The Australian government has introduced an expansion of post-study work rights for international students who complete specific qualifications at an Australian higher education institution. This exciting development grants an additional two years of work rights to graduates in various occupations and eligible qualifications, primarily in areas experiencing skill shortages such as healthcare, education, engineering, and agriculture. Notably, this extension is particularly beneficial for students who have studied or plan to study in regional areas, as they will retain the existing additional year of post-study work rights.
Starting from the 1st of July 2023, eligible students will now have the following increased post-study work rights:
- Four years for selected Bachelor’s degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)
- Five years for selected Master’s degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)
- Six years for all Doctoral degrees (plus an additional year in regional areas)
Regarding eligible occupations and qualifications, it is important to note that all doctoral studies are considered eligible for this measure, regardless of the field of study, and therefore, they are not individually listed. The qualifications provided in this document serve as a summary of the eligible qualifications. The Department of Education will release a comprehensive list aligned with CRICOS course codes before the implementation on the 1st of July 2023.
The changes in the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) aim to strengthen the pool of skilled labor in Australia by extending the duration of post-study work rights for international students. For select degrees in areas where there is a verified shortage of skills, the Subclass 485 Post Study Work rights will be increased as follows:
- From two years to four years for select Bachelor’s degrees
- From three years to five years for select Master’s degrees
- From four years to six years for select PhDs
To ensure effective implementation and address relevant matters, a working group will be established to advise the Ministers for Home Affairs and Education. This group will consist of representatives from various organizations, including the Council of International Education, the National Tertiary Education Union, Universities Australia, and the Departments of Home Affairs and Education.
Furthermore, international students holding the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa, who have been unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 border restrictions, will have the opportunity to apply for a replacement visa. Under normal circumstances, applicants are typically limited to one initial Subclass 485 visa throughout their lifetime, and an additional visa is only available based on regional work and study requirements.