Good news for thousands of Sri Lankan students who are studying at various Australian universities and also for those who are planning to pursue higher study in that country! The Australian government has decided to extend post-study work rights for foreign students in industries with the skills shortage.
The move by the Australian government will be beneficial for students as they will now get more time to find a job there and utilise their skills learnt while studying.
“Important announcement from the floor of the Jobs and Skills Summit – we will increase by two years post study work rights for international students who graduate from Australian universities in areas of verified skills shortage,” Australia’s Minister for Education Jason Clare tweeted.
With this change in law, bachelor’s degree graduates can stay in Australia for four years, master’s graduates for five years, and PhD holder to stay in the country for six years.
Currently, international undergrad students can stay in the country for two years, master’s graduates for three years, and doctoral students for four years.
Now, graduates in areas of verified skill shortages will see these visa durations increase as below,
- From two years to four years (selected bachelor’s degrees)
- From three years to five years (selected master’s degrees)
- From four years to six years (selected PhDs)
While the government is yet to announce the degrees included, according to reports, nursing, engineering, and IT students will be top priority areas.
“They’re the graduates that the government believes Australia needs, and they can go straight into a sector where there is a shortage of high-skilled workers,” a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil told SBS News. Australia needs to better use the amazing resource of international students.”
