There are nine countries which provide post-study work opportunities and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR).

By examining these top PR-friendly destinations and following the practical steps, international students can navigate the path to permanent residency more effectively, ensuring a smooth transition from academic life to a stable and fulfilling career abroad.

They can also leverage the opportunity to remain in their dream countries and make big things out of life.

We explored the top nine destinations for ambitious international students.

Countries offering PR after graduation

Canada

Streamlined PR Pathways: Canada’s well-established immigration system includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which offers PR pathways to international students. Points are awarded based on factors such as Canadian work experience, education, and language proficiency, making it a top choice for those looking to stay post-graduation.

Australia 

Points-Based Immigration System: Australia’s immigration system is points-based, favoring skilled occupations. Graduates with qualifications in high-demand areas may be eligible for permanent residency after completing their studies, providing excellent opportunities for a long-term stay.

New Zealand 

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa: New Zealand offers the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, a points-based system that considers work experience, qualifications, and age. This visa allows international graduates to live and work in New Zealand, paving the way for permanent residency.

Germany 

Job Seeker Visa for Graduates: Germany’s robust economy and shortage of skilled workers create excellent opportunities for international graduates. The Job Seeker Visa allows students to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to find employment, facilitating the transition to permanent residency.

Sweden 

Residence Permit for Work: Sweden provides a residence permit for work reasons. After living and working in Sweden for four years, international students can apply for permanent residency, making it an attractive destination for long-term career growth.

Netherlands 

Knowledge Migrant Visa: The Netherlands offers a knowledge migrant visa for highly skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields. International students with relevant qualifications can take advantage of this visa to secure permanent residency after their studies.

Denmark 

Work-Based Residence Permit: Denmark’s system allows international graduates to apply for a residency permit for work reasons. After living and working in Denmark for a few years, students can become eligible for permanent residency, ensuring a smooth transition from study to work.

France 

Temporary Residence and Talent Visa: France provides a temporary residence permit for recent graduates, which can be converted to a work permit upon securing a job.

Additionally, the talent visa is available for highly skilled workers in specific sectors, offering a pathway to permanent residency.

Singapore 

Start-up Visa Programmes: Singapore’s Global Investor Programme and Start-up Visa Programme cater to entrepreneurs and investors. International students interested in starting a business can use these programmes to gain permanent residency.

In general, it is essential for students to gain relevant work experience in the host country to significantly boost their PR application. Networking can lead to job opportunities and valuable references.

Hence, students can attend industry events, join student organizations, and connect with professionals in their field. Staying informed about immigration is also important as policies can change frequently.

Others have good academic records which can enhance your profile for both job opportunities and PR applications. Also, students can participate in research or projects related to their field.

It is also important to note that some countries offer additional PR points or easier pathways for those willing to live and work in regional or less-populated areas. Therefore, these options can be explored.

The Niger Government has slashed the tuition fees of its university of education (Abdulkadir Kure University) by 50%, toward reducing the burden of fuel subsidy removal on the students and their parents.

This is contained in a statement signed by Prof Muhammed Yahaya-Kuta, Pro-chancellor of the university on Friday in Minna. Gov. Mohammed Bago said the reduction is aimed at alleviating the current compounding financial hardships on students and parents, the pro-chancellor said.

Bago said that the move would also ameliorate the effect of the current economic hardship on students and their parents, following the hardship occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

“All students studying regular courses in the institution are to enjoy the total relief of a 50% reduction in the registration fee in the ongoing 2023/2024 academic session,” he added.

While congratulating the students, parents, and the people of the state on the development, the governor hoped that the beneficiaries and entire people of the state would lend their support to the government to enable it to succeed.

The governor implored the beneficiaries of the gesture to reciprocate by being more committed to their studies for the development of the state and humanity at large.

Videos of primary school pupils in Nigeria reciting the reintroduced national anthem are circulating on social media.

The old national anthem adopted from 1960 to 1988 used the theme ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ while the version used from 1978 to early 2024 was titled ‘Arise, O Compatriots’.

The lyrics of the old anthem were written by Lillian Jean Williams, a British expatriate, and composed by another Briton, Frances Benda.

Benedict Odiase, a Nigerian, composed the national anthem adopted in 1978.

On May 23, the house of representatives speedily passed the bill while the senate also did the same during a public hearing on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu signed the bill on the reintroduction of the old national anthem on Wednesday.

Although the development stirred reactions on social media, some videos of pupils reciting the national anthem at their schools on Thursday morning have begun to go viral.

In one footage, pupils of Justice and Peace Primary School in Ogbere-Ijebu, Ogun state, were captured reciting the first stanza of the ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ anthem.

In another clip, students of an unidentified primary school could be seen singing the reintroduced anthem at the top of their voices.

Another video shows a school playing a recording of the national anthem during their morning assembly.