Post-study work rights have been extended for international students that have graduated from an Australian higher education provider.

Current settings will be increased by two years from 1 July 2023, extending post-study work rights from:

• two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees
• three years to five years for select Masters degrees
• four years to six years for all Doctoral degrees.

Existing settings for regional and remote Australia will also be maintained and will be eligible for the additional two years where relevant.

A list of occupations and the eligible qualifications grants graduates access to greater work rights in industries such as health, education, engineering and agricultural fields.

Targeted skills will be considered on an annual basis and updated as needed in response to the labour market.

Eligible graduates with a valid Temporary Graduate Visa on 1 July 2023 or who apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa after 1 July 2023 will be considered for the two-year extension.

Graduates whose visa expires before 1 July 2023 can apply for an extension of their work rights.

Also taking effect from 1 July 2023 will be a modest increase to the allowable work hours cap from 40 hours per fortnight to 48 hours per fortnight, allowing students to support themselves financially, gain work experience and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs while they study.

Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil said: “Enabling students that gain an education in Australia to stay longer and contribute to our economy benefits us all.

“After a lost decade on immigration and skills we are looking for ways to utilise skilled migrants via enhanced training and better targeted, less exploitative programs for temporary visa workers and students.”

The Victorian Chamber has previously advocated for changes to international study and work.

Recommendations in the 2022 Federal Budget Submission included changing post-study visa duration for international students from between two to four years to a minimum of four years and allow all international students to work up to 25 hours per week throughout their study.

Victorian Chamber Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has consistently advocated for changes that would help expand Victoria’s talent pool, increase work opportunities for international students and encourage investment in international talent.

“The increase to post-study work rights and international student visa hours will significantly enhance Australia’s international student market competitiveness, help alleviate skilled labour shortages and make us a more attractive long-term prospect for international graduates.”