From 1 July 2023, international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights.  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.

Post-study work rights for select degrees in areas of verified skill shortages will be increased from:

• Two years to four years for select Bachelor degrees

• Three years to five years for select Masters degrees

• Four years to six years for all doctoral qualifications.

These changes were previously announced in Sept 2022 and a working group was established to identify the relevant qualifications and occupations. The working group has now completed their report with the list of eligible occupations and qualifications available here: https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates/resources/list-occupations-and-qualifications-eligible-poststudy-work-rights-extension

The identified occupations are in in strong and moderate demand according to the 2022 Skills Priority List.

The eligible qualifications identified in the list come under the following areas:

Medical and nursing, Professional Health, Diagnostic, Allied Health, Teaching, Engineering, ICT, Agriculture. In addition to these qualifications, all doctoral graduates (AQF level 10) will be eligible for an additional period of stay.

A comprehensive list mapped to CRICOS course codes will be released by the Department of Education before implementation on 1 July 2023.

Details on the announcement can be read here:

https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates