International students from India can now enjoy more Australian work and study options. Thanks to a newly signed trade agreement between Australia and India, Indian international students are now eligible for Australia’s popular Work and Holiday program. Plus, many Australian post-study work visa durations have been increased for Indian students. Whether you want to take a short upskilling course or are planning to start a doctoral degree, Indian international students now have more reasons than ever to consider Australia!
Prepare for your study abroad journey with our Australian undergraduate admissions guidelines.
What Has Changed?
On December 29, 2022, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into effect. ECTA aims to assist trade and open new service markets in both signatory countries. It’s also seen as an important step towards a comprehensive economic cooperation agreement between India and Australia. ECTA has updated many aspects of trade between these countries, including education and training. This agreement is expected to open new doors for Indian international students, who are Australia’s second-largest international student market.
As Ravneet Pawha, National Vice-Chair of the Australia India Business Council, noted to the Times of India:
This visionary deal between the two countries, with its provision of extended post-study work visas, intensifying bilateral research, and mutual recognition agreements, will enable students from both countries to realise their full potential.
We’re predicting a boom in international student applications to Australia through 2023. Take a closer look at why.
How Are Post-Study Work Visas Changing?
After graduation, Indian international students may apply for an Australian post-study work visa (also known as a Temporary Graduate Visa, subclass 485). The visa’s duration will change depending on which qualification was completed.
Per the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, post-study work visas for Indian international students will soon be:
- Diploma or trade qualification: up to 18 months
- Bachelor’s degree: up to two years
- Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectors, with First Class Honours: up to three years
- Master’s degree: up to three years
- Doctoral degree: up to four years
Historically, international students who pursued a diploma or trade qualification weren’t eligible for an Australia post-study work visa. Until 2023, these visas were only for international students who completed a qualification at the degree level or above.
These changes are in addition to other considerations that can impact visa length. For example, degrees in select fields may be eligible for a post-study work visa that is two years longer than the standard visa length. (For example, some bachelor’s degree holders may be able to stay and work for four years, instead of two.) Extended visa durations may also be available to students who complete their studies in designated regional areas.
The visa extension for graduates from a STEM- or ICT-related course is also exciting, and can provide these new graduates with valuable international work experience in their field.
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Who Is Eligible for the Work and Holiday Program?
Students considering a shorter study abroad experience should consider applying for the Australian Work and Holiday visa. One of ECTA’s provisions was reserving 1,000 Work and Holiday visa program places per year for Indian youth between the ages of 18 and 30. The Work and Holiday program encourages youth to travel, work, and study in Australia. As part of this program, visa holders may also study in Australia for up to four months.
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These are exciting changes to see on the horizon, particularly as international student interest in Australia continues to rise through 2023.
Are you ready to launch your own Australian study abroad journey? Register for free with ApplyBoard. We’re here to help.
