If you are planning to study in Australia, there is one more reason to stick to your decision.
The Australian Government has increased the duration of post-study employment rights for international students.
From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with qualified qualifications in industries with a lack of skills will receive an additional 2 years of continuing education rights. Depending on their studies, undergraduate graduates will be able to stay in Australia for four years, masters for five years and PhD holders will be able to stay for six years.
This is a positive step to encourage more international students to move onto permanent migration routes, but it is limited to those trained in a skills shortage area such as nursing, teaching, IT and engineering. The government has now confirmed the list of professions and qualifications that are eligible for extended continuing education rights.
International candidates holding a temporary postgraduate visa valid on 1 July 2023 or applying for a temporary postgraduate visa after 1 July 2023 will be considered for the two-year extension if they graduated from a qualifying course from an Australian higher education provider.
It has also been confirmed that working hours for international students will increase from 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight to balance work and studies, which is effective from 1 July 2023.
Currently, only 16% of international students stay in Australia after completing their studies. The expanded employment rights will give international students more opportunities to stay in the country after graduation to find a job in their field.
In addition, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed that thousands of students in Victoria could study for free to become nurses or midwives in the state.
As part of its efforts to address skills shortages and help more international students study at Australian universities, the Australian Government plans to award 20,000 university places between 2023 and 2024.
Speak to our experienced study advisors to find out how to enrol in one of our in-demand courses. We will guide you through all the necessary steps for permanent migration routes.