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Australia set to let eligible bachelor’s graduates stay back to work for four years
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27 Feb 2023
International students in Australia, here is some good news for you.
Australia has decided to make changes to the student visa work restrictions as it adapts to the “new normal” post-pandemic.
In January 2022, the government decided to relax student visa work restrictions by allowing both primary and secondary student visa holders to work over their normal limit of 40 hours per fortnight.
This was done to address the workforce shortages that the country was facing. As this law comes to an end on June 30, new regulations will be implemented.
This will increase the work hour cap from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight. This will apply to all international students, no matter when they begin studying in Australia.
But that’s not the only good news that was announced. Along with that, Australia will expand post-study work rights for international graduates.
This decision to increase the number of years international students can stay in the country after graduation has been under consideration since September 2022.
Recently, the Council for International Education has decided to go ahead with the idea and implement the new law on July 1, 2023.
Previously, international graduates at the bachelor level were allowed to stay in the country for two years after completing their course, while master’s students could stay for three years and PhD students were entitled to four years based on their visa.
International students in Australia can now gain more opportunities and skills after graduation. Source: Mohammed Abed/AFP
Starting in July, a two-year work extension of post-study work right is available to international graduates on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
This will be an additional two years on top of the existing time allowed for those who stay and work in regional areas.
The extension of work rights is granted to international students with higher education degrees in selected fields of study. This decision was made to help industries that are facing workforce shortages in key sectors.
“Australia needs more skilled workers to ease the current pressures weighing on our labour market and the economy,” said Catriona Jackson, chief executive at Universities Australia.
She added that the country’s current skills crisis highlights the urgent need to retain more international students that generated A$40.3 billion in economic activity before the pandemic.
“Hundreds of thousands of international students come to our world-class universities each year, yet very few remain here – just 16%. We are worse off for that, economically and socially.
“The decision to extend working rights for PhD students, in particular, will provide a significant boost to the development of Australia’s knowledge economy,” she says.
Those who are studying selected degrees at the bachelor’s level will be allowed to stay for four years, five years for master’s students and six years for PhD graduates.
This increase makes Australia one of the most generous host countries in terms of post-study work rights.
The list of programmes eligible for this extension applies to 226 courses, including medical and nursing, professional health, diagnostic, allied health, teaching, engineering, technology, agriculture and many more.
International students in Australia in key sectors will be granted the post-study work extension. Source: Sam Panthaky/AFP
Below is a list of degrees that grant international students in Australia the post-study work extension:
| Medical and Nursing |
| Occupation Category – Medical Professionals |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Health Science |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgeyr |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences |
| Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Science Bachelor of Medical Studies |
| Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine |
| Master of Speech Pathology |
| Master of Clinical Psychology |
| Master of Diagnostic Radiography |
| Master of Applied Behaviour Analysis |
| Master of Applied Psychology |
| Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care |
| Master of Audiology Studies |
| Master of Research (Medicine and Health Sciences) |
| Master of Clinical Embryology |
| Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health) |
| Master of Business Psychology |
| Master of Psychology |
| Master of Professional Psychology |
| Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy |
| Occupational Category: Nursing and Medical Technicians |
| Bachelor of Nursing |
| Bachelor of Science (Nursing) |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration) |
| Bachelor of Health Science |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses) |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry) |
| Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Nutrition) |
| Bachelor of Nutrition Science |
| Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry |
| Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science |
| Bachelor of Health and Community Services |
| Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences |
| Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) |
| Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science |
| Bachelor of Public Health |
| Bachelor of Applied Public Health |
| Bachelor of Nursing – Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Pathway |
| Bachelor of Dermal Sciences |
| Master of Public Health |
| Master of Public Health Advanced |
| Master of Nursing Practice |
| Master of Nursing |
| Master of Nursing Practice (Pre-registration) |
| Master of Nursing International |
| Master of Laboratory Medicine |
| Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration) |
| Master of Global Public Health |
| Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) |
| Master of Health Science |
| Masters of Public Health Extension |
| Master of Nursing Science |
| Master of Biomedical and Health Science |
| Master of Nutrition and Population Health |
| Master of Health and Human Services Management |
| Master of Health Management |
| Master of Nursing Studie |
| Master of Dietetics |
| Master of Nursing (Professional Studies) |
| Professional Health |
| Occupational Category: Dentistry |
| Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Bachelor of Dental Health Science |
| Bachelor of Dental Science |
| Bachelor of Oral Health |
| Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics |
| Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy |
| Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) |
| Bachelor of Dental Technology |
| Bachelor of Dental Technology/Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics |
| Bachelor of Dental Hygiene |
| Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) |
| Master of Dentistry |
| Master of Dental Public and Primary Health |
| Master of Clinical Dentistry |
| Occupational Category: Veterinarian |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience) |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Technology |
| Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Science |
| Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing |
| Bachelor of Science (Animal Health Major) |
| Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
| Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
| Master of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) |
| Master of Tropical Veterinary Science |
| Diagnostic |
| Occupational Category: Medical Imaging |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) |
| Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) |
| Bachelor of Medical and Radiation Physics |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine) |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiations) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) |
| Bachelor of Radiation Sciences |
| Master of Diagnostic Radiography |
| Master of Magnetic Resonance Technology |
| Master of Medical Imaging |
| Master of Radiopharmaceutical Science |
| Master of Molecular Imaging Technology |
| Occupational Category: Radiologist |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) |
| Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) |
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Studies |
| Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery |
| Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine |
| Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine |
| Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine |
| Master of Diagnostic Radiography |
| Master of Research (Medicine and Health Sciences) |
| Master of Clinical Embryology |
| Master of Philosophy (Medicine and Health) |
| Allied Health |
| Occupational Category: Psychologist |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Psychology |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) |
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) |
| Bachelor of Science (Psychology) |
| Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science in Chiropractic Science leading to Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic |
| Bachelor of Chiropractic Science |
| Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) |
| Bachelor of Psychological Sciences |
| Master of Occupational Therapy Practice |
| Master of Clinical Psychology |
| Master of Clinical Audiology |
| Master of Clinical Physiotherapy |
| Occupational Category: Recovery Therapist |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Health Science |
| Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) |
| Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Physiotherapy |
| Bachelor of Occupational Therapy |
| Bachelor of Podiatry |
| Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science in Chiropractic Science leading to Bachelor of Clinical Chiropractic |
| Bachelor of Chiropractic Science |
| Bachelor of Health Sciences |
| Master of Occupational Therapy |
| Master of Physiotherapy |
| Master of Chiropractic |
| Master of Speech Pathology |
| Master of Physiotherapy Studies |
| Master of Occupational Therapy Practice |
| Master of Speech Language Pathology |
| Master of Speech Pathology Studies |
| Master of Clinical Audiology |
| Master of Clinical Physiotherapy |
| Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care |
| Master of Rehabilitation Counselling and Mental Health |
| Master of Physiotherapy Practice |
| Master of Music Therapy |
| Master of Advanced Clinical Physiotherapy (Sports) |
| Master of Audiology |
| Occupational Category: Optometrist |
| Bachelor of Vision Science |
| Master of Optometry |
| Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry |
| Bachelor of Vision Science / Master of Optometry |
| Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science)/Master of Optometry |
| Master of Health Sciences (Research) |
| Master of Clinical Optometry |
| Occupational Category: Pharmacist |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy |
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy and Management |
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical and Pharmaceutical) |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) and Master of Pharmacy |
| Master of Pharmacy |
| Master of Pharmaceutical Science |
| Master of Good Manufacturing Practice |
| Master of Philosophy |
| Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) / Master of Pharmacy Practice |
| Master of Philosophy (Pharmacy) |
| Master of Pharmacy (Research) |
| Teaching |
| Occupational Category: Teacher |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth-5) |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to 5) |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) |
| Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) |
| Bachelor of Education (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Education (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts |
| Bachelor of Arts (Pathway to Teaching Birth-5/Birth-12) |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary: Humanities) / Bachelor of Arts |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Education (Primary) |
| Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education |
| Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary) with Bachelor of Arts |
| Master of Education |
| Master of Teaching |
| Master of Teaching (Secondary) |
| Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) |
| Master of TESOL |
| Master of Teaching (Birth – 5 years/Birth – 12 Years) |
| Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) |
| Master of Education (Advanced) |
| Master of Education (Special Education, Advanced) |
| Master of Education (By Coursework) |
| Master of Teaching (Primary) |
| Master of Teaching (Secondary Education) |
| Masters of Teaching (Secondary) |
| Master of Arts (TESOL) |
| Engineering |
| Occupational Category: Engineer |
| Bachelor of Science |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
| Bachelor of Medical Science |
| Bachelor of Project Management |
| Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science (Lab + Non-lab Based) |
| Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) |
| Bachelor of Engineering Science |
| Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
| Master of Engineering |
| Master of Professional Engineering |
| Master of Engineering Science |
| Master of Biotechnology |
| Master of Construction Management |
| Master of Science |
| Master of Construction Management (Professional) |
| Master of Engineering (Professional) |
| Master of Engineering Management |
| Master of Professional Engineering (Accelerated) |
| Master of Machine Learning and Computer Vision |
| Master of Biomedical Science |
| Master of Engineering (Extension) |
| Master of Engineering Science (Management) |
| Master of Philosophy (Engineering) |
| ICT |
| Occupational Category: ICT |
| Bachelor of Information Technology |
| Bachelor of Computer Science |
| Bachelor of Business Information Systems |
| Bachelor of Advanced Computing |
| Bachelor of Networking |
| Bachelor of Science – Computer Science |
| Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Information Systems |
| Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology |
| Bachelor of Cyber Security |
| Bachelor of Business Analytics |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (Mobile Applications Development) (Standard) |
| Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems |
| Bachelor of Software Engineering |
| Bachelor of Computing Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) |
| Bachelor of Data Science |
| Master of Information Technology |
| Master of Data Science |
| Master of Business Information Systems |
| Master of Information Systems |
| Master of Information Technology and Systems |
| Master of Computer Science |
| Master of Computing |
| Master of Business Analytics |
| Master of Cyber Security |
| Master of Information Technology and Master of Information Technology Management |
| Master of Networking |
| Master of Applied Information Technology |
| Master of Technology (Enterprise Systems and Business Analytics) |
| Master of Technology (Software Engineering) |
| Master of Cybersecurity |
| Master of Information Technology (Enterprise Management) |
| Master of Enterprise Resource Planning |
| Master of Computing and Innovation |
| Agriculture |
| Occupational Category: Agriculture |
| Bachelor of Science |
| Bachelor of Biomedicine |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
| Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies |
| Bachelor of Agriculture |
| Bachelor of Agricultural Science |
| Bachelor of Science (Veterinary Bioscience) |
| Bachelor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science (Science) |
| Bachelor of Environmental Science |
| Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Environmental Management (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Marine Science |
| Master of Environmental Science |
| Master of Environmental Management |
| Master of Environment |
| Master of Biotechnology |
| Master of Marine Biology |
| Master of Agricultural Science |
| Master of Science in Agriculture |
| Master of Sustainability |
| Master of Science (Bioinformatics) |
| Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics |
| Master of Environment and Sustainability |
| Master of Agricultural Sciences |
| Master of Biotechnology (Biomedical) |
| Master of Molecular Biology |
| Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability |
| Occupational Category: Food Technologist |
| Bachelor of Science |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
| Bachelor of Medical Science |
| Bachelor of Science (Lab + Non-lab Based) |
| Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Advanced Studies |
| Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science) |
| Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Medical Sciences |
| Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Advanced (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Science (Food Technology and Nutrition) |
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise and Sport Science) |
| Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science |
| Bachelor of Biotechnology |
| Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology |
| Bachelor of Science (Science) |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Chemical) |
| Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) |
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) |
| Master of Biotechnology |
| Master of Science |
| Master of Food Science and Technology |
| Master of Biomedical Science |
| Master of Materials Technology |
| Master of Pharmaceutical Industry Practice |
| Master of Research |
| Master of Science (Food Science and Technology) |
| Master of Biotechnology Research Extensive |
| Master of Science (Chemistry) |
| Master of Viticulture and Oenology |
| Master of Laboratory Medicine |
| Master of Wine Business |
| Master of Medical Biotechnology (Extension) |
| Master of Science in Biotechnology |
| Master of Science (Professional) |
| Master of Food Science |
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