In today’s job market, a university degree is no longer the only gateway to employment abroad. Countries across the globe are facing labor shortages and are actively hiring foreign workers with practical skills, vocational training, or relevant work experience. If you’re from Africa and dream of working abroad but don’t have a college degree, this guide will help you discover 10 countries hiring foreign workers without formal academic qualifications.
Why Some Countries Don’t Require a Degree
Many countries are experiencing shortages in key sectors like agriculture, construction, caregiving, hospitality, and logistics. To fill these gaps, they are relaxing education requirements and focusing on:
- Work experience or vocational training
- Language proficiency (e.g., English, German, or local languages)
- Certification or licensing in relevant fields
- Willingness to take up essential, labor-intensive roles
1. Canada
In-Demand Jobs: Truck drivers, farmworkers, cleaners, factory workers, kitchen helpers
Requirements: Language test (IELTS/CELPIP), work experience, police clearance
Visa Options: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Agri-Food Pilot, Atlantic Immigration Program
Salary: $2,000–$3,500/month
Tip: Apply via JobBank.gc.ca or licensed recruitment agencies. Rural areas often need more workers.
2. Australia
In-Demand Jobs: Fruit pickers, aged care workers, chefs, cleaners
Requirements: Basic English, physical fitness, relevant experience
Visa Options: Working Holiday Visa, Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
Salary: $2,500–$4,000/month
Tip: Many regional jobs come with incentives like longer visa stays.
3. Germany
In-Demand Jobs: Warehouse workers, truck drivers, tradespeople, caregivers
Requirements: B1 level German, practical experience
Visa Options: Job Seeker Visa, work permit via employer
Salary: $2,200–$3,200/month
Tip: Consider applying for vocational training (Ausbildung) that leads to employment.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
In-Demand Jobs: Security guards, domestic helpers, cleaners, drivers
Requirements: Basic English or Arabic, medical exam, employer sponsorship
Visa Options: Employer-sponsored work visa
Salary: $800–$1,500/month (plus accommodation)
Tip: Use platforms like Bayt.com or GulfTalent for verified job postings.
5. Poland
In-Demand Jobs: Factory workers, construction laborers, warehouse staff
Requirements: Basic English or Polish, work permit from the employer
Visa Options: Type D National Visa, Work Permit A
Salary: $1,000–$1,800/month
Tip: Seasonal work and factory jobs are often filled through recruitment agencies.
6. United Kingdom (UK)
In-Demand Jobs: Care assistants, farmhands, cleaning staff
Requirements: English language test (IELTS UKVI), clean criminal record
Visa Options: Health and Care Worker Visa, Seasonal Worker Visa
Salary: $2,000–$3,500/month
Tip: Care work offers long-term visa options and pathways to residency.
7. Ireland
In-Demand Jobs: Hospitality workers, caregivers, cleaners, farm staff
Requirements: Basic English, employer sponsorship
Visa Options: General Employment Permit, Seasonal Work Permit
Salary: $2,000–$3,000/month
Tip: High demand for staff in the tourism and healthcare sectors.
8. New Zealand
In-Demand Jobs: Agricultural workers, aged care assistants, food processors
Requirements: Good health, English proficiency, job offer
Visa Options: Accredited Employer Work Visa
Salary: $2,200–$3,800/month
Tip: Focus on jobs in rural regions and food production.
9. Qatar
In-Demand Jobs: Drivers, cleaners, retail staff, hospitality workers
Requirements: Medical check, employer sponsorship
Visa Options: Standard Work Visa (2 years)
Salary: $700–$1,200/month + free housing
Tip: Most jobs include accommodation, transport, and food benefits.
10. Portugal
In-Demand Jobs: Construction workers, cleaning staff, seasonal farm workers
Requirements: Job offer from a Portuguese employer, language basics
Visa Options: D1 Work Visa (Job Contract Visa)
Salary: $1,000–$1,800/month
Tip: Tourism and agriculture sectors are open to foreigners without degrees.
How to Improve Your Chances Without a Degree
- Take short vocational or trade courses (e.g., caregiving, electrical, food safety)
- Improve your language skills (English, German, or Portuguese)
- Apply only through official channels
- Get a police clearance and medical check ready in advance
Useful Job Portals
| Country | Websites |
| Canada | JobBank.gc.ca, Canadavisa.com |
| UK | GOV.UK, NHS Jobs |
| Germany | Make-it-in-Germany.com, EURES |
| Australia | Seek.com.au, Jobsearch.gov.au |
| Poland | Pracuj.pl, EURES |
| UAE & Qatar | Bayt.com, Naukrigulf.com |
| Ireland | JobsIreland.ie |
| Portugal | IEFP.pt, EURES |
| New Zealand | Careers.govt.nz, Immigration.govt.nz |
