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Education Minister Jason Clare recently announced that international residents with a bachelor’s degree are now able to stay in Australia for four years, doubling the previous two years, in order to strengthen the economic base of skilled labour. This incentive is aimed particularly at graduates of healthcare, teaching, hospitality and accounting degrees.
However, reports indicate that more needs to be done in order to support international students in entering the Australian workforce.
Up to one third of international graduates who stay in Australia post-study are still unemployed six months after graduating. Work placements and internships have become scarce due to Covid, which has resulted in limited pathways to full time employment.
Studies also show that if international students manage to secure full-time employment, they are paid up to 20% less than domestic workers.
Employers have also been found to be hesitant to employ those on temporary visas but tend to opt for permanent residents who they see as more likely to stay in Australia.
To overcome these obstacles and support the Australian workforce, international graduates need to be provided further career support during and after their study. This includes work placements and additional help preparing for job applications and interviews.
State governments or leading industry employers also provide education to businesses about international graduates’ capabilities and the benefits of hiring them.