Destinations
Six countries, each drawn as the stamp you would collect: when courses start, the work you may do in term and how long the visa usually takes.
Our visa page
Compare the conditions before you compare universities. A country that suits your budget but starts only in February changes your whole year.
Rectangle
A degree course: a bachelor’s or a master’s, one to four years.
Round
A course that is not a degree: English, a foundation year or an exchange semester.
Code
The three-letter country code, as passports print it.
Starts
The months new students usually begin.
Work
Paid work allowed during term; holidays are usually full time.
Visa
The usual time for a decision once you have applied.
VisasConditions in 2026 (sample)
GBR
United Kingdom
Starts Sep and Jan
Work 20 h a week
Visa in about 3 weeks
CAN
Canada
Starts Sep, Jan, May
Work 24 h a week
Permit in about 8 weeks
AUS
Australia
Starts Feb and Jul
Work 48 h a fortnight
Visa in about 4 weeks
IRL
Ireland, English
25-week course
Work 20 h a week
Starts every month
DEU
Germany
Starts Oct and Apr
Work 140 days a year
Visa in 6 to 12 weeks
NZL
New Zealand
Starts Feb and Jul
Work 20 h a week
Visa in about 5 weeks
Degree course Not a degree: English, foundation or exchange
Usual conditions for students in 2026 (sample). Rules change; we check them with you.
Costs by country
Tuition for international students and a modest month of living costs.
GBR
One-year master’s, three-year degrees and foundation years
Tuition a year
$19,000 to $32,000
Living a month
$1,500
CAN
College diplomas with paid work terms, four-year degrees
Tuition a year
$16,000 to $30,000
Living a month
$1,300
AUS
Degrees with a July start, nursing, engineering, marine science
Tuition a year
$20,000 to $34,000
Living a month
$1,600
IRL
English courses and degrees taught in English inside the EU
Tuition a year
$11,000 to $25,000
Living a month
$1,400
DEU
Master’s at public universities, many taught in English
Tuition a year
Semester fee about $350
Living a month
$1,050
NZL
Smaller universities, environmental and outdoor subjects
Tuition a year
$18,000 to $30,000
Living a month
$1,400
Example prices, converted to US dollars.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Can I afford every year of the course, not only the first?
- Does the start month fit my exams and results?
- How many hours can I work, and will that cover rent?
- What can I do after graduating: stay and work, or come home?
Questions about destinations
Can you help with Ireland, Germany and New Zealand?
Yes. They have no separate pages here, but our advisers handle them the same way: shortlist, applications and visa.
Do you work with the United States?
Not at the moment. We prefer to advise well on six countries than thinly on twenty.
Is studying in Germany really free?
Most public universities charge only a semester fee, but you must show about a year of living costs in a blocked account for the visa (sample).
Can my family visit or join me?
Short visits are usually fine on a visitor visa. Bringing family to live with you depends on the country and the level of study; ask us early.
Start with a free hour
Bring your grades and a rough budget. We talk through countries, courses and costs, and you leave with a written shortlist plan. No fee, no obligation.