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Study and work in Australia: why the extended post-study work rights are a game changer
Study and work in Australia: why the extended post-study work rights are a game changer
This comes as great news if you’re considering working in Australia after your studies there.
Starting from 1 July 2023, the Australian government is granting an extra 2 years of post-study work rights for international graduates with eligible higher education qualifications.
Selected bachelor’s degrees have been extended to 4 years (up from 2 years)
Selected master’s degrees have been extended to 5 years (up from 3 years)
All doctoral degrees have been extended to 6 years (up from 4 years)
Meant to address areas in which there is a shortage of skilled workers, the policy spells a further opportunity for you to pick up valuable work experience in Australia. The government has granted the extension of post-study work rights to bachelor’s and master’s degrees for jobs in sectors including education, health, technology and agriculture.
This comes alongside a decision to allow students to work more, as announced by Australia’s Department of Education and Department of Home Affairs. It is reinstating and increasing the allowable work hours cap for students to 48 hours per fortnight, up from the previous 40 hours per fortnight, with effect from 1 July 2023.
What the extended post-study work rights in Australia means for you
As an international student, the possibility of continuing to work in the country after you graduate might be a crucial factor in choosing a destination. If you’re planning on studying abroad and working overseas, this should put Australia on your radar.
Here are some reasons why you should take advantage of the 2 additional years granted to work in Australia after your studies:
1. Living the Aussie life
First off, you’ll get to enjoy life in Australia longer. After all, one of the perks of studying and living down under is being able to enjoy the natural beauty, gorgeous beaches and laid-back lifestyle that you envy so much while on vacation. Aside from work experience, you’ll make memories you’d never be able to gain elsewhere.
2. Gain even more work experience in your field
As a fresh graduate, you’ll be able to put your newly acquired knowledge and skills from your studies to practice immediately in your job. With the extension, you’ll add an additional two years of working experience in your resume, which is nothing to scoff at. If you study an eligible bachelor’s degree, that means you get to work for up to four years - double the length of time previously permitted. The result is a beefed up CV that can make you stand out from other job candidates in a competitive labour market in the future.
3. Start offsetting the cost of your studies
The costs of studying overseas can run up. But being able to work while studying, as well as getting a job right after you graduate, make a huge difference in recouping the investment in your education. If you’re a student looking to work part time, you’ll benefit from the increase in allowable work hours of up to 48 hours per fortnight, which is a 20% increase from the previous cap. Having a bigger source of income and being able to work longer will certainly move the needle as you look to pay off student loans or debts you might have incurred.
4. Take a step towards gaining PR
Having work experience in Australia will be an advantage for you in the country’s point-based immigration system for permanent residency. Applicants are awarded points for criteria such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. With the extended post-study work rights, you can accumulate more points the longer you work in Australia, which could help put you ahead in being eligible for PR.
5. Network, make friends and grow your base of contacts
With the extension to work for up to 4, 5 or 6 years in Australia - depending on your eligible qualification - you’ll also get more opportunities to meet and make connections with people in your industry. Having a network of contacts in Australia can be a major advantage in your field and lead to job or business opportunities in the future.
Get started on your dreams to study and work in Australia
Now that Australia has granted international students the opportunity to work even longer after their studies, you can start thinking about how to take advantage of this new development and map out your plans to work and study abroad accordingly.
Deciding on which course and university can be an intimidating task, given the massive number of options for courses and industries that qualify for the 2-year extension of post-study work rights.
Make this decision easier by hearing from experts on education in Australia. At IDP, our counsellors are fully equipped with the knowledge to guide you on the course and destination most suited to your aspirations. The entire process comes at no cost, from counselling to arriving at your university.
Book a session with an IDP counsellor today and take the first step towards achieving your dreams of studying and working in Australia.
Source: Australia’s Department of Education and Department of Home Affairs