International students who have in-demand skills will soon be able to stay back and work in Australia for longer according to the recent changes announced on September 2, 2022, at the job and skill summit in Canberra.
To tackle the labour shortage in Australia, the post-study work rights of students will be extended by two years who possess degrees that educate them with the most sought-after skills.
The measure will allow graduates with particular bachelors degrees to stay in Australia for four years, masters degrees for five years and PhDs holders for six years.
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It is not yet announced which degree programmes will get extended visas but a working group has been created to advise on which courses should get the extension. The country has huge vacancies in engineering, technology and nursing.
The group will be made up of members from Universities Australia, home affairs and education departments, the International Education Association of Australia and the National Tertiary Education Union.
Jason Clare, the education minister said that only 16% of the international students stay back after completing their education in Australia. Students can now stay back and help the country fill up vacancies in areas of chronic skill shortages.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia commented that the new federal government is attempting to restore the countrys inclusive and welcoming reputation. One of the measures in this regard is providing international students with a policy framework that students will be supported to learn, study and live in Australia.
Global vice president at Griffith University, Sarah Todd, that the university was delighted as the international students were recognised to play an important role in several sectors of the Australian economy. Prospective students will be able to rightly choose the courses and universities that would profit them most. Universities in Australia, according to her, must also focus on offering programmes in designated disciplines that will allow a smooth transition to employment in Australia.
The government has also announced that the working hours for international students will again be capped from June 2023 reversing the decision to remove the cap to get more working hours.This measure will be taken to strike the right balance between study and work.
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Further, the government has announced to invest AUD 36.1 million in visa processing because of the delays hampering the international education sector.
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Source: PIE News
