Macquarie University

Studying in Australia has become a more attractive option for international students on the back of the Australian Government’s proposed reduction in cost of student visas and extension of post-study work rights.

The Government recently announced that more international students will be eligible for an extension of post-study work visa arrangements – one of the recommendations of the Knight Review which looked at ways to enhance the quality, integrity and competitiveness of Australia’s education sector internationally.

"Graduates who complete their degrees after at least two academic years' study in Australia will be able to access post-study work arrangements from 2013, in time for students who are applying for their student visas now,” says Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen.

More than 80 per cent of international students currently enrolled at the Bachelor degree level or above are eligible for the existing temporary skilled graduate visa, which grants an 18-month stay in Australia with work rights.

The new arrangements extend the stay period to two years, while Masters by research or PhD students will be eligible for stays of three and four years respectively.

“This change reflects the importance of the role of research in fostering innovation in the Australian economy”, says Mr Bowen.