🇦🇺 Work After Studies in Australia
Work Opportunities for International Students
International students studying full-time in Australia are allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight (i.e., 20 hours per week) while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.
Work Rights for Spouses
- If the student is pursuing a Master’s degree or higher, their spouse can work unlimited hours.
- If the student is enrolled in an undergraduate program, their spouse can work up to 40 hours per fortnight.
Work Permit & Tax File Number (TFN)
Students can apply for a work permit along with their student visa, with a total fee of AUD $535 (subject to change).
A Tax File Number (TFN) is required to work legally in Australia, even for part-time jobs. Students can apply for a TFN online after arriving in Australia.
🔹 Staying & Working in Australia After Graduation
While students are expected to leave after completing their course, Australia offers various work visa pathways for international graduates. The country has a high demand for skilled professionals, and students with an Australian degree have access to special work visa categories.
Post-Study Work Visa Options
📌 Subclass 485 – Temporary Graduate Visa (Most Common)
Allows graduates to stay and work for 2–4 years, depending on their qualification level.
No employer sponsorship is required.
📌 Subclass 407 – Training Visa
Allows graduates to gain work experience and training for up to 2 years, sponsored by an employer.
📌 Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Requires students to live and work in a designated regional area for 3 years.
Leads to permanent residency (PR) after 3 years.
📌 Subclass 887 – Skilled Regional Permanent Residency Visa
Grants PR after working for 1 year and living for 2 years in a regional area.
📌 Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Permanent visa for skilled professionals without employer sponsorship.
Points-based system, requiring work experience, skills assessment, and English proficiency.
📌 Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Permanent residency visa requiring state or territory nomination.
📌 Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa
Provides direct PR if an employer sponsors the graduate for a full-time job.
🛠️ Job Search for International Students
Many Australian universities and colleges offer job placement services such as:
✅ Career Services & Job Access Programs – Universities help students find jobs in their field of study.
✅ Employment Officers – Assist students with job applications and interview preparation.
✅ Internships & Trainee Programs – Students may work as trainees during their final semester, leading to full-time employment.
📌 Where to Look for Jobs?
University career centers & job boards
Online job portals like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn
Newspapers & employment agencies
Government job services (Job Network)
⏳ Part-Time & Casual Jobs
Most students start with casual jobs in retail, hospitality, administration, and farming. English proficiency helps secure better opportunities.
💼 Australian Workplace for International Students
Australia values skilled graduates and provides PR pathways for high-performing students. Many universities align their courses with industry needs, increasing job placement opportunities.
📌 Key Benefits for Students Seeking Work in Australia:
✔️ High demand for skilled professionals
✔️ Strong post-study work visa options
✔️ Opportunity to gain PR through the points-based system
✔️ Employer-sponsored career growth opportunities
