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Graduate choices

Now that you've completed your studies, you have some important decisions to make on what your future holds next. Choosing the right option will come down to personal preference and aspirations.

Our commitment to HSBC customers extends long after graduation. We hope the information found here will help point you in the right direction, wherever that may be.

Further your studies

Looking to further your studies and earn yourself a master's degree or even a PhD? Whether it's to improve your future career prospects or to follow your dream, before committing to further studies, ask yourself:

  • Am I genuinely passionate about the qualification and subject area?
  • Am I fully committed to give everything it takes to undertake a master's degree?
  • Can I afford to continue my studies, in terms of tuition and living costs?
  • Am I willing to accrue more debt?
  • Will the qualification improve my career prospects?

Whatever your reason, make sure it's the right one for you. The financial cost can be very high and the study extremely intense, but there are many benefits to furthering your education.

Stay on and find work

Now that you've graduated or are about to graduate, you'll need to make sure you're in compliance with your current visa. Navigating the process can be stressful, especially as the eligibility requirements and legal rulings are constantly changing.

If you're looking to stay on and gain practical work experience in your chosen field of expertise, then speak to the international student department at your university first. They'll be able to help identify options available to you and provide the necessary forms for you to apply. This will usually need to be done before your current visa expires.

It's good to do your research. The UK's post-study work visa allows eligible undergraduates, post-graduates and even PhD graduates to stay on for another 2 years to find employment. Other countries that offer foreign students attractive post-study work visas are Germany, Australia, Finland and Ireland.

Don't forget to get your banking sorted. Many employers will require you to have a local bank account for your salary deposit.

Return home

Be prepared and avoid "reverse culture shock" when you leave your host country. Many students look to return home and use the experience they've gained whilst studying abroad to help better their lives back home. However, moving back after a few years away can be quite a shock to some students. After all a lot has changed during your time away. You've lived in a foreign country, adjusted to a new culture, made new friends and earned yourself a degree, too!

To help prepare for returning home read 9 things every college student should do before graduating.

Why HSBC?

Wherever life after university leads you HSBC is present in more than 30 countries and territories.

  • Manage your worldwide HSBC accounts with one single log on, and make real-time transfers between the accounts no matter where you are
  • Give yourself a head start and have your credit established at your destination
  • Enjoy the same status in your destination if you are a Premier customer

Ready to open an overseas account?

We can tell you the best way for you to apply for an overseas account. Simply select your current location and where you would like to open an account. We'll then walk you through the steps.

Disclaimer

HSBC Holdings plc has prepared this article based on publicly available information at the time of preparation from sources it believes to be reliable but it has not independently verified such information. HSBC Holdings plc and the HSBC Group (together, "HSBC") are not responsible for any loss, damage, liabilities or other consequences of any kind that you may incur or suffer as a result of, arising from or relating to your use of or reliance on this article. The contents of this article are subject to change without notice. HSBC gives no guarantee, representation or warranty as to the accuracy, timeliness or completeness of this article.

 

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