Which countries currently allow Bangladeshi graduates to stay, work, and possibly move toward permanent residency
Bangladesh contributes thousands of students overseas annually, and many are drawn by “post-study work rights.” Governments are tightening or reforming visa policies: for example, the UK has proposed reducing the Graduate Route term, Australia restructured its Subclass 485 rules in December 2024, and Denmark, from May 2025, will restrict specific programs from losing job-search and family rights. As a Bangladeshi student, you must avoid ineligible programs and ensure all criteria are met to benefit from these opportunities.
Post-Study Work Visa Comparison
| Country | Visa / Permit Name | Duration (2025) | Eligibility (Bangladeshi Students) | Key 2024–2025 Updates | Notes / Tips |
| Australia | Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485 – Post-Higher Education Work Stream) | 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s), 3 years (PhD/Research Master’s) | Yes, must graduate from a CRICOS-registered institution; ≤ 35 years old | From Dec 2024, streams restructured; some courses reduced stay period | Apply before the student visa expires; ensure passport validity covers duration |
| United Kingdom | Graduate Route Visa | 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s), 3 years (PhD) | Yes, if course, at the Student Sponsor institution | May 2025 White Paper proposes reducing to 18 months (not yet final) | Apply before the Student visa ends; check the university is compliant |
| Denmark | Job-Seeking Residence Permit | Up to 3 years (6 months for part-time Master’s for professionals) | Yes, only if studying in state-approved programs | From May 2025, non-state-approved programs lose work + family rights | Confirm program approval before enrolment; strong job search period if eligible |
| Sweden | Residence Permit to Seek Employment or Start a Business | 12 months | Yes, after completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD | No major changes in 2025; remains 12 months | Must apply before student permit expires; show proof of funds |
| New Zealand | Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) | Varies by qualification: usually 1–3 years | Yes, if completing Level 7+ (degree) or eligible postgrad | New residence pathways from mid-2026 announced for skilled graduates | Choose in-demand subjects (ICT, healthcare, engineering) for better prospects |
| Malaysia | Graduate Pass | 1 year | Currently not open to Bangladeshi nationals | 2025: eligibility list excludes Bangladesh | Monitor policy reviews; may change in the future |
Immigration Rules for Bangladeshi Students
Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), Post-Higher Education Work Stream
Eligibility:
- Must have recently completed a qualification from an Australian CRICOS-registered course.
- Be aged 35 years or under at the time of applying.
- Hold a valid Student visa (or equivalent) and have held it for the last 6 months.
Duration of Stay:
- Bachelor’s (including Honours) & coursework Master’s: up to 2 years.
- Research Master’s & PhD: up to 3 years.
New / Updated Rules:
- From December 2024, streams have been clarified; some qualifications that previously granted more extended stays are now restricted
- Age limit remains ≤ 35.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Choose CRICOS-registered institutions and eligible courses.
- Keep passport validity in mind (visa cannot exceed passport expiry).
- Apply for the Subclass 485 while you are in Australia and before your student visa expires.
United Kingdom – Graduate Route
Eligibility:
- Complete an eligible UK degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD) at a Home Office-approved institution.
- Hold a Student visa during study, with a provider recognised as a Student Sponsor.
Current Duration (2025):
- Bachelor’s / Master’s graduates: 2 years on the Graduate Visa.
- PhD or doctoral degree holders: 3 years.
Proposed Changes / Reforms:
- The Government white paper (May 2025) proposes reducing the Graduate Route for undergraduates and master’s students to 18 months. This is under review.
- Dependants’ rules and institution compliance under scrutiny.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Check if your UK university is currently compliant and recognised.
- Watch for updates in the Immigration White Paper that might affect your stay duration.
- Apply for the Graduate Route before your Student visa expires.
Denmark Job-Seeking Residence Permit after Studies
Eligibility:
- Must complete a professional bachelor’s, master’s, master’s or PhD in a state-approved program.
- From May 2, 2025, students in non-state-approved programs for third-country nationals (i.e., non-EU countries, including Bangladesh) will be unable to work during their studies, stay in the country after graduation to conduct job searches, or bring family members.
Duration:
- A job-seeking permit is available for up to 3 years after graduation in approved programs.
- For Master’s programmes for working professionals, the job-seeking permit is valid for 6 months.
New Rules (2025):
- Strict enforcement: Non-approved programs no longer qualify for job-seeking or work rights, or family reunification.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Ensure the program is state-approved before enrolling.
- Verify the validity of the passport; it must be valid for a sufficient period to cover both the study and job-seeking periods.
- If you are in an approved program, after completing the course, you can apply & use the period for job searching. If you find an offer, you can then convert your work permit.
Sweden Residence Permit to Look for Work
Eligibility:
- You must have held a residence permit for higher education in Sweden (first-, second, or third-cycle) and completed your studies.
- Applications must be submitted before the current student permit expires.
Duration:
- 12-month residence permit to seek employment or start a business after completing studies.
Conditions:
- Must demonstrate financial means to support yourself during that period.
- Valid passport, health insurance, and documents confirming study completion.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Translate your degree documents into English or Swedish, certified.
- Do not let the student permit lapse — apply for a post-study work permit before it expires.
- Use the 12 months strategically to network or start a small business if you prefer entrepreneurship.
New Zealand -Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
Eligibility & Duration:
- Must complete a qualification at Level 7 or above, or meet specific English language requirements, usually through at least 30 weeks of full-time study. (Though particular criteria depend on program type)
- Duration varies with qualification type. (E.g., degree, postgraduate)
Recent / Notable Trends:
- New pathways to residence are being developed for skilled workers and trades, with an expected completion date of mid-2026.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Choose degrees in ‘in-demand’ sectors (e.g., health, ICT, engineering).
- Maintain good academic performance at legitimate institutions.
Malaysia – Graduate Pass
Current Status for Bangladeshi Students:
- As of the latest updates, Bangladeshi nationals are not included in the current list of eligible nationalities for the Graduate Pass.
- The Graduate Pass allows students from certain countries to stay in the UK for up to 1 year after graduation, subject to specific conditions.
Key Requirements for eligible nationalities generally:
- Valid passport (valid for at least 18 months)
- Completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Valid Student Pass during application.
- Sponsor (Malaysian citizen) with a minimum income, personal bond, and health insurance.
Tips for Bangladeshi Students:
- Monitor announcements: the eligible nationalities list may be reviewed.
- If you are not yet eligible, consider alternative countries.
Need personal guidance?
Our UniEducation counsellors are here to help Bangladeshi students choose the correct country, course, and visa pathway. From the settlement application, we provide step-by-step support to help you study confidently and secure post-study work opportunities abroad. Book a free consultation today and start planning your future.