Can I Stay Abroad After Finishing My Degree?

post study work

Many countries offer options (post-study work visas, job-seeking permits, graduate passes) to let you remain legally after your studies. Whether or not you can depends on the country, the type of degree you complete, your visa status, and whether you meet other eligibility criteria.

Below is a breakdown of what’s possible in five popular study destinations: the UK, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, and Malaysia, including how long you can stay after graduation, what you need to do, and key considerations for Bangladeshi students.

What Are Post-Study Stay Options?

These are official immigration or visa policies that allow international students, after completing their degree, to stay in the host country to:

Look for work
Work (sometimes in any job, sometimes restricted by certain rules)
Gain relevant work experience
Possibly transition to a longer-term work visa or even permanent residency

These are NOT guaranteed everywhere, and having the degree is one part of the equation. Also, work rights (what jobs you can do, hours, whether you need a job related to your field) differ a lot.

Post-Study Options

Country	Post-study pathway	Typical length	Headline requirements
UK	Graduate visa	2 years (Bachelor/Master), 3 years (PhD)	Apply from inside the UK after successfully completing an eligible course; later, you can switch to Skilled Worker if you get a qualifying job.
Australia	Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) (streams updated)	~2–3 years depending on qualification and stream; rules tightened in 2024–25 (incl. age cap)	CRICOS-registered study completed; major 2024 changes include an age limit of 35 for most streams.
Denmark	Job-seeking residence permit	Up to 3 years	For graduates of approved Danish higher-ed programmes, apply around the end of your student permit. Work rights and follow-on options available.
Sweden	Residence permit to look for work / start a business	Up to 12 months (not extendable)	For graduates of Swedish higher education, you must apply before your current permit expires; funds & other conditions apply.
Malaysia	Graduate Pass (Social Visit Pass)	12 months	For international graduates of Malaysian institutions, it lets you stay to work in permitted sectors, with no employer sponsorship required.

Country-by-Country Details (What to Know + What to Do)

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Graduate Visa

Length: 2 years after a Bachelor’s/Master’s; 3 years after a PhD.
Who qualifies: Students who successfully complete an eligible course in the UK and apply from inside the UK before their Student visa expires.
What next: The Graduate visa itself can’t be extended, but you can switch to Skilled Worker if you secure a qualifying job with a licensed sponsor.
Policy context: The UK’s independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) reviewed the route in 2024 and advised keeping it; the government continues to evaluate outcomes in 2025.

🇦🇺 Australia Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

Streams & stays: Stays typically ~2–3 years depending on your qualification/stream and where/what you studied.
Major 2024–25 change: Maximum eligible age reduced to 35 for most Post-Higher Education and Post-Vocational streams (some passport holders have exceptions). Check your exact stream and occupation/degree settings before applying.
Key must-haves: Completed CRICOS-registered study; meet health/character; apply to the correct stream.
Plan early: Rules were reorganised in late 2024. Always confirm your stream and length on the official page before you lodge.

🇩🇰 Denmark Job-Seeking Residence Permit

Length: Up to 3 years to look for work if you completed a state-approved Danish higher-ed programme (professional bachelor, bachelor, master, PhD).
When to apply: Around the end of your student residence; Denmark also issues a supplementary job-seeking period tied to study completion.
Next steps: You can work during the permit and then move to a work permit once you secure a suitable job.

🇸🇪 Sweden Job-Seeking / Start-Up Residence Permit

Length: 12 months (fixed), neither shorter nor longer; not extendable.
Eligibility: Completed higher education in Sweden (first/second/third cycle), apply before your current residence permit expires, show funds/insurance, and look for work or explore starting a business.
After you find work, switch to a standard work permit.

🇲🇾 Malaysia Graduate Pass

Length: 12 months.
What it is: A Social Visit Pass allowing international graduates to stay in Malaysia to work in permitted sectors and travel; no employer sponsorship required for the pass itself.
Who can apply: International students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher at a Malaysian institution, with a valid Student Pass at the time of application.

Fast FAQ (What Students from Bangladesh Ask Most)

Can my spouse/child stay with me on these routes?
Often yes, but rules vary (and fees apply). The UK allows dependants if they were already your dependants on your Student visa and you meet the route rules; Australia lets you include family on 485 if they meet health/character; Sweden allows family to apply for the same period on the job-seeking permit; Denmark/Malaysia have specific dependant conditions, check the official pages before applying.

Can I extend the post-study visa?

UK Graduate: No, but you can switch (e.g., to Skilled Worker).
Australia 485: Some streams allow different durations/second applications historically, but rules have tightened; check your stream.
Denmark: A job-seeking permit is up to 3 years (and tied to your study completion).
Sweden: No extensions, 12 months max; then switch if you land a job.
Malaysia: Graduate Pass is 12 months; plan to transition if you want to stay longer.

Are there 2025 policy changes I should know?

Australia: the 485 program saw significant tightening (age limit and stream settings) from late-2024 into 2025.
UK: The Graduate route remains in place while the government examines broader immigration reforms; proposals can appear in white papers and take time before becoming law, so always verify the current rule, not headlines.

Smart Game-Plan (so you don’t miss your window)

Know your deadline: Most routes require you to apply before your current student permit/visa expires.
Keep documents ready: Completion letter/transcripts, passport validity, proof of funds/insurance (where required).
Line up the next step: Use your post-study period to secure a job that qualifies for a longer work visa (e.g., UK Skilled Worker).
Budget for fees & time: Application fees, health insurance, and processing times vary; don’t leave this to the last week.
Use university support: Careers and international offices know the local market and visa timing.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Choosing the right country and degree isn’t just about getting admitted; it’s about planning your future after graduation. Our experienced education counsellors can help you:

Pick a country and course that match your career goals
Explain post-study visa options (Graduate Route, 485 visa, job-seeker permits) in detail
Guide you through application deadlines so you don’t miss your chance to stay and work abroad
Prepare for scholarships, visa interviews, and settlement planning

Book a free consultation today, let’s map out a study-to-career journey that gives you global work opportunities and peace of mind.

Contact us now and take the first step toward a degree that opens doors not just during your studies, but long after graduation.