The recently signed trade agreement between Australia and India has brought good news for Indian international students. With extended post-study work visa durations and eligibility for Australia’s Work and Holiday program, the country now offers more work and study options for Indian students.
Whether you are planning to pursue a short course or a doctoral degree, this development provides more incentives for Indian students to consider Australia as a top study destination.
What are the changes?
The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into effect on December 29, 2022, aiming to enhance trade and open new service markets between the two countries. The agreement has updated several aspects of the trade, including education and training, making it an essential step towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement between India and Australia.
With this development, Indian international students, who are the second-largest international student market in Australia, are expected to benefit from new opportunities in the education sector.
Changes in Post-Study Work Visa in Australia
Indian students have the opportunity to apply for a post-study work visa in Australia, which falls under Temporary Graduate Visa or subclass 485. The visa duration will be determined by the qualification that has been completed by the student. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government, there are changes to the post-study work visa duration for Indian international students.
- Diploma or trade qualification: Up to 18 months
- Bachelor’s degree: Up to 2 years
- Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours in STEM or ICT sectors: Up to 3 years
- Master’s degree: Up to 3 years
- Doctoral degree: Up to 4 years
Australia has expanded its post-study work visa program to include more international students. Before 2023, only those who completed a degree-level qualification or higher were eligible for this visa. The program now includes other considerations that can impact visa length, such as select fields of study, which may allow for a longer stay. Students who complete their studies in designated regional areas may also be eligible for an extended visa duration.
The new changes to the program provide an exciting opportunity for graduates of STEM- or ICT-related courses. This extension allows new graduates to gain valuable international work experience in their field, providing them with an edge in the job market. In addition to the visa extension, students who complete degrees in select fields may be eligible for an extended visa duration, potentially up to four years, rather than the standard two years.
Temporary Graduate Visa Classifications
The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is a visa option for international students who have recently graduated from an Australian educational institution. There are two classifications of the subclass 485 visa: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream.
- Graduate Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with skills and qualifications that are relevant to occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The visa is valid for up to 18 months from the date of the grant.
- Post-Study Work Stream: This stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a higher education degree from an Australian educational institution.
Work and Holiday Program in Australia
The Work and Holiday Program in Australia is a visa program designed to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries. The eligibility requirements for the program can vary depending on the country of citizenship, but generally include the following:
Age
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application.
Citizenship
Applicants must hold a passport from an eligible country. The list of eligible countries varies and may change from time to time. Currently, there are 44 eligible countries for the Work and Holiday Program in Australia.
Education
Applicants must have completed at least two years of undergraduate university study or hold an equivalent qualification.
English language proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score in an approved English language test, or by holding a passport from a country where English is the official language.
Sufficient Funds
Applicants must have access to sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. This may be demonstrated by providing evidence of personal funds or a letter of support from a parent or legal guardian.
The Australian government’s recent update to the Post-Study Work Visa for Indian students for students who want to study in Australia is a positive development for both the Indian students and Australia. The update allows Indian students who have completed their studies in Australia to stay and work in the country for up to five years, depending on the level of their qualifications.
This change provides more opportunities for Indian students to gain valuable work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residency in Australia. It also benefits the Australian economy by providing a skilled and diverse workforce. This policy update is a welcome step towards strengthening the educational and economic ties between India and Australia.
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