The Australian Government has recently announced two major updates for international students in Australia. From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. The allowable work hours cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight.

These updates will have a significant impact on international students and further support them to find the right career after graduating. So, if you are planning to study in Australia, now is the right time to initiate your university application process.

• The Australian government has announced a two-year extension of post-study work rights for international graduates. This will be applicable to international graduates with select degrees that come under the areas of verified skill shortage. As per this announcement, the extension will provide an additional two years of stay to eligible international higher education graduates with a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). 
• The government has also announced an increase in the working hour cap for international students. This working hour cap is increased from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight. 
• The revised cap will help international students to support themselves through their studies, while maintaining study as the primary purpose of their visa
• The extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional centres ( Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle/Lake Macquarie Wollongong/Illawarra, Geelong, Hobart ).
• Post-study work rights for select degrees in areas of verified skills shortages will be increased from:
  • Two years to four years for select bachelor’s degrees.
  • Three years to five years for select master’s degrees.
  • Four years to six years for all PhDs.
• A list of eligible occupations in demand and the related qualifications which are eligible for the extension has also been released by the government is here