10 Most Common Questions About Study & Work Abroad (Answered by IOS Experts)

Every year, thousands of students and professionals from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana dream of an international career. Yet, this journey often comes with a lot of questions about visas, costs, and career paths. Getting clear, accurate answers is the first step to making your dream a reality.

At Indian Overseas Service (IOS) Vijayawada, we’ve spent years guiding our clients through these exact questions. Here, our experts answer the 10 most common queries we receive about studying and working abroad in 2025.

1. Which country is best for Indian students in 2025?

The best country depends on your goals, but the most popular and rewarding destinations are the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and the USA. Each offers a unique blend of high-quality education, post-study work opportunities, and clear pathways to permanent residency. For students from Vijayawada and Guntur, Canada is a popular choice for its affordability and PR pathways, while Germany is ideal for those seeking low-cost engineering degrees.

2. What are the basic requirements to study abroad?

The core requirements for most countries are universal:

• Academic Score: A strong academic record is crucial, with a typical requirement of 60% or higher, though this can vary by university and program.

• English Language Tests: You will almost certainly need to prove your English proficiency by taking a test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.

• Proof of Funds: You must show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for your first year of study.

• Valid Passport: A passport is your most important document.

3. Can I work while studying abroad?

Yes, you can. The majority of top study destinations permit international students to work part-time, typically up to 20 hours per week during your semester and full-time during breaks. This helps you gain international work experience and can significantly offset your living expenses.

4. How much does it cost to study abroad?

The cost varies widely by country, city, and university. As an example, tuition fees can be:

• UK: Approximately ₹9–15 Lakhs per year

• Canada: Approximately ₹8–12 Lakhs per year

• Australia: Approximately ₹12–18 Lakhs per year

• Germany: Many public universities offer free or low-cost tuition.

In addition to tuition, you must also budget for living expenses, which can assume to be in the range of ₹6 lakhs to ₹12 lakhs per year depending on the city and your lifestyle.

5. What is a Post-Study Work Permit (PSWP/PGWP)?

A Post-Study Work Permit allows international students to stay and work in their study country after graduation to gain valuable local experience. For example, Canada offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to three years, while the UK offers a two-year PSW. This work experience is the single most important factor for transitioning from a student visa to a work visa and eventually to Permanent Residency (PR).

6. What is the process to apply for a work visa?

The process for a work visa typically involves these steps:

1. Skills & Qualification Check: Your resume and experience must match a country's list of in-demand occupations.

2. Job Offer or Points System: You must either secure a valid job offer from a foreign employer or meet the points-based criteria of a skilled migration program (like Canada’s Express Entry).

3. Documentation & Visa Application: You will need to submit a flawless set of documents to the country's immigration department. This is where an expert's guidance can prevent costly rejections.

7. Do study visas lead to Permanent Residency (PR)?

Yes, they do, and this is why so many students choose to study abroad. Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the UK offer clear pathways to PR. The general route is: Study Visa → Post-Study Work Visa → Skilled Work Experience → Permanent Residency.

8. Is IELTS mandatory for studying abroad?

For most English-speaking countries, taking an English proficiency test like IELTS or PTE is mandatory. However, some universities may offer a waiver if you can prove you completed your previous education (bachelor’s or master’s) in English medium, though this is rare and depends on the university's policy.

9. Why should I choose Indian Overseas Service (IOS)?

At IOS Vijayawada, we provide a personalized and transparent service that sets us apart. We have:

• Direct partnerships with universities and employers abroad.

• A proven track record of high visa success rates for students from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

• End-to-end support that goes beyond just filling forms—we help with interviews, documentation, and even post-arrival assistance.

10. How can I start my application?

Starting is easy. Your first step is to get a professional profile evaluation.