Savanna Hoffman
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world, with international students representing an average of 26.7% of the student population in Australian universities in 2019. Many international students choose to stay in Australia after graduation, either to continue their studies or to gain employment. The Australian government has expressed a desire to retain international graduates, and has changed visa conditions to allow graduates to stay and work for longer. However, some critics argue that this gives false hope to graduates, as many still struggle to find employment and secure permanent residency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in Australia in 2023 | 786,891 |
| International students as a percentage of the total student body population in Australian universities in 2019 | 26.7% |
| Percentage increase in international student enrolments in Australia from 2019 to 2024 | 15% |
| Number of skilled migrants added to Australia's workforce from international students in 2014-2015 | 130,000 |
| Percentage of international students who chose to stay in regional locations of Australia in 2018 | 3% |
| Number of international students in New South Wales in 2018 | 333,913 |
| Number of international students in Queensland in 2018 | N/A |
| Number of international students in Victoria in 2018 | N/A |
| Percentage of international students in Australia from China in 2023 | 22% |
| Percentage of international students in Australia from India in 2023 | 16% |
| Percentage of international students in Australia from Nepal in 2023 | 8% |
| Percentage of international graduates with full-time employment in Australia in 2021 | 43% |
| Percentage decrease in wages for international graduates with undergraduate degrees compared to domestic graduates | 20% |
| Number of Temporary Graduate visa-holders projected by 2030 | 370,000 |
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What You'll Learn
International students' contribution to the Australian economy
International students make a significant contribution to the Australian economy. In the financial year 2018, international students injected $31.9 billion into the Australian economy, directly boosting jobs and wages, generating jobs, supporting wages, and lifting living standards in Australia. International students also bring Australia and the world closer together, building important diplomatic and personal ties.
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world by a large margin. In 2019, international students represented an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities. International education is one of the country's largest exports, and it has a pronounced influence on the country's demographics, with a significant proportion of international students remaining in Australia after graduation on various skill and employment visas. If the 18% growth seen in 2024 continues, the number of international students relative to the total population will increase to 3.48%.
In 2018, 3% of international students enrolled in Australia stayed in regional locations, while 97% of international students chose to settle in major cities. New South Wales had the largest number of international students, with up to 333,913. Queensland had the largest regional area proportion (5%), followed by New South Wales (1%) and Victoria (1%).
Many international students choose to stay in Australia to complete further studies or gain higher qualifications, such as graduate diplomas or master's degrees. To do so, they must ensure they have enough funds to continue paying for their studies and living expenses, extend their student visas and health cover, and apply for their chosen course by the deadline.
After graduating, international students have several visa options to stay and work in Australia. The Skilled—Graduate (Temporary) Visa allows international students to remain in Australia for 18 months after completing their studies to travel, gain work experience, or improve their English language skills. They can also apply for a working holiday visa or a work and holiday visa, which allows them to travel and work for up to 12 months. Additionally, if an employer is willing to sponsor them, they can apply for a temporary or permanent visa through the Employer Nomination Scheme, allowing them to live and work in Australia as long as they work for that employer.
However, it is important to note that finding employment as an international graduate in Australia can be challenging. Full-time employment rates for international graduates are consistently lower than for domestic graduates. For example, in 2021, the full-time employment rate for international graduates with undergraduate degrees was 43.0%, compared to 68.9% for domestic graduates. Many international graduates report feeling stressed and under pressure to financially support themselves and their families due to the increased cost of living. Additionally, international graduates may face challenges such as a lack of local networks, limited workplace experience, and cultural fit concerns in the Australian job market.
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Visa options for international graduates
International students are a significant contributor to the Australian economy, injecting around $32 billion each year and supporting over 100,000 jobs. It is no surprise then that the Australian government encourages international students to stay in the country after graduation through various visa options.
International students on a student visa are allowed to work in Australia, and many choose to remain in the country after completing their studies. In 2015, it was estimated that international students contributed about 130,000 skilled migrants to Australia's workforce. The Australian government has expressed an intention to reduce the overall number of accepted migrants to protect the local workforce, but it continues to encourage international students to stay in regional areas such as Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory.
International students can apply for various skill and employment visas after graduation. One such visa is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). To obtain a student visa, applicants must demonstrate their financial ability to cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Additionally, they are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
The Australian government introduced a Simplified Student Visa Framework (SSVF) in 2016, which streamlined the visa application process. Under this framework, the number of documents required for a student visa application is determined by the applicant's country of citizenship and intended education provider. This framework makes it easier for international students to obtain visas and remain in Australia after graduation.
In summary, Australia offers several visa options for international graduates, including skill and employment visas, as well as the Temporary Graduate visa. The country's high ratio of international students and supportive visa framework reflect its encouragement of international students to study, work, and settle in regional areas of Australia.
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International students' employment rates in Australia
International students contribute significantly to Australia's economy and workforce. In the financial year 2018, international students injected $31.9 billion into the Australian economy and supported 130,000 jobs. International education is one of the country's largest exports, and many international students remain in Australia after graduation on various skill and employment visas.
In 2014-2015, it was estimated that international students would deliver about 130,000 skilled migrants to Australia after graduation. This number of skilled migrants increased by 3% of Australia's workforce with tertiary education.
However, it can be challenging for international students to find employment in Australia after graduation. Some employers screen out applications from international students or graduate visa holders, and some job descriptions even include PR/citizenship requirements. It is generally easier and more favourable to hire domestic graduates, as they have the appropriate visas and do not require sponsorship.
Despite these challenges, international students can still secure employment in Australia. For example, the School of Commerce at the University of Sydney reported a 90.3% employment rate within 4-6 months after graduation for international graduates. Additionally, graduates from regional and remote areas recorded a higher full-time employment rate (83.0%) than graduates from metropolitan areas (77.6%) in 2022.
The Australian government has also implemented policies to encourage international students to study, work, and stay in regional areas such as Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland attract the largest portion of international students. In 2018, 97% of international students chose to settle down in major cities, with New South Wales having the largest number of international students (333,913).
Overall, while there are challenges for international students seeking employment in Australia, the high demand for international education in the country and targeted government policies provide opportunities for those seeking to stay and work after graduation.
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Australian immigration policy for international students
International education is a significant contributor to the Australian economy, injecting $31.9 billion in 2018 and supporting 130,000 jobs. It is the third-largest export industry in Australia, and international students represent a large proportion of the student body population in Australian universities, with an average of 26.7% in 2019.
Australia has a long history of recruiting international students, especially from Asia, and has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. The country's high-quality and relatively low-cost education, safety, and convenient geographical location make it an attractive destination for students worldwide.
The Australian government has implemented policies to encourage international students to study, work, and stay in regional areas like Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. International students are considered potential future citizens, and their rights as consumers are protected. The government intends to reduce the overall number of accepted migrants to protect the local workforce and set a cap on skilled immigration.
To obtain a student visa, international students must first be accepted by an Australian educational institute and provide confirmation of enrollment. They must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and the compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Students on a valid visa can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms and unlimited hours during recognized school vacations. Family members of students with graduate degrees, such as master's degrees, can work unlimited hours, while those with other degrees are restricted to 20 hours per week.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted international student programs in Australia, with border closures and visa suspensions leading to a drastic decline in international student numbers. The Australian government's future challenge is to balance international student programs and immigration policies to maintain economic growth.
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International students' reasons for staying in Australia
Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world. In 2019, international students represented an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities. International education is one of the country's largest exports, and it has a significant influence on the country's demographics and economy.
International students contribute a substantial portion of revenue to Australian universities, as foreigners pay much higher fees than domestic students. In the financial year of 2018, international students injected $31.9 billion into the Australian economy, directly boosting jobs, wages, and living standards. International students also bring Australia and the world closer together, building important diplomatic and personal ties.
Many international students decide to stay in Australia after graduation for various reasons. Firstly, the Australian government has implemented policies that encourage international students to stay in regional areas such as Adelaide, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. The government intends to protect the local workforce by reducing the number of accepted migrants while attracting skilled international graduates to contribute to the economy. International students can remain in Australia after graduation on various skill and employment visas, with the opportunity to gain permanent residency in the future.
Secondly, international students may choose to stay in Australia due to the high quality of education and research opportunities the country offers. Australia is known for its highly ranked universities and cutting-edge research, especially in fields like agricultural science. The country's strong focus on international education and the rights of international students as consumers also ensures that they receive a high-quality educational experience.
Lastly, personal factors may influence international students' decisions to stay in Australia. Some students may have developed strong social connections and a sense of belonging during their studies, making them want to remain in the country. Others may take advantage of the system by positioning themselves as ""strategic opportunists," using their student visas as a pathway to permanent migration.
In summary, international students contribute significantly to Australia's economy and society, and the country has implemented policies to attract and retain international talent. The decision of international students to stay in Australia after graduation is influenced by government policies, educational opportunities, and personal factors, contributing to Australia's diverse and dynamic community.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to find an exact number, but sources suggest that a significant proportion of international students remain in Australia after graduation. In 2014-2015, it was estimated that international students would deliver about 130,000 skilled migrants after graduation.
International students have a few visa options if they want to stay in Australia after graduation, including:
- Temporary Graduate Visa: This allows international students to stay in Australia for 18 months after graduation to travel, gain work experience or improve their English language skills.
- Working Holiday Visa: People aged 18 to 30 can apply for a visa that allows them to travel and work for up to 12 months.
- Work and Holiday Visa: Similar to the Working Holiday Visa, this visa allows individuals to travel and work for the same duration.
- Employer Nomination Scheme: If an employer is willing to sponsor an individual, they can live and work in Australia as long as they are employed by that organisation.
International students face several challenges when trying to stay in Australia after graduation, including:
- Employment: Up to one-third of international graduates who stay in Australia are unemployed six months after graduating. Full-time employment rates for international graduates are consistently lower than for domestic graduates. Many international students report feeling stressed due to the increased cost of living and the pressure to financially support themselves and their families.
- Language and cultural barriers: Some employers hesitate to hire international graduates on temporary visas, and there is a perception that international graduates may not be a good "cultural fit".
- Visa limbo: Changes in federal government policy and visa conditions have made it more difficult for international students to obtain permanent residency, leaving some graduates stuck in visa limbo.
International students who stay in Australia after graduation can bring several benefits to the country, including:
- Economic contribution: In the financial year 2018, international students injected $31.9 billion into the Australian economy and supported 130,000 jobs.
- Diplomatic ties: International students help foster important diplomatic and personal ties between Australia and the world.
- Workplace diversity: International students offer diverse skill sets, ideas, attitudes and cultural understandings that can enhance Australia's competitiveness in the global economy.
New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are the top three states attracting the largest portion of international students. However, in 2018, 97% of international students chose to settle down in major cities, with only 3% opting for regional locations.
