Australia’s international education sector has been experiencing a significant boost in its post-pandemic recovery, thanks to introducing generous policies surrounding in-study and post-study work rights for foreign students. As of July 1, 2023, new rules will come into effect, impacting both the number of hours international students can work while studying and the post-study work rights available to graduates. In this blog, I will delve into the latest changes and explore how they may affect international students studying in Australia.
Reintroduction of Caps on Working While Studying:
Starting in July 2023, the temporary policy that allowed international students to work unlimited hours while studying will end. The new policy will cap the working hours at 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week). Although some students express dissatisfaction with this modest increase, the aim is to balance enabling students to support themselves financially and ensuring they can fully focus on their primary purpose of studying in Australia.
Post-Study Work Rights for Select Degrees:
The Australian government has announced extended post-study work rights for graduates with specific degrees linked to labor skills shortages in the country. From July 2023, Bachelor’s graduates will be granted four years of post-study work rights, while Master’s graduates will enjoy five years. This move is expected to address skills shortages in various priority areas, including health, teaching, engineering, and agriculture.
Eligibility and Duration for Post-Study Work Rights:
Students graduating with degrees not on the priority list will have two years of post-study work rights for Bachelor’s degrees and three years for Master’s degrees. However, regardless of their study area, all doctoral graduates will be granted six years of post-study work rights, an increase from the previous four-year limit.
Impact on Australia’s Economy and International Education Sector:
The extended post-study work rights aim to address the skills shortages in various sectors of the Australian economy. By allowing skilled workers to stay longer and contribute to the economy, Australia aims to attract more international students and boost earnings from its education exports. The changes are also expected to make Australia a more attractive study destination, further strengthening the recovery of the international education sector.
Australia’s evolving policies on in-study and post-study work rights reflect the government’s commitment to supporting international students and addressing skills shortages in the country. While the reintroduction of working hours caps may pose challenges for some students, the extended post-study work rights offer promising opportunities for graduates in priority fields. By striking a careful balance, Australia aims to enhance the overall experience of international students and further merge its position as a preferred destination for higher education.
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