Int’l students urged to take advantage of EU’s 3 million vacancies, favourable post-study visa pathways
Prospective international students have been urged to take advantage of the millions of vacancies available in European countries through their favourable post-study visa prospects.
According to experts, this provides more compelling alternatives to more traditional destinations like the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Currently, EU countries have an estimated three million job vacancies available, and career prospects are significantly boosting the region’s appeal for those seeking long-term settlement.
Read also: Why international students are seeking alternatives beyond the UK, US, and Canada
The figures, highlighted by Clint Khan, director of the UAE-based education and migration consultancy Y-Axis, indicate that there is a crucial shift in the global higher education landscape.
Khan pointed out that two of the EU’s largest economies, France and Germany, are leading the demand, each offering approximately 700,000 job opportunities.
He emphasised that for students planning their futures, the volume of jobs coupled with the EU’s clear residency pathways offers a major advantage over the increasingly difficult immigration processes found elsewhere.
“Europe has nearly three million jobs available… with options like the EU Blue Card or work permits, students can eventually gain permanent residency and the freedom to work across the EU,” he explained.
“A student who moves to an EU nation to study at the age of 18 or 19 has the chance to work across all EU countries by 26 or 27, which is a great opportunity for anyone. Post-study pathways are very important as they determine what kind of future a student can build”, Khan added.
Traditional destinations face tighter immigration rules
While the US and the UK continue to draw large numbers of international students, the expert warned that tightening immigration policies are making it much harder for graduates to secure long-term residency.
Khan noted the growing difficulties facing graduates, “In the UK, for instance, students now face greater hurdles in securing long-term residency. In the US, pathways are also very challenging.”
In contrast, he suggested that Canada and Australia remain ‘reliable options’, continuing to offer predictable post-study work routes and residency opportunities.
His advice for students and their parents is to weigh study choices not just on academic merit, but heavily on long-term career prospects, visa rules, and clear routes to residency.
He noted that students must prioritise destinations that provide sustainable career and residency opportunities alongside academic quality.
