Australia is a popular destination for international students seeking world-class education and work opportunities, leading many to ask, "why study in Australia?". To ensure that foreign students are able to obtain relevant work experience after completing their studies, the Australian government has been consistently revising and refining its employment regulations.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of post-study work permits available for international students and the recent updates on these work rights.
Recent Updates on Post-Study Work Rights in Australia
- Update for February 2023: Starting from the first day of July in 2023, international graduates who meet the eligibility criteria will receive an extra two years of work rights post-study on their Temporary Graduate Visa. This extended Post Study Work right applies to eligible occupations and qualifications. Some eligible course categories include Medical and Nursing. Eligible course categories include Medical and Nursing, Engineering, Allied Health, Teaching, Agriculture, and ICT. Furthermore, the government has increased the maximum number of working hours for international students from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight.
- September 2022 Update: On September 1, 2022, Australia’s Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced the extension of post-study work rights in Australia for skilled international graduates in areas of verified skill shortages. The extension permits international students to work and stay in Australia for an additional 2 years. The updated post-study work rights duration is as follows:
- Selected Bachelor’s degrees are eligible for 2 to 4 years of post-study work rights.
- Selected Master’s degrees are eligible for 3 to 5 years of post-study work rights.
- Selected PhDs qualify for 4 to 6 years of post-study work rights.
Student Visa (Subclass 500) and Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
A student visa allows international students to study in Australia, while a post-study work visa enables them to stay and work in the country after their studies. The post-study work visa in Australia falls under subclass 485, also known Temporary Graduate Visa.
Types of Post-Study Work Permits in Australia
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Post-Study Work Stream: This visa is commonly used by international students in Australia. It allows fresh graduates with qualifications and skills relevant to specific occupations that the country needs to stay and work for a limited period. The duration of stay varies between 2 and 4 years, depending on the qualification.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) - Graduate Work Stream: This visa is provided to students who have completed their studies at an Australian university or college. It allows them to live, study, and work in Australia for a limited period, typically up to 18 months. However, the residing limitation has been temporarily increased to 24 months for visas from December 1st, 2021.
- Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Secondary Post-Study Work Stream: This visa type is issued to foreign students who have completed a degree from an Australian educational institution in a regional location and possess a Temporary Graduate visa (primary Post-Study Work stream). This provision allows you to reside, work, and pursue further education in Australia on a temporary basis.
Key Points to Remember About Post-Study Work Rights in Australia
- Your field of specialization and location will not determine your eligibility for the basic post-study work visa duration but is applicable for the extended PSW.
- Skills assessment is not required to apply for PSW.
- Your degree must be from a CRICOS-registered course.
- It's necessary to achieve the specified level of proficiency in the English language.
Australia offers a range of post-study work permits for international students pursuing Higher Education Abroad to gain valuable work experience in their chosen fields. With the recent updates and extensions, it is now more accessible for qualified students to stay and work in Australia after graduation. By understanding the different types of post-study work permits and their eligibility criteria, international students can better plan their education and career paths in Australia.
Navigating the world of post-study work permits and visa applications can seem daunting, but KC Overseas Education is here to guide you through the process. With a 99% visa approval success rate, our team doesn't just assist with your visa application but also provides comprehensive services to help you realise your dream of studying in Australia. From selecting the best-fit university and course to ensuring you're updated about the latest work rights; we are committed to making your journey to international education smooth and successful.
Contact KC Overseas Education today and take a confident step towards your future in Australia.