Best Countries to Study with Spouse for International Students

Introduction

Studying abroad is a life-changing decision, but for married international students, choosing a country that allows their spouse to accompany them is crucial. Fortunately, many top destinations provide international students with spouse visas, work permits, PR opportunities, and quality education.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best countries to study with a spouse, including Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, and top European destinations like Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, and Spain.

1. Canada

📌 Why Choose Canada?

Canada offers a high visa approval rate, excellent universities, work rights for spouses, and strong pathways to permanent residency (PR).

🎓 Academic and English Language Requirements

• IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL, or PTE required.
• Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. programs available.

🛂 Visa & Work Permit for Spouse

• Spouses of students on a study permit can apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP), allowing them to work full-time.
• No job offer is needed for the work permit.

💼 PR Opportunities

• Canada offers Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
• Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) increase PR chances.

🏡 Facilities for Spouse

• Full-time work rights.
• Free/affordable healthcare in some provinces.
• PR eligibility along with the student.

2. Australia 

📌 Why Choose Australia?

A top choice for international students, offering post-study work visas, PR options, and spousal work rights.

🎓 Academic and English Language Requirements

• IELTS (6.0–7.0), TOEFL, or PTE required.

🛂 Visa & Work Permit for Spouse

• Spouses of master’s and PhD students can work full-time.
• Spouses of bachelor’s students have limited work rights.

💼 PR Opportunities

• Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485) offers post-study work rights.
• PR pathways include Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and State Nomination Visa (Subclass 190).

🏡 Facilities for Spouse

• Full-time work rights (for master’s and PhD student spouses).
• Access to Medicare for PR holders and eligible visa holders.

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3. United Kingdom (UK) 

📌 Why Choose the UK?

A top destination for world-class education and strong post-study work options.

🎓 Academic and English Language Requirements

• IELTS (6.0–7.5), TOEFL, or PTE required.

🛂 Visa & Work Permit for Spouse

• Spouses of master’s and PhD students can work full-time with a PBS Dependant Visa.
• Spouses of bachelor’s students are not eligible for a work visa.

💼 PR Opportunities

• Graduate Route Visa allows students to stay 2–3 years after graduation.
• Skilled Worker Visa offers a pathway to PR (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR).

🏡 Facilities for Spouse

• Full-time work rights.
• Free healthcare under the NHS.

4. United States (USA) 

📌 Why Choose the USA?

The largest number of top universities, but limited work rights for spouses.

🎓 Academic and English Language Requirements

• IELTS (6.0–7.5), TOEFL, or PTE required.

🛂 Visa & Work Permit for Spouse

• F-1 student visa holders' spouses (F-2 visa) cannot work.
• J-1 visa holders' spouses (J-2 visa) can work with USCIS approval.

💼 PR Opportunities

• OPT (Optional Practical Training) for 1–3 years after graduation.
• H-1B work visa provides a Green Card (PR) pathway.

🏡 Facilities for Spouse

• J-2 visa holders can work (if approved).
• Expensive healthcare (private insurance required).

5. European Countries 

📌 Germany 

• Spouses of international students get a dependent visa with work rights.
• Tuition-free education at public universities.
• Strong PR pathway through EU Blue Card.

📌 France 

• Spouses can apply for a long-stay visa with full work rights.
• Affordable education with many scholarships.
• PR available after 5 years of residence.

📌 Netherlands 

• Spouses of master’s/PhD students can work full-time.
• Orientation Year Visa allows students to find jobs post-study.
• PR available after 5 years of work.

📌 Sweden 

• Spouses of students can work full-time.
• Tuition-free education for EU students, affordable for others.
• PR available after a work permit for 4 years.

📌 Denmark 

• Spouses of students can work full-time with a dependent visa.
• PR available through the Green Card Scheme.
• High-quality education with Danish scholarships.

📌 Spain 

• Spouses can work legally in Spain under a family reunification visa.
• Affordable education in English and Spanish.
• PR available after 5 years of residence.

Comparison Table for Quick Decision

Country	Spouse Work Permit	PR Pathway	Post-Study Work Visa	Tuition Cost
Canada	✅ Yes	✅ Strong	✅ 1–3 years	$$$ (High)
Australia	✅ Yes (for master’s/PhD)	✅ Strong	✅ 2–4 years	$$$ (High)
UK	✅ Yes (for master’s/PhD)	✅ Moderate	✅ 2 years (3 for PhD)	$$$ (High)
USA	❌ No (except J-2 visa)	✅ Moderate	✅ 1–3 years	$$$$ (Very High)
Germany	✅ Yes	✅ Strong	✅ 18 months	$$ (Low)
France	✅ Yes	✅ Strong	✅ 12 months	$$ (Moderate)
Netherlands	✅ Yes	✅ Moderate	✅ 1 year	$$$ (Moderate)
Sweden	✅ Yes	✅ Strong	✅ 12 months	$$$ (Moderate)
Denmark	✅ Yes	✅ Moderate	✅ 12 months	$$$ (High)
Spain	✅ Yes	✅ Moderate	✅ 12 months	$$ (Low)

Conclusion

Choosing the best country to study with your spouse depends on:
✔ PR Opportunities 
✔ Spouse Work Permit 
✔ Affordable Education
✔ Post-Study Work Visa 

For expert guidance on student visas, spouse visas, and PR pathways, contact Global Education Care today! 🎓✈️