As of this year, a new post-study temporary visa will be available to overseas students who graduate from Australian universities, enabling them to remain in the country for an extended period of up to four years, depending on their level of study.
Previously, university-leavers were only able to remain in Australia for a period of 18 months with a Temporary Skilled Graduate (subclass 485) visa, although the new Temporary Graduate Visa will allow oversees students who have gained a Bachelor's degree at an Australian institution to remain in the country for two years.
Students who attain a Masters by research degree will have the opportunity to work in Australia for up to three years following the completion of their study, and those who graduate with a doctorate will be able to stay for an extra four years.
The news comes after a recent report indicated declining levels of international students applying for places at Australian universities, with restrictions on post-study work visas cited as one of the major reasons for this.
