• Question: If you move to a different country while already working in a math job, how easy would it be to get into that same job but in that country, or even if you will need to

    Asked by oboe534tofu37 on 16 Mar 2026.
    • Photo: Melissa Upjohn

      Melissa Upjohn answered on 16 Mar 2026:

      Getting a job in a different country often depends on what the employment regulations are in the individual country. As a vet I can work in some based on having the vet degree I got this country (for example, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) but if, for example, I wanted to work in the USA I would need to American Veterinary Medicine national exams before I could be a vet there. The same restrictions would apply for vets wanting to come to the UK, from some countries their qualification would be accepted but from some other countries they would have to sit UK national exams before they could work as a vet here.

    • Photo: Aurelia Zuchanke

      Aurelia Zuchanke answered on 17 Mar 2026:

      It depends a lot on the specific job and country, but its often not super hard. I work in academia, and its veeeery common for people to move countries. I think most lecturers/professors will have worked in at least one other country.

    • Photo: Cora Uhlemann

      Cora Uhlemann answered on 17 Mar 2026:

      It depends a bit in which field you work. In research and at universities it is indeed very common to move countries and lots of research is done in English even in non-English speaking countries. I’m from Germany and did my PhD in theoretical physics and afterwards worked in the Netherlands and the UK (as an applied mathematician). If you work in industry it is more likely you will need some language skills of the respective country, but it depends on the company and how international they are.

Comments

  • Photo: Michael J

    Michael J commented on :

    Depending on the country where you qualified and the country you are going to, your qualifications may or may not be recognised. You definitely need to consider that before moving. At the same time, maths skills are generally in demand and many countries have specific visa schemes to attract individuals with STEM qualifications. This means people working in maths related jobs generally have the possibility to move to other countries to work.

    Based on my personal experience of living and working outside of my home country, it is generally a better idea to move with a job already lined up in your new home. This reduces the risk of being unemployed and provides the opportunity to settle in without the stress of looking for a job. Beyond qualification requirements some thought should be given to cultural adaptation, including learning new languages, in advance of moving.