The Australian Federal Government has announced an increase to the working hour cap for international students, from 40 to 48 hours per fortnight, when the cap is reinstated on 1 July 2023.
The allowable work hours cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight.
The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education and the Hon Clare O’Neil MP, Minister for Home Affairs established a Post‑Study Work Rights Working Group to provide advice on the measure.
Minister for Education Jason Clare MP said in a statement:
“As well as delivering the skills and qualifications Australia needs, the measure will make Australia more attractive as a study destination, helping the recovery of the international education sector and boosting earnings from Australia’s education exports.”
From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will also be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights.
This two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage.
The extension is in addition to the existing additional one to two years of work rights for eligible students who study, live and work in regional areas.
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.”
Post-study work rights for select degrees in areas of verified skill shortages will be increased 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 qualifications.
This extension will give eligible international higher education graduates an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).
The Australian government believes that this increase will help international students to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience and contribute to Australia’s workforce needs while they study.
View the indicative list of eligible occupations in demand and the related qualifications which are eligible for the extension.
Further information can be found in the post-study work rights factsheet.
