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International Outlook

International Students

Working in Australia & New Zealand

International students...

Most graduate employment programs are only open to permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand. Below is some 'in-brief' information for international students who are interested in graduate opportunities in Australia or abroad. The Careers Service and international office at your university will be able to provide further information.

What if...I don’t have permanent residency but I would like to pursue a career in Australia?

As you are ineligible for most graduate programs it is worthwhile gaining advice about obtaining permanent residency.

There are a range of pathways through which to apply for permanent residency, including Australia’s skilled migration program. Be aware that there are different categories of application depending upon where in Australia you wish to work, and whether you have a sponsoring family member.

The Australian Government is currently working closely with state, territory and local governments, and regional authorities, to provide migration programs that support regional development and help meet the skill needs of regional employers. The programs aim to attract young, skilled, English speaking migrants to areas of Australia where they are most needed. Generally, skilled migrants are under 45 years of age, have functional English, diploma level qualifications or above and relevant work experience.

Another option for you is a 'sponsorship' from an employer. There are four categories of employer-sponsored migration:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
  • Labour Agreements
  • Invest Australia Support Skills.

For more information on gaining a permanent residency options visit the following websites:

What if...I don’t have permanent residency but I would like to pursue a career in New Zealand?

There are three main visa options for students wishing to remain or reside in New Zealand:

Skilled migrant category: Depending on your area of study you may qualify for this stream. More information: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/smcpromo .

Temporary work visa: Covers working holidays and work experience. More information: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktemporarily .

Work-to-residency visa: Temporary work in New Zealand can count towards a permanent residency application. More information: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/worktoresidence .

What if...I want to work while I study?

In Australia, once you have commenced your studies you can apply for a work permit through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, which is also in charge of student visas. The process is the same for undergraduate and postgraduate students – once you obtain a work permit you can seek part-time employment. Further information: www.immi.gov.au/students/students/working_while_studying

In New Zealand, students enrolled full-time in a recognised qualification can apply for changes to the conditions of their student permit to allow for part-time work. Further information: www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/canistudyinnewzealand/allaboutvisasandpermits .

Further information

For full details on all aspects of visa requirements visit:

This article is taken from the 2007-08 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directoryGraduate Opportunities .
Original article by David Essex, Manager, Career and Academic Development, Deakin University and Linda Truong, Careers Information Officer, Deakin University. Updated by Jane Castles, Graduate Careers Australia.

© 2007 Graduate Careers Australia

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