Study and Work In Australia

Australia, the land of Opportunities is renowned for its stunning high standard of living, excellent education, and diverse culture. Australia is a top destination for international students seeking quality education and rewarding work opportunities. So, why should you consider studying and working in Australia? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Study and Work in Australia?

Australia offers a unique blend of world-class education, a multicultural environment, and the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Whether you’re drawn by the world-class standard universities, the welcoming approach for immigrants, or the high standard of living, Australia has something to offer for every personality.

Overview of Australian Universities

Australia boasts some of the world’s top universities, known for their research contributions, innovative teaching methods, and strong industry connections. With over 1,100 institutions and 22,000 courses to choose from, students can find programs that suit their academic and career aspirations.

Study and Work In Australia: Navigating the Visa Process

Australia is a fantastic destination for international students, offering a world-class education, a vibrant multicultural environment, and stunning scenery. If you’re considering studying and working in Australia, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate visa. Here’s a breakdown of the most common visas for international students and aspiring professionals:

Student Visa (Subclass 500): This is the most common visa for international students enrolling in a registered course at an Australian educational institution. The Subclass 500 visa allows you to:

• Enroll in a full-time course of study
• Work for up to 40 hours per fortnight during your course and full-time during scheduled breaks
• Bring your family members with you to Australia (depending on your circumstances)

Requirements for a Subclass 500 visa:

• A valid passport
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a registered education provider in Australia
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support yourself while studying in Australia
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay
• Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, which means you must demonstrate that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for study purposes and return to your home country after completing your studies
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements

Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): The Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) is a great option for international students who have graduated from an Australian university and want to stay in Australia to work. This visa allows you to gain valuable work experience in your field of study and potentially transition to permanent residency.

There are two streams of the Subclass 485 visa:

• Graduate Work stream: This stream is for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification in Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia for up to 4 years after graduation.
• Post-Study Work stream: This stream is for applicants who have completed a diploma or Associate degree in Australia. It allows you to stay in Australia for up to 2 years after graduation.

Requirements for a Subclass 485 visa:

• A valid Subclass 500 visa
• Have completed a full-time course of study in Australia that led to a qualification on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL)
• Meet the work experience requirements for your chosen occupation
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements

Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by a state or territory government in Australia. This visa is a great option for skilled professionals who want to live and work in Australia permanently.

Requirements for a Subclass 190 visa:

• Be nominated by a state or territory government in Australia
• Have a skilled occupation that is on the SOL
• Meet the skills assessment requirements for your chosen occupation
• Meet the point test score requirement

Steps On How To Study and Work In Australia

Here’s a breakdown of the steps to consider for studying and working in Australia:

1. Choose Your Institution/Course: Browse course offerings from various Australian educational institutions. Look for universities, vocational colleges, or private providers that align with your academic goals and budget.

2. Apply for a Student Visa (Subclass 500): Gather the required documents, including your passport, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), proof of financial resources, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and English language proficiency test results. Meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement by demonstrating your intention to genuinely study and return home after completing your program.

3. Secure Your Student Accommodation: Research and book student housing, homestay arrangements, or rentals well in advance, especially for popular cities.

4. Arrive and Settle: Open a bank account, apply for a Tax File Number (TFN), and familiarize yourself with public transportation and essential services.

5. Look for Part-Time Work (While Studying): As a student visa holder, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during your course and full-time during breaks. Utilize university career services, job boards, and networking to find suitable opportunities.

6. Consider the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) After Graduation: If you wish to stay and gain work experience in Australia after graduating, research the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) requirements. Ensure your chosen field of study aligns with the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) to be eligible.

7. Explore Permanent Residency Options (Optional): The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government. Research the nomination process, point system requirements, and skills assessment for your occupation.

Obtaining a visa to study and work in Australia can seem daunting, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be achieved. By understanding the different visa options and the requirements for each, you can choose the best pathway for your circumstances.

Studying and working in Australia is fascinating with the right opportunity to attain excellent academic heights, a great working environment, and self-development to gain valuable experience.

Australia offers a diverse range of educational and professional opportunities, coupled with a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for international students and professionals alike.