Is it possible to settle abroad after completing my bachelor's degree in the UK or Germany?
Yes, you can settle abroad after completing your bachelor's degree in both the UK and Germany, but the process differs in each country.
- UK: After your degree, you can apply for the Graduate Visa, allowing you to stay and work for up to 2 years (changing to 18 months from January 2027). To gain permanent residency, you must secure a qualifying job, switch to a Skilled Worker Visa, and typically stay for 5 years before applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
- Germany: You can apply for an 18-month residence permit to search for a job related to your field. Once employed, you can transition to a work visa like the EU Blue Card or Skilled Worker permit. Permanent residency is possible after 21-33 months with the Blue Card (depending on German language skills) or after 5 years on a Skilled Worker permit.
Both countries require you to find relevant employment and meet visa requirements to settle permanently.
More expert answers
It depends. Most countries do not allow you to settle permanently right after finishing your studies.
You can usually stay and work for a limited time on a post-study work visa (PSW) - for example, the UK Graduate Visa allows 18 months to 2 years. However, this is not permanent residency.
To settle permanently, you must move from a post-study visa to a work visa or another long-term residency route. This often requires a job offer, meeting salary and skill requirements, and living in the country for several years before applying for permanent residency.
If you want guidance on your options, your Leap counsellor can help based on your goals and profile.
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