Finding the highest paying jobs abroad has become a top priority for international students and graduates, especially from Pakistan and South Asia. With rising education costs and global competition, students now focus on careers that offer high salaries, job security, and permanent residency opportunities. Best Countries to live and work in 2026
This detailed guide explains the highest paying jobs abroad for international students, the skills required, average salaries, and how students can access work opportunities after study abroad.
If you are planning your future after graduation or exploring careers after IELTS, this article will help you make informed decisions.
Why Students Aim for High-Paying Jobs Abroad
Working abroad offers much more than just a higher salary.
Key Benefits
- Salaries 3–6x higher than local jobs
- Better quality of life
- Strong labor laws and job protection
- Permanent residency (PR) pathways
- International work experience
For many students, studying abroad is not the final goal — earning well and settling globally is.
Finding jobs abroad as a Pakistani student generally falls into two categories: Remote Jobs (working for international companies from Pakistan) and International Internships (traveling abroad or participating in structured global programs).
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students 2026
Top Remote Roles & Companies Hiring Now
Many global tech and service firms hire Pakistani students for flexible, remote roles. These are ideal because they pay in USD/EUR/GBP.
| Company | Common Roles for Students | Salary/Benefits | Application Link |
| Deel | Operations, Payroll, Support | Global remote culture | Deel Careers |
| Crossover | Customer Support, QA, Dev | $15 – $50/hour | Crossover Jobs |
| Clipboard Health | Client Support, Ops | Remote (Asia/Pakistan) | Clipboard Careers |
| A.Team | Software Engineering, AI | High-end contract work | A.Team Apply |
| Telus Digital | AI Training, Content Review | Part-time / Flexible | Telus Careers |
Structured Internship Programs (Study & Work)
If you are looking for formal programs that provide international exposure, these are the gold standards for 2026:
Washington University (WashU) International Internship
- Details: Specifically targets Pakistani undergraduate/graduate students. It is fully funded, covering airfare, housing, and a monthly stipend.+1
- Focus: STEM, Business, Law, and Social Sciences.
- Apply: WashU Internship Portal
UNICEF Internship Programme
- Details: Open to current students and recent graduates. They provide a monthly stipend and sometimes travel/visa support.
- Duration: 6 to 26 weeks.
- Apply: UNICEF Vacancies
US Embassy Foreign National Student Intern Program (FNSIP)
- Details: Allows Pakistani students to work within US diplomatic missions in Pakistan. This is an excellent “bridge” to international careers.
- Apply: US Embassy Pakistan Careers
Recommended Job Search Portals
To find “live” listings every day, use these platforms with specific filters:
- Arc.dev: Specifically filters high-paying remote developer and tech jobs for Pakistan. Visit Arc.dev
- LinkedIn: Use the search term “Remote” and set the location to “Worldwide” or “United States” while your profile is set to Pakistan.
- Rozee.pk (International Section): They have a dedicated “Remote Jobs” section for international startups hiring locally. Visit Rozee
- Bayt.com: The #1 portal if you are looking for jobs in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar). Visit Bayt
Quick Tips for Applying
- Resume Format: Use a one-page ATS-friendly resume. For Europe, use the Europass format.
- Payment: Set up a Payoneer or Elevate account. Most international companies prefer these for sending USD to Pakistan.
- Timing: Check the “Timezone” requirements. Some US companies require you to work “Eastern Time” (late night in Pakistan).
Top Highest Paying Jobs Abroad in 2026
Below are the most in-demand and highest paying jobs abroad for international graduates.
1. Software Engineer / IT Specialist
Average Salary
- USA: $90,000 – $130,000/year
- Canada: CAD 80,000 – 120,000/year
- Germany: €65,000 – €95,000/year
Why It Pays Well
- Global skill shortage
- Remote work opportunities
- Strong sponsorship support
Skills Required
- Programming (Python, Java, JavaScript)
- Cloud computing
- Problem-solving
2. Data Scientist & AI Specialist
Data science is among the highest paying jobs abroad due to the rapid growth of AI and automation.
Salary Range
- USA: $100,000 – $150,000
- UK: £60,000 – £90,000
- Australia: AUD 110,000+
Best Countries
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Germany
This is one of the most powerful skill-based careers for international students.
3. Healthcare Professionals (Doctors & Nurses)
Healthcare remains a recession-proof and high-income career.
High-Paying Healthcare Roles
- Doctors & Specialists
- Registered Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Medical Technologists
Salary
- Nurses: $65,000 – $95,000
- Doctors: $150,000+
Healthcare graduates often qualify for PR pathways, making this an excellent work opportunity after study abroad.
4. Engineering Jobs Abroad
Engineering continues to be one of the best careers after graduation.
High-Paying Engineering Fields
- Petroleum Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Countries Hiring Engineers
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- Middle East
Engineers are often included in skill shortage occupation lists.
5. Financial Analysts & Investment Banking
Finance professionals enjoy some of the highest salaries globally.
Roles
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Risk Manager
- Actuary
Salary
- USA: $80,000 – $140,000
- UK: £55,000 – £100,000
Careers After IELTS That Pay Well
Clearing IELTS allows students to access education and work opportunities in English-speaking countries.
High-Paying Careers After IELTS
- Healthcare
- IT & Software
- Business Analytics
- Engineering
IELTS is not a job, but it is a mandatory requirement for high-paying international careers.
Study Abroad Without IELTS Countries & Options 2026
Jobs Abroad for Students (While Studying)
Students can earn and gain experience through jobs abroad for students.
Common Student Jobs
- On-campus assistant
- Retail & hospitality
- Customer support
- Research assistant
Income
- $10 – $25/hour (varies by country)
These jobs help students manage expenses and build resumes.
Work Opportunities After Study Abroad
Most international students aim for post-study work visas to secure high-paying roles.
Countries With Best Post-Study Work Options
- Canada – Post-Graduation Work Permit
- UK – Graduate Route
- Australia – Temporary Graduate Visa
- Germany – Job Seeker Visa
These options allow students to convert education into long-term careers abroad.
UK Student Visa Bank Statement Requirement .
Skill-Based Careers for International Students
Degrees alone are no longer enough. Skills determine salary.
High-Income Skills
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Marketing
- UI/UX Design
- Artificial Intelligence
Skill-based roles offer:
- Faster employment
- Freelancing income
- Remote job options
These are ideal careers for international students.
Best Courses to Get High-Paying Jobs Abroad
Choosing the right course is crucial.
Recommended Degrees
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Nursing & Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Business Analytics
For official and reliable information, refer to:
- UK Work Rights: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
- Canada Immigration & Jobs: https://www.canada.ca
- Australia Graduate Visa: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
FAQs
What are the highest paying jobs abroad?
IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and data science offer the highest salaries internationally.
Can students get high-paying jobs abroad?
Yes, after graduation and post-study work visas, students can access high-paying roles.
Is IELTS required for high-paying jobs abroad?
Yes, IELTS is usually required for study and work visas in English-speaking countries.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the highest paying jobs abroad requires planning, the right education, and in-demand skills. Students who align their studies with global job markets enjoy better salaries, career growth, and settlement opportunities.
At ENGLOPAK, we guide students toward high-income international careers through smart education and career planning.