Working abroad can be a profound experience for you, offering significant personal growth and career development opportunities. Many students seek valuable work experience through internships or part-time jobs and often aim to secure full-time job offers upon graduation.
So you might be wondering: which are the best countries for you to work in as an Indian student? That’s what this guide on the best countries to work abroad from India aims to resolve for you.
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According to Remote’s Global Life-Work Index 2024, 6 of the top 10 countries are European nations. With this in mind, read this guide and get to learn about the best countries to work abroad, along with details on work visas.
Key Highlights
Here’s an overview of everything you’ll discover in this guide on the best countries to work abroad for Indian students.
| Particulars | Details |
| Best Countries to Work for Indian Students | Australia, US, Canada |
| Best Countries to Work Abroad from India That Offers Better Work-Life Balance | UK, Norway, Netherlands |
| Best Countries for Jobs for Indian Students | US, Canada |
| Benefits of Working Abroad | Networking opportunities, improved language skills, greater job satisfaction |
Please note: To compile the list of the best countries for jobs for Indian students, various factors have been taken into account, including countries with the highest salaries, working hours, equality, happiness, and more.
8 Best Countries to Work Abroad for Indian Students
According to research by McKinsey, a quarter of employees across 15 countries felt burned out last year. If you’re feeling overworked and exhausted, relocating to the Netherlands could provide you with a better balance between work and personal life.
In fact, the global job market continues to evolve, with certain countries standing out as particularly attractive destinations for students like you.
For instance, Australia and the Netherlands offer high living standards, strong economies, excellent work-life balance, robust social security systems, and diverse work environments.
Find out more about the best countries to work abroad for Indian students in 2024.
- Australia
Australia consistently ranks highly for its excellent quality of life, high standards of living, and overall happiness. The country boasts one of the highest minimum wages in the world, set at $15 per hour.
Additionally, cities like Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne are renowned for offering some of the highest-paying jobs in Australia and for providing a safe and secure environment.
What’s more? Deloitte, a globally renowned professional services network, has been named Australia’s Most Attractive Employer for 2024. According to the 2024 Randstad Employer Brand Research, other companies that made it to the top 5 list include G8 Education and IAG Australia.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 2.7L to INR 4.1L (AUD 5,000 to AUD 7,500)
Happiness Score: 7.057
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in Australia: one of the best countries to work abroad for Indian students.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Mechanical Engineer | INR 47L (AUD 86K) |
| Software Developer | INR 55L (AUD 1L) |
| Financial Analysts | INR 55L (AUD 1L) |
Work Visa Information
Australia offers various work visas, but the most popular types include the following.
| Types of Visa | Visa Costs |
| Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) | INR 1L (AUD 1,945) |
| Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) | INR 2.6L (AUD 4,770) |
For detailed information, read our blog on Work Visas in Australia: Duration & Requirement for International Students.
- Canada
Canada is a progressive country with an average salary of INR 38L (CAD 63K) per year and a reasonable cost of living, making it an excellent destination for work and savings. Unlike the United States, Canada offers universal healthcare coverage for its citizens.
The country is also recognised as one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries globally, enhancing its appeal as a place to live and work.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 2.4L (CAD 4K)
Happiness Score: 6.900
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in the table below.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Finance and Insurance Manager | INR 48L (CAD 80K) |
| Public Administration Manager | INR 47L (CAD 78K) |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction Manager | INR 67L (CAD 1.1L) |
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Work Visa Information
A work permit in Canada is a legal document allowing you to work in Canada. Each year, Canada issues approximately half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers.
Here are the different types of work permits.
- Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)
The table below provides a clear overview of the fees and processing time.
| Particulars | Details |
| Processing Fees | Closed Work Permit: INR 9.4K (CAD 155) per person | Open Work Permit: INR 15.5K (CAD 255) per person |
| Processing Time | Usually ranges from a few weeks to several months. |
Also Read: Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Canada: Colleges, Eligibility & Duration
- The United States (US)
Next on the list of the best countries for jobs for Indian students is the US. According to CEOWORLD magazine’s report, the US ranks 3rd among countries with the highest salaries. It boasts a gross average monthly wage of INR 5.4L ($6,455).
The job outlook in the U.S. is promising for both job seekers and employers, with increasing opportunities across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, nursing, STEM, human resources, and marketing.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 5.4L ($6,455)
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with the highest average pay in the US: one of the best countries to work abroad for Indian students.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Cardiologist | INR 2.9Cr (USD 3.5L) |
| Anesthesiologist | INR 2.7Cr (USD 3.3L) |
| Chief Executive | INR 1.7Cr (USD 2.1L) |
Work Visa Information
When it comes to working in the US, you have access to several types of work visas, each with its specific requirements and purposes.
Here are the main types of work visas available in the US.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee |
| H-1B Visa | INR 17.2K (USD 205) |
| L-1 Visa (L-1A for managers and L-1B for specialised knowledge) | INR 17.2K (USD 205) |
| E-2 Visa | INR 26.4K (USD 315) |
| O-1 Visa | INR 17.2K (USD 205) |
| J-1 Visa | INR 15.5K (USD 185) |
Also Read: Working Visa for USA from India: Learn How to Get it.
- The United Kingdom (UK)
A recent Amex Trendex report reveals that 71% of UK employees consider work-life balance the primary factor in job satisfaction, even more important than salary.
Hence, it is no surprise that the UK ranks 8th in Remote’s top 10 countries for work-life balance ranking. The best part? Workers in the UK average just 25.6 hours per week, combining both full-time and part-time roles, making it one of the best countries to work in.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 2L (£1,950)
Happiness Score: 6.749
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in the table below.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Vice President of Sales | INR 1.1Cr (£1.1L) |
| Chief Financial Officer | INR 1.1Cr (£1.1L) |
| Ophthalmologist | INR 1Cr (£1L) |
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Work Visa Information
The common types of work visas for Indians seeking employment in the UK include the following.
| Types of Work Visa | Description |
| Tier 2 (General) Visa | For skilled workers with a job offer |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa | For students with outstanding skills in specific fields |
| Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa | For temporary work in categories like creative or charitable |
Please note: The standard fee for the Skilled Worker Visa ranges from INR 76.7K to INR 1.75L (£719 to £1,639).
Planning to apply for a visa in the UK, US, or Canada? A strong IELTS score is essential to manage the visa process successfully. Leap Scholar is here to help!
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Also Read: UK Work Visa for Indians: Documentation & Application Procedure
- Germany
Germany stands out as one of the best countries to work in, owing to its booming IT market, which is expected to grow by USD 16.21 billion by 2025. This substantial growth signals ample job opportunities and advancements in the IT sector.
What’s more? According to the US News World Report, the country ranks 2nd globally for entrepreneurship. With its technological expertise and a well-connected business environment, Germany is an excellent hub for young entrepreneurs and professionals like yourself.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 3.5L (EUR 3.9K)
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in the table below.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Software Architects | INR 36L to INR 55L (EUR 40K to EUR 60K) |
| Product Engineers | INR 73L to INR 78L (EUR 80K to EUR 85K) |
| Doctor | INR 85L to INR 1.3Cr (EUR 93K to EUR 1.5L) |
Work Visa Information
If you are planning to work in Germany, you should ideally secure a job before applying. Germany offers 2 main types of work visas.
Here is a table outlining the 2 types of visas for Indian students, along with fees and processing time.
| Visa Type | Visa Cost | Processing Time |
| Job Seeker Visa | INR 6.8K (EUR 75) | 4 to 6 weeks |
| EU Blue Card (Residence Permit for Work) | INR 10K (EUR 110) | 5 to 6 weeks |
- Norway
According to the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, Norway’s emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being places it among the best countries for jobs for Indian students.
Additionally, Norway frequently ranks among the 10 happiest nations. Major job sectors in Norway include oil and power, technology, and healthcare, among others.
What’s more? Norway provides some of the highest-paid maternity leave globally, with a duration of 49 weeks.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 3L to INR 4.6L (NOK 40K to NOK 60K)
Happiness Score: 7.302
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in the table below.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Data Scientist | INR 60L to INR 70L (NOK 7.7L to NOK 9L) |
| Hospitality Manager | INR 65L to INR 80L (NOK 8.4L to NOK 10L) |
| Security Architect | INR 70L to INR 85L (NOK 9L to NOK 11L) |
Work Visa Information
If you plan to work in Norway, you will need a residence permit. Ideally, you must secure a job before applying. The type of residence permit you should apply for depends on your skills and the nature of the work you’ll be doing in Norway.
Below are details on the Norway work visa fees and processing time.
| Particulars | Details |
| Visa Fee | Permanent residence permit for work: INR 30.8K (NOK 4K) |
| Visa Processing Time | 8 weeks |
- Netherlands
Did you know? The Netherlands offers the best work-life balance overall, with an average workweek of 32 hours.
What’s more? The country has one of the highest rates of part-time employment in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Nearly half (4.5 million) of all employees in the Netherlands work part-time jobs, contributing to its reputation as one of the best countries to work in.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 2.7L to INR 3.6L (€3,000 to €4,000)
Happiness Score: 7.319
Have a look at the top 3 job roles with average pay in the table below.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| Information Technology (IT) | INR 39L to INR 90L (EUR 43K to EUR 99K) |
| Healthcare Consultant | INR 26L to INR 88L (EUR 29K to EUR 97K) |
| Software Engineer | INR 32L to INR 71L (EUR 35K to EUR 78K) |
Work Visa Information
If you want to work in the Netherlands, one of the best countries to work abroad, you must fulfil several requirements. Typically, you need a work permit, which comes in two types.
Here is a table outlining the 2 types of work permits for Indian students wishing to work in the Netherlands.
| Permit Type | Description |
| Tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV) | A standard work permit for specific job roles. |
| Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid (GVVA) | A combined residence and work permit for broader eligibility. |
The visa application fees for a work visa in the Netherlands range from INR 6.9k to INR 30.9K (€76 to €338), depending on the specific reason for obtaining the visa.
Also Read: Process of Getting a Netherlands Student Visa in 2024: A Guide
- New Zealand
Did you know that 97% of graduates from the top universities in New Zealand secure jobs soon after completing their studies? Additionally, an impressive 90% of these graduates find roles directly related to their fields of study.
What’s more? With over 2.5L persons of Indian origin and NRIs living in New Zealand, it is evident that it is one of the best countries to work in for Indian students.
Average Monthly Salary: INR 2.7L (NZD 5.4K)
Happiness Score: 7.029
Have a look at the top 3 job roles and their average pay in New Zealand: one of the best countries to work abroad for Indian students.
| Top Job Roles | Average Pay Per Year |
| General Practitioner | INR 1 Cr (NZD 2L) |
| Financial Controller | INR 75L (NZD 1.5L) |
| Senior Associate | INR 75L (NZD 1.5L) |
Work Visa Information
The 2 common types of work visas for Indians seeking employment in New Zealand include the following.
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | Processing Time |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | INR 37.7K (NZD 750) | 4 months |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | INR 2.1L (NZD 4.2K) | 4 months |
Also Read: Jobs in New Zealand for Indians 2024: High Salary Jobs, Top Companies
Top Futuristic Skills for Jobs Abroad
According to the World Economic Forum, up to half of the global workforce may need reskilling by 2025.
Moreover, with 1.1 billion jobs expected to be radically transformed by technology in the next decade, upskilling yourself has never been more crucial.
Here are the key skills needed to secure a high-paying job in one of the best countries to work for Indian students.
- Specific technical skills relevant to your field (for example: IT, engineering, healthcare).
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Adaptability and problem-solving abilities.
- Understanding of global business practices and regulations.
- Fluency in the primary language of the host country is essential.
Benefits of Working Abroad for Indian Students
Did you know? According to the Times of India, 2.5 million Indians migrate overseas each year, making it the highest
You can choose to work in fields such as data science, project management, marketing, communications, public relations, financial services, and so much more.
When you choose the best countries to work in, such as the US, Canada or Australia, you can avail yourself of the following top benefits.
- Improved language skills by learning and mastering new languages.
- Enhanced career opportunities through exposure to global job markets.
- Higher earning potential in developed countries such as the US and the UK.
- Networking opportunities to build a global professional network.
- Greater job satisfaction by aligning roles with personal and professional goals.
Also Read: Top Benefits to Study Abroad for Indian Students
To Conclude
Working abroad offers numerous exciting opportunities. The experience, expanded perspective, and unforgettable memories you’ll gain make all the effort worthwhile. While choosing from the best countries to work in, remember the following points.
- Research destinations that are known for their excellent work-life balance and high job satisfaction.
- Explore countries with strong job markets in your field, such as Canada, Australia, and the US.
- Understand visa requirements and work permit options for your chosen country.
Feeling confused choosing the best countries to work abroad for Indian students? Don’t worry! Our expert counsellors at Leap Scholar are here to help. Connect with us to get personalised guidance and make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. Which country has the most job opportunities?
A. The US is often considered to have the most job opportunities due to its large and diverse economy, extensive job market, and numerous industries spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and more. Additionally, countries like Canada and Australia also offer abundant job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
-
Q. Which are the best countries to work for Indian students?
A. The best countries to work for Indian students include the following.
Canada: Known for its welcoming immigration policies and high quality of life.
Australia: Offers a great work-life balance and competitive salaries.
United Kingdom: Features a vibrant job market, especially in finance and marketing. -
Q. Which are the best countries to work in Europe?
A. The best countries to work in Europe are as follows.
-Netherlands
-Germany
-France
-Norway
-Switzerland -
Q. Which country has the best work system?
A. Countries like Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands are renowned for having some of the best work systems. For instance, the Netherlands offers the best work-life balance overall, with an average workweek of 32 hours. Additionally, Norway provides some of the highest-paid maternity leave globally, with a duration of 49 weeks.
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Q. Which country is the safest for a job?
A. Countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark are known for their high safety standards in the workplace. They have strong labour laws, excellent healthcare systems, and a high quality of life, making them some of the safest places to work. These countries provide a secure work environment with strong protections for employees, ensuring both physical safety and job security.
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Q. Which country is best to work in for money?
A. The US is often considered one of the best countries to work for earning potential, with high average salaries across various industries. Other countries with strong earning potential include Switzerland, Australia, and Canada, which also offer competitive salaries and high standards of living.
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Q. Which country is best for living life?
A. You will be glad to know that 71% of UK employees consider work-life balance the primary factor in job satisfaction, even more important than salary. Additionally, Norway also emphasises work-life balance and employee well-being.
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Q. Which is the highest salary paying country?
A. Some of the best countries to work for higher pay include the following.
-USA
-Australia
-Netherlands
-Germany -
Q. Which is the No. 1 workplace in the world?
A. Navro in London is ranked as the top workplace in the Top 100 Global Most Loved Workplaces 2024.
Following Navro, the top workplaces include the following.
-Zabka Group
-Supercharge
-FloQast -
Q. Which country is best to move to and work in?
A. If you are dreaming of moving abroad, the following are the 3 best countries to work abroad according to the latest Expat Insider report from InterNations.
-Indonesia
-Columbia
-United Arab Emirates -
Q. Which country hires most Indians?
A. The top 5 countries that hire the most Indian technical and business professionals are as follows.
-USA
-Canada
-UK
-New Zealand
-Germany
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