The Albanese Government has taken a significant step in addressing skills shortages in Australia's key industries and in rebuilding the international education sector, by extending post-study work rights for international students who have graduated from a higher education provider. This practical change will increase the availability of a well-trained and highly capable workforce and help ease current pressures faced by businesses across the country [1].
Targeting the Skills Australia Needs Most
The Australian Government has released the list of occupations and eligible qualifications that will enable graduates to access greater work rights. The focus will be on targeting the skills Australia needs the most, including health, teaching, engineering, and agricultural fields. Targeted skills will be considered on an annual basis and updated as needed in response to the labour market [1].
Extended Work Rights
Effective from 1st July 2023, the extended work rights will increase the current settings by two years, extending post-study work rights from two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees, three years to five years for select Masters degrees, and four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees. Existing settings for regional and remote Australia will also be maintained, and where relevant, will be eligible for the additional two years. Graduates with a valid Temporary Graduate Visa on 1st July 2023 or those who apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa after 1st July 2023 will be considered for the two-year extension. Graduates whose visa expires before 1st July 2023 can apply for an extension of their work rights by visiting Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Australian Government-endorsed events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) [1].
Increased Allowable Work Hours
Furthermore, the Australian Government will increase the allowable work hours cap from 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight, which will take effect from 1st July 2023. This modest increase will help students to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Australia's workforce needs while they study [1].
Government's Response and Conclusion
This commitment was made following the Jobs and Skills Summit and developed further after advice from a working group composed of the Council of International Education, the National Tertiary Education Union, Universities Australia, and the Departments of Home Affairs and Education. The measure not only delivers the skills and qualifications Australia needs but also makes Australia more attractive as a study destination, helping the recovery of the international education sector and boosting earnings from Australia's education exports.
In the words of the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, "Businesses are screaming out for skilled workers, particularly in the regions. We teach and train these skilled workers. This will mean they can stay on longer and use the skills they've gained in Australia to help fill some of the chronic skills shortages we have right now."
Enabling students who gain an education in Australia to stay longer and contribute to the economy is a win-win situation for everyone. As stated by the Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil, "This work is being undertaken as we work towards the conclusion of the migration review and continue to reform our broken migration and skills system." The Australian Government's response to the recommendations of the Post-Study Work Rights Working Group is available at https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates [1].