visa lasts two years for applications by 31 December 2026, or 18 months from 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates receive three years, subject to eligibility.
Longer-term settlement
The Graduate visa cannot be extended. Staying longer usually requires qualifying for a different route, such as Skilled Worker; it does not itself guarantee settlement.
Course recognition, costs and temporary graduate visa conditions need separate checks.
YOUR COST CHECK
Use the course’s current fee schedule plus city-specific housing, insurance and visa-related financial evidence.
Understand the full route
Academic entry
Check the institution’s country-specific qualification rules and any foundation or subject requirements.
Language & everyday life
Academic and visa language requirements are distinct; check both for your circumstances.
Temporary work after study
The subclass 485 Post-Higher Education Work stream is temporary. Eligibility depends on study, qualification, age and other conditions, with exceptions and different stay periods.
Longer-term settlement
A temporary graduate visa is not permanent residence. Skilled migration or employer-sponsored options require a separate assessment under the rules in force.
Policy sources reviewed 17 October 2026. Educational planning information, not an individual immigration assessment. Entry, work and settlement conditions must be checked again before an application.