Can Bhutanese Students get a post study work permit?

Study, work abroad & pursue your international career

Times are hard these days in the Bhutanese economy. Jobs are getting scarce and people are going to extreme lengths to live a decent life. The modern competitive world has proved to be a double edge sword. The competitive ones are reaping all the benefits, living a healthier lifestyle and others are getting left out.

For these reasons and many other, students opt for studying abroad, work and reside permanently for a better career and opportunities. There are lots of options available to Bhutanese students who want to stay and work in the foreign countries (namely UK, Australia, New Zealand & Canada) after getting their post study work visa.

If you’re thinking about residing in an overseas state after your studies, you need to apply for separate visa apart from your student visa

Listed below are some of the renowned destinations for Bhutanese students to further pursue their international study career.

1. The United Kingdom (State made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland)

The UK allows 2 years post study work visa for international students

Every year more than 442,000 international students in the UK are studying for higher education, and many Bhutanese students are currently studying. The UK enjoys an internationally recognized reputation for quality education. All universities and colleges strictly abide by the standards of the British government, so you will get the best tuition, experience and resources.

Can students work and study? Yes. Students studying at UK universities are allowed to work anywhere from between 20-40 hours in term time during vacation. Most of the students in the UK work in shops, bars and restaurants and fill their pocket with some much needed cash.

After obtaining a 24-month post study work visa (PWV), graduate students can find work in the UK. This applies to graduates of Bachelor (Bachelor), Postgraduate (Diploma) and even PhD. They can find any type of job and then try to convert it to a general work visa (or skilled work visa). These conditions make the UK an attractive destination for students who wish to kick off their international careers.

Who all are eligible? Any international student who holds a Tier 4 visa (Tier 4 student visas allows people from outside of the European Economic Area to enter the UK as a student and work in the UK after their studies) who is enrolled in an institution based in the UK will be eligible to stay in the UK after graduation to find a job and get post study work rights.

2. CommonWealth of Australia

Australia is one of the world's most highly urbanised countries; it's well known for its attractive mega cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.

Australia is another desired destination for Bhutanese students. It is a renowned education hub with high quality education and living standard. Its rich and diverse culture, friendly natives, technological advancement and rich wildlife makes it ideal for a perfect learning environment.

Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in Australia. This gives an opportunity for students to earn extra money and gain work experience.

As in any other country, after completing your studies, your student visa, after 18 months, is not legally entitled to grant you the right to study and work in Australia. 

As a student visa holder, you have no post study work permit after completion of your study and would be expected to leave before the visa expires. Therefore, if you plan to stay and work after you graduate, you must apply and obtain a work visa. Visit Global Reach for guidance on how to acquire a work visa in Australia.

3. New Zealand-relatively a new option for Bhutanese students

You can apply for a post-study work visa after completing your qualification and work in New Zealand for up to three years

Over the recent years, New Zealand has seen an unprecedented number of Bhutanese students opting for oversea education. It is well known for its exceptional education services and facilities.

If you own a legitimate scholar visa, you’re eligible to work for 20 hours per week and full time during scheduled holidays. Similarly, in case you are a Master/PhD scholar, you may work for full time during the term time as well as  scheduled holidays. Doing part time jobs provide college students to meet their dwelling expenses.

After completion of your studies in New Zealand, you can apply for a post-study open work visa, with term time between 1-3 years, depending on your degree. Individuals should:

  • Be between 18-30 years
  • Have minimum of $4500 in their bank balance
  • Fulfill the minimum benchmark for IELTS score (6.5)


Most importantly, after living and working in New Zealand on a post-study work visa, you can opt for a resident permit for a duration of 24 months. Then you can apply for permanent residency.

4. The Great White North - Canada

Post study work visa and opportunities in Canada

Canada rank #1 when it comes to quality of life and is well known for its outstanding quality of education all round. Besides, one can experience a wide array of cultures, lifestyle, abundant wildlife and incredible quality of life.

Like other major countries, you are eligible to work and study, simultaneously. They can work for 20 hours max every week and full time throughout your scheduled holidays without a work permit. It provides a platform for scholars to earn more cash and  assist in your job hunt later on.

To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a post-graduate work permit. You are eligible to work in any occupation, regardless of your study background-only exception if medical exams such as working in school/health care.

Final words

Can Bhutanese get a post study work permit? Well yes, absolutely! However, they need to fulfill the legal requirements. They prefer studying abroad for better opportunities, quality education and shape their future.

For most Bhutanese, The UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia are the desired places to commence their careers. For these, they need to get their post study work visa done, study and work for extra earnings and get the post study work permit/rights figured out.

Are you  planning to pursue your study career abroad? Well, you have come to the right place.


Chhundu Training Institute offers you the guidance you need. Simply click on the link below to wipe out all your doubts.

Find out more on Global Reach!!!