In 2025, the dream of studying abroad while earning money is no longer reserved for the privileged few. Thanks to flexible visa options, abundant scholarship opportunities, and more inclusive education policies, students from around the globe can now study and work abroad simultaneously—without breaking the bank.
Whether you want to earn a degree in Europe, explore life in Canada, or gain work experience in Australia, this guide will show you how to study abroad with a visa that allows work and access scholarships that make it affordable. With the right strategy, your goal to gain international education and career exposure is absolutely achievable.
Why Study and Work Abroad?
There are several compelling reasons to combine work and study:
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Financial Support: Part-time work helps offset tuition and living expenses.
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Global Experience: Gain exposure to diverse work cultures and enhance your resume.
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Networking Opportunities: Build valuable international connections.
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Language Skills: Working locally improves communication and integration.
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Pathway to Immigration: Some countries allow students to transition into work visas or permanent residency.
With countries now recognizing the importance of skilled international students, governments have created student-friendly visa policies that often allow 10–40 hours of part-time work during semesters and full-time during breaks.
Top Destinations for Work and Study Abroad in 2025
Let’s explore countries offering strong education, flexible work visas, and generous scholarships.
1. Canada
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Work Policy: International students can work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during holidays.
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Post-Study Options: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work for up to 3 years.
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Scholarships: Vanier Graduate Scholarships, Trudeau Foundation, and provincial awards.
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Visa: Study Permit with automatic work rights.
Highlights: Safe, multicultural environment with high-quality universities like the University of Toronto and McGill. Affordable compared to the U.S. and strong pathways to permanent residency.
2. Germany
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Work Policy: Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
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Post-Study Options: 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation.
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Scholarships: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), Erasmus+, and university-specific awards.
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Visa: Student visa with work rights; affordable or no tuition at public universities.
Highlights: Tuition-free education at public universities and low living costs. Most master’s programs in English, especially in STEM.
3. Australia
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Work Policy: Up to 24 hours per week (increased from 20 in 2023) during study, and unlimited during breaks.
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Post-Study Options: Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485).
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Scholarships: Australia Awards, Research Training Program (RTP), Destination Australia.
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Visa: Subclass 500 student visa.
Highlights: High employment rates, quality education, and relaxed immigration rules for skilled graduates. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney are popular student hubs.
4. United Kingdom
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Work Policy: Up to 20 hours per week during term time, full-time during holidays.
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Post-Study Options: Graduate Route allows 2 years of work (3 for PhD).
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Scholarships: Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT scholarships, and university grants.
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Visa: Tier 4 Student Visa.
Highlights: Home to world-class institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge. Despite higher tuition, many scholarships and internships make studying affordable and rewarding.
5. New Zealand
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Work Policy: Up to 20 hours per week, full-time during holidays.
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Post-Study Options: Work visa for up to 3 years post-graduation.
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Scholarships: New Zealand Government Scholarships, university grants.
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Visa: Fee-paying student visa with work rights.
Highlights: Known for its peaceful environment, quality education, and friendly locals. Offers a high quality of life and strong support for international students.
Scholarships That Support Work and Study Abroad
A key way to make studying abroad affordable is to apply for scholarships. Many scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel.
Fully Funded Scholarships
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DAAD Scholarships (Germany) – For graduate students in any field. Includes tuition, stipend, and travel.
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Chevening Scholarships (UK) – Fully funds a one-year master’s degree.
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Erasmus+ (Europe) – For studying in multiple European countries; includes stipend and tuition support.
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Australia Awards – Government-funded, covering full costs for students from eligible countries.
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Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For doctoral students with leadership potential.
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Fulbright Program (USA) – While working during study is limited, this program covers all major costs and connects you to internships and job opportunities post-study.
Partially Funded or Targeted Scholarships
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UoPeople Scholarships – Tuition-free online university with degree programs and options to transfer to institutions abroad.
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Commonwealth Scholarships – For students from Commonwealth countries studying in the UK.
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University-Specific Scholarships – Many universities offer international student aid, such as:
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University of Melbourne International Scholarships
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University of British Columbia (Canada)
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TU Delft (Netherlands) Excellence Scholarships
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Tip: Start searching 12–18 months in advance. Use scholarship portals like:
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Scholarships.com
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DAAD.de
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Chevening.org
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Studyportals.com
How to Apply for a Work-Study Abroad Program with Scholarship
Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose Your Country and Course
Decide what you want to study and where. Consider:
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Language of instruction
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Work policies
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Visa regulations
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Cost of living
2. Research Universities and Scholarships
Identify universities offering your program and check if they offer scholarships for international students.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Common requirements:
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Academic transcripts
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Passport
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Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, unless waived)
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Statement of Purpose (SOP)
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Letters of recommendation
4. Apply to Universities and Scholarships
Apply for admission and scholarships simultaneously. Most universities have online portals.
5. Secure a Student Visa
Once admitted, apply for a student visa that includes work permissions. You'll need:
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Offer letter
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Financial proof (or scholarship letter)
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Visa fee
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Proof of accommodation (in some cases)
6. Plan for Arrival and Work
Once approved:
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Research part-time job options (on or off campus)
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Check employment rules in your visa conditions
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Start networking through LinkedIn, university job boards, or local apps
Tips for Balancing Work and Study
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Prioritize Your Studies – Work should not interfere with academic performance.
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Choose Flexible Jobs – On-campus jobs, remote work, tutoring, or freelance gigs are great.
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Know Your Rights – Learn about minimum wage, job contracts, and visa limitations.
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Use University Resources – Career centers and job fairs can connect you with opportunities.
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Manage Time Well – Use planners or digital tools to track assignments, shifts, and deadlines.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Study Abroad Dream Into Reality
In 2025, there are more pathways than ever to study and work abroad affordably. With careful planning, the right visa, and a solid scholarship, you can earn a degree, gain valuable work experience, and explore the world—all without accumulating a mountain of debt.