I did not know where to start in my first search on the query of Best countries to study and work. Each blog, video, and forum was dissimilar in its list but all of them supposed that their country is the best.
However, the reality is as follows: there is no perfect country among all. It is based on your desire of either being cheap, having part time work options, post study work visa, or quality education.
This is a sincere guide where I will provide my research information, the actual experience of my friends who have gone to study in other countries, as well as my experience in exploring the choice of study options in 2025.
At the end of it all, you will have the exact idea on how to select the best country to study and earn money.
Why This Matters in 2025
The world has evolved a great deal during the last several years. It is no longer all about education, it is now about earning and learning, working experience, and a safe and welcoming place to live, studying abroad.
In 2025, students will no longer be questioning about which university is the best one; they will be questioning about what country is best to study as a student to make money.
And then country by country, let us divide it.
Canada – The Most Popular Choice for Balance
When you question ten students about their choice of the country in terms of where they want to study, at least six students will answer Canada. And honestly, I get why.
Canada is unique in the list of (best countries to study and work) as it is well balanced with affordable education, opportunities to work after the studies and cultural diversities.
👉 Part programs: The students are allowed to work part-time during the semester not exceeding 20 hours weekly and full-time during breaks.
👉 Wages: The average is approximately CAD 14 20 per hour (depending on the province).
👉 Post-study work visa: 3 years of post-study visa.
Aminah, who is also one of my close friends, relocated to Toronto to pursue her masters degree. In her second month, she began working in a cafe and then secured an internship in a technology company, her internship turned out to be her permanent employment.
Pro tip: Select the cities such as Ottawa, Calgary or Winnipeg to get lower living costs and greater employment opportunities.
You may read my previous article on benefits of internships.
in case you want to know how one can work part-time to support his future career.
Australia is a country with Sunshine, Flexibility and Earnings
Australia is part of my personal preferences regarding the best countries to study and work. Why? It is one of the few places that students will save money in the process of studying.
Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world of approximately AUD 23/hour.
Work opportunities:
- On campus and off campus part time employment.
- Student positions: barista, tutor, customer service, delivery or administration.
Post-study work visa: 2–4 years (depending on your degree)
And the education system is robust, with such top ranking universities as Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland being ranked worldwide.
My cousin was studying in Brisbane and he shared something with me that caught my ear, he said that, in Australia, studying, working and still having fun is possible provided that one manages his time.
In case you are thinking about part-time work, you should also know about my blog about
part-time jobs online which are offered to students.
United Kingdom - Fast Degrees, Great Exposure
UK has never left out the list of the classic choices among the best countries to study and work list. The best thing? The majority of undergraduate courses only last 3 years, and master degrees only last 1 year - so you pay less and are qualified sooner.
- Part time employment: No more than 20 hours a week during term.
- Average hourly pay: £10–£15.
Post-graduates will be allowed to work or acquire experience in the country they have graduated in during a period of 2 years ( Graduate Route Visa ).
London is also very expensive, other cities such as Manchester, Birmingham or Leeds are very cheap and have good employment prospects.
My experience of visiting a friend, who was pursuing her masters in Business Analytics, in Leicester is also an experience that I recall. She stated that UK makes you hustle smart, not hard study.
New Zealand, the Student Hidden Gem
Looking to have a good country to study and work without the hustle and bustle, New Zealand is a country worth a place on the list of the best countries to study and work.
Students will be allowed to work 20 hours a week in study terms and full time in breaks.
Salary: NZD 20-25 an hour on an average basis.
It has lower cost of living than Australia and its environment is ideal to students who believe in balance.
Besides, international graduates will be able to obtain post-study work visas, which last up to 3 years.
The thing I personally like about New Zealand is the fact that it is so safe and non-stressful there, it is a good place to study and relax.
Germany - Quality Education, It Costs Nearly Free!
Germany is worth all the attention that she is getting in 2025. Free or very affordable education even to foreign students is provided in most of the public universities.
That is why Germany is one of the cheapest among the best countries to study and work.
Work rules:
- The students may work 120 full days or 240 half days annually.
- Average pay: €12–15 per hour.
Tuition is low so that you can save or invest your income.
💡 Pro hint: Knowing a little German can increase your career opportunities by twice as much - particularly in such cities as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg.
The Land of Big Dreams United States.
The USA could not be left out of the list of the best country to study and earn money. It has the greatest universities in the world Harvard, MIT, Stanford and it has inexhaustible opportunities to ambitious students as well.
Work options:
- Working of up to 20 hours/week on campus during term.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation optional — 3 years on STEM courses.
💰 Salary: 1220 an hour (depending on the job and location).
Of course, it is not cheap to study in the U.S. However, it is worth it because of the exposure, networking, and internship opportunities.
A friend of mine who is a Sri Lankan studied Computer science in Texas. He began as an IT assistant in the campus and currently works full-time in a technical start-up.
Other Great Alternatives to Consider
The following are some of the other countries that will be popular among international students in 2025:
- Ireland: Intense technology and financial sector; post-study working visa hassle-free.
- Singapore: Quality education, safe place, and international business centre.
- France: Cheap education and full of life culture (learn French).
- Sweden: Scholarships, part-time employment, and standard of living.
All these have their strong points and weaknesses - everything depends on the ambitions and finances.
How to Choose the Right Country for You
The following is how I reduced my list:
- State your purpose: Do you want to save money, work experience or settle in a foreign country?
- Compare visa regulations: Other countries have superior post-study employment.
- Find out what job positions are available: Search in sectors that are student-friendly such as the retail, hospitality sector, or IT.
- Think of climate and culture: You are not going to stay there by the day.
- Look far ahead: What do you think you will be doing after graduation?
FAQs About Studying and Working Abroad
Q: What is the best country to make money on students?
- Australia and Canada are the highest paid in terms of hourly payment in part time student jobs.
Q: Am I allowed to study and work in a foreign country without IELTS?
- Yes, in Germany, France, and New Zealand there are also universities that do not require IELTS - but still, it is better to have one.
Q: Which is the cheapest country to study and work?
- Germany and New Zealand are affordable, the tuition and living expenses are not high.
Q: Can a part-time job be easily obtained as a student?
- In most countries, yes. In case you are proactive and possess simple communication skills, you will discover something in the first few months.
Final Thoughts – The World is Yours
And still you can be asked what of the two lists of the best countries to study and work is the one that matches you best relax and breathe. You are not only deciding on a country but also a book of your life.
In my case, this experience of travelling opened my eyes to the fact that each nation is magical. Canada is warm and balanced, Australia is unrestricted and brings revenue, and Germany is liberalized with free education.
Therefore, choose the one that suits your dreams, your budget and personality.
And take it in mind, you are not the only one taking this trip. All students in foreign countries began with the same query: (Which country is best to make money as a student?)
It is your time to discover your solution now.
Don’t forget to find out more about
GoWith360. I have written student life guides, freelancing, and study motivation guides which will assist you in preparation of the big move.
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