China’s Education Outreach: A New Destination for Indian Students?

Jayaraj Arul Samji
1 day ago
3 min read

For Indian students charting their study abroad course, post-study work opportunities are an important factor shaping their decisions. With New Zealand and Australia offering increasingly attractive options, these destinations are gaining favor, offering you valuable pathways after graduation. Let us simplify how these work rights directly impact your choices and what they signify for your future

View of The Bund in Shanghai, representing China's growing importance as a study destination for international students, and China Scholarship opportunity for indian students

Work Rights: A Global Comparison

New Zealand offers an open post-study work visa for up to 3 years for master’s or doctoral graduates who completed at least 30 weeks of full-time study here. For degree-level 7 or 8 qualifications, the visa duration matches the length of your programme (minimum 30 weeks).

For Australia, under the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa’s Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s (including honours) and master’s (coursework) graduates receive up to 2 years, while research master’s and PhD holders get up to 3 years.

A Canadian Post-Graduation Work Permit runs up to the same length as your study if the programme was 8 months to under 2 years, and up to 3 years if your study lasted 2 years or longer.

The UK Graduate visa allows 2 years of work for undergraduates and taught master’s graduates. PhD holders can stay and work for 3 years after course completion.Students often pick destinations with longer post-study work rights to boost early career prospects, especially as some countries tighten rules elsewhere.

Eligible Courses:

Students generally need to complete a Level 7 or higher qualification for a New Zealand post-study work visa. Such as a bachelor's and master's degree or certain diplomas specified on the PSWV list. These programs frequently focus on high-growth industries like technology, engineering, and health.

Australia, on the other hand, focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and vocational courses, while Canada generally includes most degrees, though it excludes short-term programs. The UK follows an open policy that covers all undergraduate and postgraduate degrees for post-study work rights.

Indian students are finding the post-study work policies of these countries appealing, as shown by a 15% decrease in India's total student outflow in 2024 alongside a 15% rise in Indian students choosing New Zealand in 2025. Meanwhile, Australia's student enrollment stabilized following their work visa cap adjustments in May 2025.

International students clearly prefer tech and healthcare fields as a response to global skill shortages and this focus aligns with New Zealand's increasing efforts since they want students with qualifications in these critical industries.

Your choices are contributing to economic growth.

The New Zealand education sector experienced a 10% expansion in 2024. Reaching NZ$4 billion and providing employment for 6,000 people.

Australia's education market valued at approximately $40 billion, saw a substantial number of international student enrollments in 2024. In contrast, Canada's $22 billion sector faced headwinds due to a significant decrease in Indian student numbers.

With 98,890 Indian students in 2024, the UK's education sector remains a significant player

New Zealand's 11% share of this market and Australia's higher visa fees (AUD$1,600 from July 2024, increasing in April 2025) could pose challenges to their growth in Indian student numbers if policies evolve.

Opportunities and Challenges

While New Zealand's 20-hour work limit and Australia's AUD 29,710 savings requirement can benefit students, but the housing shortages in both nations pose a challenge. Where as Canada's CAD 20,635 proof of funds results in affordability issues

The UK's job-first visa policy puts extra pressure on students. Visa delays, with New Zealand taking 6-8 weeks and Australia increasing scrutiny, might also cause problems. However, despite these challenges, New Zealand has high-paying tech jobs up to NZ$170,000, and Australia's STEM sectors are still growing.