Australia extends post-study work rights for international students by two years

Australia is extending post-study work rights for international students in industries with the skills shortage.

"Important announcement from the floor of the Jobs and Skills Summit – we will increase by two years post study work rights for international students who graduate from Australian universities in areas of verified skills shortage," Australia’s Minister for Education Jason Clare tweeted.

A change in rule will allow bachelor’s degree graduates to stay in Australia for four years, master’s graduates for five years, and PhD holder to stay in the country for six years.

Currently, international undergrad students can stay in the country for two years, master’s graduates for three years, and doctoral students for four years.

While the government is yet to announce the degrees included, according to reports, nursing, engineering, and IT students will be top priority areas.

“They’re the graduates that the government believes Australia needs, and they can go straight into a sector where there is a shortage of high-skilled workers,” a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil told SBS News. Australia needs to better use the amazing resource of international students.”