The Australian Government has announced an extension of post-study work rights for international students who have completed a bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, postgraduate research degree, or vocational education and training (VET) qualification. The duration of the extension will vary according to the degree and areas of verified skill shortages, with the maximum post-study employment right being extended from two years to six years for doctoral degrees. The Department of Education will publish a list of eligible qualifications by occupational category prior to implementation on July 1st, 2023.
Australia is a preferred study destination for Indian students seeking to pursue higher education from world-renowned universities and work with prestigious companies. The recent announcement by the Australian government to extend post-study work privileges for international students is a significant step, allowing overseas students to remain and work in Australia upon completion of their studies. Previously limited to a maximum of two years, foreign graduates of Australian universities can now benefit from an extended post-study employment period of up to four years.
For what degree is the extended post study benefit applicable?
International students who have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in Australia will be eligible for this extension of post-study work privileges. Students who have earned a postgraduate research degree or a vocational education and training (VET) qualification are also eligible for the expanded post-study work.
Duration of extension?
For areas of verified skill shortages, the post study work rights will increase in accordance with the degree.
- For selected bachelors, there will be an additional extension of two years, totalling up to 4 years of post education work opportunities.
- For selected masters students, extended post study extension will be from 3 to 5 years.
- Doctorate degree, the extension will be 6 years which was initially only 4 years.
All doctoral studies are considered eligible for the extension, regardless of field of study. However, since not all bachelor degrees and master’s degrees are considered, the government came up with a list of occupations in demand and related qualifications.
The Department of Education will publish a thorough list mapped to CRICOS course codes prior to implementation on July 1st, 2023. When the entire list is released, students should check it to make sure their specific course is accepted by the provider.
By monitoring and a yearly review procedure, the extension to Post-Study Work Rights will be supported during implementation and ongoing administration. With this strategy, the lists and the execution will be adaptable to changes in the labour market and capable of addressing any potential concerns.
Identified occupations from the 2022 Skills Priority List
List of jobs with strong and moderate demand that require Skill Level 1 certifications as listed in the 2022 Skills Priorities List. It shows the occupation, its regional or national shortage and the future demand for that occupation. An S indicates a shortage at the national level whereas an R represents the shortage for that specific occupation at only a regional level.
Summary list of eligible qualifications by occupational category
The qualifications were created by mapping to the jobs with a need of skills required. Extended post-study work rights are available to those who meet these requirements. A long list of occupations in health and medicine, academia, ICT and engineering are favoured.
The length of courses varies amongst educational institutions, and this may have an impact on a course’s eligibility at a particular institution. In order to assist students, providers, and employers in making decisions, the Commonwealth Registry of Institutes and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) will be updated.
International students who graduate from Australian universities have traditionally been an important source of skilled workers for the Australian economy. These students have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to succeed in the Australian labour market. By providing these students with extended post-study work rights, the Australian Government is ensuring that the country continues to attract and retain the best and brightest international talent.
How can Rostrum Education help?
At Rostrum, our mentors help you with the entire college application process. We guide courses and schools based on your requirements and preferences. Our counsellors will help you understand the extended work periods better and assist you obtaining it. We can also assist students in selecting the right courses and institutions based on their career aspirations and the available post-study work opportunities. Our goal is to support Indian students in realising their academic and career goals in Australia and to help them make informed decisions regarding their education and future prospects.Contact us for a free consultation today!
