Best study-to-work pathways to consider with IELTS

Deciding to study abroad is only the first step on a longer journey. There are more questions to answer, like: “Where do I study? How easy is it to get in? What are my job prospects when I finish studying?”

Another option you may be considering is targeting a career overseas after studying at home. Making sense of study-to-work pathways early means you get to compare and choose a suitable course, university, city, and post-study plans, which may have English language requirements.

This guide introduces possible study-to-work pathways with your IELTS scores in popular English-speaking destinations, and how you can plan for the best outcomes at every stage.

You might require IELTS for any of these three stages:

1. Getting into university with a student visa. IELTS Academic is widely accepted by top universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and more.

2. Staying on after graduating. IELTS Academic or General Training is accepted for post-study work visas, such as Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

3. Building a life overseas. Skilled and permanent migration programmes in countries like Australia, Canada and New Zealand accept IELTS and award points based on your score for certain visas.

(Bonus: Professional registration in a new country. IELTS is one of the requirements if you wish to work in a regulated profession overseas, such as nursing, medicine, physiotherapy or teaching.

A study-to-work pathway is simply the period from when you finish your studies to when you start your career. What this might look like will vary, based on your field of study, qualification level and future career opportunities. Choose to start your journey by:

• Studying abroad: Get a well-recognised qualification, join new networks, gain overseas work experience, and check if you’re eligible for a post-study visa.

• Studying at home: Finish your course at a local university or college, then choose to take a shorter postgraduate course or find a job overseas.

Planning your study-to-work pathway is important for different reasons:

• Create multiple plans to prepare for any situation

• Understand the long-term value of your course (employment prospects, internship opportunities, salary outcomes)

• Set realistic timelines for preparing your application and taking an IELTS test

• Check the length of your post-study work rights according to your qualification level and destination

IELTS is accepted by over 13,500 organisations worldwide, including institutions and immigration authorities.

Compare to see which countries accept IELTS for university and offer post-study options.

*More work visa types are available to graduates after they have finished their studies in these destinations, depending on their field of specialisation, local work experience and whether employers are ready to sponsor.

*Post study work conditions such as Australia’s 485 visa are correct as of date of publishing, according to the Department of Home Affairs. Get the latest Australian visa updates in one place, to help inform your next steps abroad.

Your IELTS scores are recognised by 100% of universities and colleges across Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Canada. But choosing a course can be difficult when there is much to consider today, especially if you want to be prepared for a secure future.

You can explore these fields with strong career pathways:

Skill shortage lists can help you research career pathways that offer strong employment prospects, clear post-study opportunities, and long-term career earning potential. They show which occupations are currently in demand in your chosen destination. Some examples include:

• Australia: Core Skills Occupation List

• Canada: Express Entry

• Ireland: Critical Skills Occupations List

• New Zealand: Green List

• UK: Temporary Shortage List

Should you study for jobs that are in demand right now?

Yes, if you have an interest in the discipline and working in the field later on.

However, the jobs in short supply today may look different by the time you graduate, three or four years later. The skills required by employers may change, and skilled occupation lists for migration are updated regularly

This is why today’s “in-demand” list should not be the only reason you pursue a course of study.

The study-to-work pathway best suited for you could be a combination of what you are interested in and where the opportunities are likely to be.

If you still feel unclear on what to study with your IELTS score, try narrowing down the fields of specialisation or study areas. Ask yourself questions like:

1. Would you enjoy learning about this field for three to four years?

2. What subjects excite you, and what problems do you find yourself thinking about more?

3. Do you enjoy working with people, with data, or building with your hands?

4. What strengths have you discovered in school, part-time work, or through volunteering and hobbies?

5. What is the minimum IELTS score you will need to target for admission?

6. Does your preferred course, qualification level or course duration meet the criteria for getting a post-study work visa in that destination?

7. Does it lead to a range of career options you can decide on later?

8. How fast do graduates in this field typically find work, and how do they progress through their careers?

You can also schedule an in-person consultation with IDP’s study abroad counsellors, who can help you explore courses and pathways that match your interests and long-term goals.

Then, use free test preparation resources from the IELTS Prepare Hub to work towards your target score to meet English language requirements for university and visa.

How to work abroad after studying

Once you get to university, your international student life will be filled with lectures, practical classes and social activities. Even so, start exploring your work options in an industry relevant to what you’re studying, even if you have decided to apply for a post-study work visa.

These are other routes to consider:

• Gain local work experience through internships or industry placements using your part-time work rights

• Look proactively for job and networking opportunities at your university’s career services

• Take a gap year with a working holiday visa, usually for people aged 18-30, in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Singapore or Thailand (some locations are limited to certain nationalities)

• Look for graduate programmes with global employers

Building real-world, employable skills can make you a more compelling hire with sponsoring employers.

Today, students face growing pressure to secure a job right after graduation. This means planning earlier for job searching and stiffer competition for internships to gain actual work experience.

Having a traditional degree and technical foundation is no longer a guarantee for getting the job you want.

Employers are looking for more: something that makes you stand out among the competition. Not just demonstrable skills, but also a readiness to adapt and take on future challenges. Here are some examples of what you should aim for, ideally during your study-to-work pathway:

• Effective and clear communication for interviews, meetings and team collaborations

• Transferrable soft skills like adaptability, problem solving and commercial awareness

• Start making industry connections through various platforms, like career talks, alumni events or LinkedIn

• Create personal projects with a curious, open mind to showcase to prospective employers

Whatever you choose to study, these are valuable steps you can take in higher education to prepare for the workplace.

As a co-owner of IELTS and global provider of international education services, IDP supports you from your IELTS test to your post-study goals.

The path from graduation to getting your first job doesn’t have to feel daunting!

If you need help with preparing for the right course, destination and your desired IELTS score, IDP provides:

• Targeted IELTS preparation tools

• Flexible test options, like taking IELTS on computer or IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper)

• Faster test results within 1-5 days

• IELTS One Skill Retake to improve an individual band score without taking the full test

• IDP study abroad counsellors who can guide you from scholarships, applications to pre-departure

• Find a Course tool by IDP

Ready to explore your study options? Get more answers to what you and other students might be asking:

Frequently asked questions