You’ve made it to graduation – congratulations! Thanks to your hard work and dedication, you have reached an incredible milestone – one that is especially significant as an international student. For you, this achievement doesn’t just mark the successful completion of your course; it’s a symbol of your personal growth, resilience and ability to navigate the world around you.
Now, it’s time to ready yourself for a new journey: the start of your career. As you prepare to step away from study and into the workforce, you may be wondering: can I get a job in Australia after graduation?
Australia offers multiple pathways for international graduates to pursue their careers. In this article, we’ll discuss eligibility requirements and the most commonly considered visa options. We’ll also talk about how you can boost your employability for the Australian job market.
Working in Australia: a look at your visa options
One of the primary ways international graduates can work in Australia after completing their studies is through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), often known simply as the “485 visa”. The 485 visa is specifically designed to allow new international graduates to gain work experience in Australia.
The 485 visa offers two streams: the Graduate Work stream and the Post-Study Work stream. The Graduate Work stream is available to graduates with skills and qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. This stream allows you to stay in Australia for up to 18 months after finishing your studies (correct at the time of publication).
The Post-Study Work stream is available to international graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher in Australia. The duration of this stream varies depending on your qualification, but it’s usually between two and four years.
You can learn more about the Temporary Graduate visa as well as other long-term visa options via the Department of Home Affairs.
Your postgraduate working rights in Australia
As an international graduate in Australia, you are entitled to the same minimum wages, leave entitlements and workplace rights as Australian citizens and permanent residents.
You are also eligible to seek the same workplace support and guidance as Australian citizens and permanent residents. The Fair Work Ombudsman (also known as the FWO) is Australia’s national governmental body, providing assistance and education to employers, employees and organisations while promoting compliance with workplace laws. The FWO can help you if you have concerns about your pay, your treatment in the workplace and more.
How to boost your employability
While it’s certainly possible to work in Australia after graduation, it’s important to remember that completing tertiary study in Australia doesn’t guarantee employment. To secure a job in your chosen field, you should actively work on your employability. Here are our top tips for standing out in the job market.
- Prioritise skill development – continuously upgrade your skills and knowledge by taking additional courses or certifications related to your field. Curtin offers skill development programs to help you stay competitive.
- Take time for networking – build professional connections by attending job fairs, joining industry associations and connecting with fellow university alumni.
- Consider internships and work experience – gain practical experience through industry placements, part-time jobs or volunteering opportunities related to your field of study.
- Optimise your resume and cover letters – tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements. VMock and the Curtin Careers Resume Clinic are two excellent resources that can help you with optimising your resume and cover letter.
- Prepare for interviews – practise your interview skills, research potential employers and be ready to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for a role.
Get career-ready with Curtin
Curtin is committed to preparing our international graduates for their careers – wherever they may take them.
UniHub is an online platform that connects students and alumni with job opportunities and employability resources. On UniHub, you can browse job postings, download discipline-specific career guides and discover career-related events, such as workshops and presentations.
You can log into UniHub using your Online Access to Student Information Services (OASIS) details, which you will have access to upon receiving an offer from Curtin.
In addition to UniHub, Curtin offers career counselling services, resume reviews and mock interview sessions to further assist in your job search.
