Applying For A Second Degree: International Student Options

International students have a variety of options to pursue further education after obtaining a bachelor's degree. For instance, in Canada, international students can apply for a study visa and pursue a diploma or another bachelor's degree program without it being considered a downgrade. Additionally, Germany offers a range of bachelor's degree programs for international students, with opportunities to extend residence permits after graduation to seek employment. Each country and university will have its own specific requirements, so it is important for students to research their desired location and field of study.

Can international students apply for a degree after a Bachelor's?

International students can pursue a Bachelor's degree in the US

There are several options for pursuing a Bachelor's degree in the US. One option is to take the first two years at a Community College and transfer to a university for the last two years. This way, you can obtain a Bachelor's degree at a lower cost, as Community Colleges have lower tuition fees and are typically easier to get accepted into. Another option is to apply directly to a university, either through each school's own website or through a third-party system like the Common App, which is accepted by over 1,000 colleges. The application requirements for international students typically include academic transcripts, proof of financing, and a passport copy. Additionally, some universities may require standardized test scores, such as the SAT or TOEFL test.

The cost of a Bachelor's degree in the US varies depending on the university and program, with average tuition fees ranging from $15,000 to $45,000 per year. The cost of living also varies based on location and lifestyle, with average monthly expenses ranging from $1,200 to $1,875 for accommodation and $800 for personal expenses. However, US universities offer numerous scholarships for international students, making it possible to pursue a degree without a financial burden.

Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in the US can lead to significant career growth and open up various opportunities for international students. The unique system of Majors and Minors allows students to study a main subject while also exploring other areas of interest. Additionally, the US has a strong job market, and a degree from a US university can enhance career prospects. For those wishing to continue their studies, there are also options for graduate programs, including Master's degrees and PhDs.

International students can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Canada

Canada is a popular destination for international students seeking a Bachelor's degree. The country boasts several prestigious universities and business schools, with some of the world's top institutions. The universities in Canada are recognised for offering excellent educational opportunities and are known for their cultural diversity, making them very appealing to international students.

Finances are another important consideration for international students. Studying in Canada can be expensive, so planning finances in advance is crucial. Students can use online cost calculators to estimate their education and living costs. Scholarships, student loans, bursaries, and part-time work programs are available to help fund studies, with many universities offering scholarships based on merit and need.

Once a student receives an acceptance letter from a university, they can apply for a study permit (also known as a student visa) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit is crucial for international students wishing to study in the country.

Canada offers a range of courses for international students, including specialised programmes such as integrated degrees and honours degrees, which may take up to five years to complete. Many Canadian universities also integrate paid work experience into the degree programme, known as a Co-op. This allows students to alternate between four months of study and four months of full-time employment, gaining valuable experience and exploring potential career paths.

International students can pursue a diploma in Canada after a Bachelor's degree

International students can pursue a postgraduate diploma in Canada after obtaining a bachelor's degree. A postgraduate diploma is a qualification that is one level lower than a master's degree, requiring 120 credits compared to 180 for a master's. It is a shorter program that can help individuals quickly get a job as an additional qualification.

International students can apply for their PR in Canada, which typically takes 15-18 months. Upon completion of their program, they can work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. The average salary for a recent postgraduate diploma graduate in Canada is CAD 54,000, and popular cities with high employability rates and higher wages include Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa.

To pursue a postgraduate diploma in Canada, international students typically need to have completed a relevant bachelor's degree program with a cumulative score of at least 60%. Additionally, specific diplomas, such as those related to project management or business administration, may require one to two years of work experience. English proficiency is also a requirement, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 needed for most diplomas and a score of 7.0 for nursing diplomas.

International students can apply for a study visa in Canada, which allows them to work up to 20 hours per week. After graduating, individuals with a bachelor's degree can work in Canada without specific field of study requirements. However, they must prove their English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four language areas.

International students can work in the US after graduating with a Bachelor's degree

International students on an F-1 visa can remain in the US for up to 60 days after graduation to explore job opportunities or for tourism. There are several options for international students to work in the US both during and after their studies, including CPT, OPT, STEM OPT extension, H-1B status, and a Green Card, among others.

One option is to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows graduates to work in their field of study for up to 12 months. This can be extended by 24 months for STEM fields. To be eligible for the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and you must have graduated with a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics).

Another option is to apply for a work visa. The four most common temporary work visas are the H-1B, E-2, TN, and O-1A. The H-1B visa is the most popular, with 65,000 visas given to those with a bachelor's degree. There is no degree requirement for an E-2 visa, and it can be extended indefinitely as long as the business is operational and viable. A TN visa is a good option for international students from Canada or Mexico, but it is more complex and challenging to apply for permanent residency with this visa. The O-1A visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities, with no specific degree or income requirements.

International students can also apply for permanent residency through an employment-based Green Card. The two best options are the EB-2 NIW and EB-1A. The EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) is a permanent immigrant petition for individuals with an advanced degree or exceptional ability.

It is important to begin the job search process as early as possible, even before graduating. University career centre advisors can provide guidance on resources and assistance available to international students. Employers value skills and experiences, so it is beneficial to have a range of talents to offer organisations.

International students can work in Canada after graduating with a Bachelor's degree

To be eligible for a PGWP, you must meet all the requirements. Firstly, you must have completed a study program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least eight months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programs). Secondly, you must have maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program, although you may study part-time during your final semester. Thirdly, you must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final transcript and an official letter confirming that you have completed your program. Finally, your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after you graduated and before you submitted your PGWP application.

There are some special cases and exceptions to the general eligibility requirements. For example, if you complete your study program in less time than the normal length of the program, you may be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for the full length of your program. Additionally, if you began your studies at a private college delivered on behalf of a public college in the same province before May 15, 2024, or in another province before January 31, 2023, you may be eligible for a PGWP, provided you meet all other criteria.

If you are not eligible for a PGWP, there may still be other options to work in Canada after graduating with a bachelor's degree as an international student. The work experience gained while on other types of work permits may help qualify for permanent residence. Additionally, international graduates with an undergraduate degree or college diploma may decide to pursue a second degree or graduate degree and apply for a new study permit. However, there have been recent changes to the requirements for international students to obtain a study permit, including an increased Cost of Living Requirement and the need for a Provincial Attestation Letter for those seeking a second undergraduate degree or college program.

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