Updated on January 19th, 2026
Australia’s international education sector is gaining strong momentum in its post-pandemic recovery. This revival is largely driven by generous policies on in-study and post-study work rights for international students. From July 1, 2023, new rules will take effect. These changes will impact both the number of hours students can work while studying and the post-study work rights available after graduation.
In this blog, I examine the latest policy updates and explain how they may affect international students choosing Australia as their study destination.
Reintroduction of Caps on Working While Studying:
Starting in July 2023, the temporary policy that allowed international students to work unlimited hours while studying will end. The new policy will cap the working hours at 48 hours per fortnight (24 hours per week). Although some students express dissatisfaction with this modest increase, the aim is to balance enabling students to support themselves financially and ensuring they can fully focus on their primary purpose of studying in Australia.
Post-Study Work Rights for Select Degrees:
The Australian government has announced extended post-study work rights for graduates with specific degrees linked to labor skills shortages in the country. From July 2023, Bachelor’s graduates will be granted four years of post-study work rights, while Master’s graduates will enjoy five years. This move is expected to address skills shortages in various priority areas, including health, teaching, engineering, and agriculture.
Eligibility and Duration for Post-Study Work Rights:
Students graduating with degrees not on the priority list will have two years of post-study work rights for Bachelor’s degrees and three years for Master’s degrees. However, regardless of their study area, all doctoral graduates will be granted six years of post-study work rights, an increase from the previous four-year limit.
Impact on Australia’s Economy and International Education Sector:
The extended post-study work rights aim to address the skills shortages in various sectors of the Australian economy. By allowing skilled workers to stay longer and contribute to the economy, Australia aims to attract more international students and boost earnings from its education exports. The changes are also expected to make Australia a more attractive study destination, further strengthening the recovery of the international education sector.
Australia’s evolving policies on in-study and post-study work rights highlight the government’s commitment to supporting international students and addressing skill shortages. While the return of work-hour caps may challenge some students, extended post-study work rights create strong opportunities for graduates in priority fields. By maintaining this balance, Australia aims to improve the international student experience and strengthen its position as a leading destination for higher education.
Read more AUSSIE DREAMS: AUSTRALIAN STUDENT VISA FOR INDIAN STUDENTS
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