Can you suggest backup country options for studying abroad besides the UK in Australia/Canada?

Yes, you have five solid backup destinations if the UK, Australia, and Canada feel too crowded or restrictive right now. New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and France each combine strong academics with a genuine post study work runway, so you are not just studying abroad, you are building a real pathway to work after graduation.

Quick Comparison of Your Backup Options

Why Each One Stands Out

• New Zealand mirrors Australia and Canada closely, with all eight state universities ranked in the global top three percent and a transparent points based residency pathway
• Germany offers over one thousand English taught degree programs, especially in engineering, computer science, and business, at near zero tuition
• Ireland hosts the European headquarters of Google, Meta, Apple, and Pfizer, giving you strong internship and graduate employment paths
• The Netherlands has more than two thousand one hundred English taught programs with a flexible one year job search visa
• France is expanding international intake with heavily subsidized public tuition and a two year post study work visa for master's graduates

My Advice

Shortlist based on whether you want to stay fully English speaking, which points you to New Zealand or Ireland, or whether you can handle a European language over time for lower tuition, which favors Germany or the Netherlands. Apply to at least two countries in parallel so a single visa cycle delay does not derail your intake.