Three questions decide whether a study-abroad plan works financially, whatever your nationality: how much money you must prove before you get a student visa, how much you can earn while you study, and how long you can stay afterwards to find a job. The answers differ a lot from country to country, and most of them change every year.
The tables below compare ten popular destinations. Figures are as of 5 October 2026, from the government and university pages listed under Sources. Each country also has its own guide with more detail.
Before you rely on a number: check it again on the official page when you apply. The Netherlands updates its amount every 1 January, Canada raised its figure on 1 September 2026, and Germany's follows its student grant rates.
Proof of funds for a student visa
This is the money you must show you have, usually for the first year, before a visa or residence permit is issued. It is separate from tuition, which most countries also expect to see paid or covered.
| Country | Amount you must show | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | €11,904 a year (€992 a month) | Usually in a blocked account; a recognised scholarship or a sponsor in Germany can also count. Unchanged for winter 2026–27. |
| Netherlands | €1,130.77 a month in 2026 (€13,569.24 a year) | The "study norm"; usually transferred to your university, which applies for the permit. |
| Belgium | €1,062 a month for 2026–27 (€12,744 a year) | Blocked university account, bank guarantee, scholarship, or a sponsor's Annex 32 undertaking. |
| Austria | €722.58 a month under 24; €1,308.39 a month from 24 (2026) | Shown 12 months in advance, plus more if rent is above €386.43 a month. |
| Italy | At least €10,179.85 for 2026–27 | Plus money for the journey home; consulates may ask about your family's finances. |
| Ireland | €10,000 a year | And at least €6,000 of tuition paid before the visa (or the full fee if lower). |
| Switzerland | CHF 21,000 at ETH Zürich | Set by each canton; shown again for each following year. |
| United Kingdom | £1,529 a month in London, £1,171 elsewhere | For up to nine months, on top of unpaid tuition; the Immigration Health Surcharge is extra. |
| Canada | CAD 23,448 a year for a single applicant | For applications from 1 September 2026; tuition and travel come on top. |
| United States | One year's tuition, fees and living costs | Set by your college and shown on your Form I-20; aid and scholarship letters count. |
How to meet the requirement
- A full scholarship usually counts. An award letter showing a stipend at or above the required amount is accepted in place of your own money by most countries in this table. Keep the letter with your visa documents.
- Blocked accounts: Germany and Belgium in particular expect the money to be locked in an account and released monthly. Use only a provider your university or the embassy names, and read our scam guide first.
- Sponsors: a parent or sponsor can often support you, but usually with their own proof of income and a formal undertaking, and some consulates accept money only from close relatives.
Working while you study
Almost every country lets international students work part-time, but the limits are strict, and breaking them can cost you your permit. None of these countries lets you count future part-time income towards your proof of funds.
| Country | During term | In the holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 140 full days or 280 half days a year, or 20 hours a week in the lecture period | No limit under the 20-hour rule |
| Netherlands | Up to 16 hours a week; the employer needs a work permit | Full time in June, July and August instead |
| Belgium | Up to 20 hours a week | More than 20 hours in official holidays |
| Austria | Up to 20 hours a week with a work permit | Not specified |
| Italy | Up to 20 hours a week, 1,040 hours a year | Within the yearly limit |
| Ireland | Up to 20 hours a week | Up to 40 hours a week (June to September, 15 December to 15 January) |
| Switzerland | Up to 15 hours a week (bachelor's students wait six months after arriving) | Full time |
| United Kingdom | Up to 20 hours a week at degree level | Full time |
| Canada | Up to 24 hours a week off campus | Unlimited in scheduled breaks |
| United States | On campus only, up to 20 hours a week | Full time on campus |
Staying after graduation to find a job
A post-study permit gives you time to find a job after you graduate, and in most countries you may work while you look. It is often the deciding factor for students who hope to start a career abroad.
| Country | How long | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Up to 18 months | Any job allowed while you look; not renewable |
| Netherlands | 1 year (the orientation year) | Apply within 3 years of graduating; work freely |
| Belgium | 12 months (the search year) | Apply before your student permit expires; work without limits |
| Austria | 12 months | To look for a job or set up a business |
| Italy | 1 year | Register with the local job centre first |
| Ireland | 12 months after a bachelor's; 12 + 12 after a master's or PhD | Full-time work; no self-employment |
| Switzerland | Up to 6 months | Counted from your graduation date |
| United Kingdom | 2 years if you apply by 31 Dec 2026; 18 months from 1 Jan 2027; 3 years after a PhD | Chevening and Commonwealth scholars must go home |
| Canada | Up to 3 years | Depends on programme length; most applicants need language test results |
| United States | Up to 12 months of OPT, plus 24 months for STEM | The STEM extension needs an E-Verify employer |
What this means for choosing a country
- Lowest proof of funds: Austria for students under 24 (about €8,700 for a year), then Ireland (€10,000) and Italy (about €10,200). Switzerland asks for the most: CHF 21,000 at ETH Zürich.
- Most generous work rules during study: Canada's 24 hours a week, and Ireland's 40 hours in the holidays.
- Longest time to find a job: Canada (up to three years), the UK after a PhD (three years), Ireland after a master's or PhD (up to two years) and Germany (18 months). Switzerland gives only six months.
- Scholarship holders should read their award terms: some, like Chevening and Commonwealth, require you to go home, whatever the country allows.
Next, compare what "free tuition" still costs, or browse the scholarship board for funded routes in these countries.
Sources
- DAAD: Requirements for studying in Germany; Make it in Germany: Study and work; Make it in Germany: Prospects after graduation
- IND: Required amounts; IND: Student residence permit; IND: Orientation year
- Study in Flanders: Visa requirements; Study in Flanders: Work and study; KU Leuven: Working after graduation
- OeAD: Residence permit for students
- Consulate General of Italy in Dubai: Student visa checklist 2026/2027; Politecnico di Milano: Residence permit
- Citizens Information: Student visas; Irish Immigration Service: Third Level Graduate Programme
- ETH Zürich: Residence permit; ETH Zürich: Employment for non-EU students; ETH Zürich: Job-seeking permit
- GOV.UK: Student visa: money; GOV.UK: Graduate visa; UKCISA: Working as a student
- IRCC: Proof of financial support; IRCC: Work off campus; IRCC: Post-graduation work permit
- Study in the States: Proof of financial support; USCIS: OPT for F-1 students