Extended post-study work rights for international graduates

International student work hours allowance increased
Australian Pacific College
Australian Pacific College
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From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights. The allowable work hours cap for international students will be increased from 40 hours to 48 hours per fortnight.

Two-year extension of post-study work rights

A two-year extension of post-study work rights is available for international graduates with select degrees that are in areas of verified skill shortage.

This extension will give eligible international higher education graduates an additional two years on their Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

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.

View the indicative list of eligible occupations in demand and the related qualifications which are eligible for the extension.

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.  You can read the Working Group Report and the Government response to the report’s recommendations.

Further information can be found in the post-study work rights factsheet.

Increase to allowable work hours cap from 1 July 2023

The Government has also 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. 

For more information, read the International student working hour cap factsheet.