Have you ever thought about studying and working in Australia? Honestly, it’s one of those places that just pulls you in — great schools, friendly people, and plenty of opportunities to grow. Whether you’re going there to chase your dream course or just want a new experience while earning a bit on the side, Australia makes it pretty easy to balance both study and work life.
However, combining study and work in Australia can be a fantastic way to gain valuable skills, experience, and potential future residency options.
In this article, we will be looking at all that you need to know regarding studying and working in Australia. This includes the type of Visas to study and work in Australia, the process amongst other handy information.
Study And Work In Australia: The Basics
Finding work while studying is a great way to gain practical experience and get a taste of the local culture.
If you are interested in studying and working in Australia, you can apply for a student visa that allows you to work while you study. The Australian Government has extended post-study working rights for eligible international graduates with select degrees in areas of skill shortages, such as health, teaching, engineering, and agriculture.
From 1 July 2023, the visas of these students will be extended by two years to four years for select bachelor’s degrees, three years to five years for select master’s degrees, and four years to six years for all doctoral degrees.
Study And Work In Australia: VISA Process
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student visa (subclass 500) allows you to remain in Australia for up to 5 years for full-time study at an educational institution, in line with your enrolment. With this visa, you can take part in an eligible course of study, include your family members in your application (your partner or you and your partner’s dependent child), stay in Australia for the duration of your course (maximum five years) and travel in and out of Australia, work up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course of study is in session, and work unlimited hours during study breaks.
Eligibility Criteria
Looking for the general requirements to qualify for the Student Visa (subclass 500) in Australia? Then all you need is to meet the following conditions:
- Enrollment in an approved course: You must be officially enrolled in a registered full-time course of study in Australia, such as a university degree, vocational training, or an English language program.
- Health insurance requirement: You must have valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay, unless you belong to an exempt category (for example, students sponsored by certain government programs).
- Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 6 years old at the time of application.
- Welfare arrangement for minors: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to show evidence of adequate welfare arrangements. This includes accommodation, support, and general care arrangements approved by your education provider.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements (depending on the course or education provider).
- Satisfy genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria, proving that your main purpose is to study in Australia and that you intend to return home after your studies.
The fees for a student visa start from AUD$650 per visa application. The processing time for a student visa varies from person to person and is available on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is a temporary visa that allows young people from eligible countries to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s designed for those who want to experience the Australian lifestyle first-hand while supplementing their travel funds through short-term employment.
Eligibility
If you want to be eligible for the Working Holiday Visa, you must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) for most nationalities (although some countries have a higher age limit, such as 35 years).
- Hold a passport from a country with an agreement with Australia for this visa scheme.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself for the initial period of your stay. This typically means demonstrating at least AU$5,000 in readily available funds.
- Meet character requirements, meaning you shouldn’t have a significant criminal record.
- Have adequate health insurance that covers the entire duration of your intended stay in Australia.
- Possess functional English language skills. This can be demonstrated through various tests and qualifications as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Have a genuine intention to travel and work in Australia, not solely for employment purposes.
How To Apply For Australia Study Permit
Now let’s look at the application process. In order to apply for a student visa, you need to choose a course and an institution, apply for admission, and receive a confirmation of enrollment. You can then apply for a student visa online, pay the application fee, and provide the required documentation. Once granted, you can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks.
Processing times for Australian work and study visas
Processing times for Australian work and study visas can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa you’re applying for, your nationality, and the current workload of the Department of Home Affairs. As of November 2023, the median processing time for the Student visa (subclass 500) is 59 days for Indian applicants. The processing time for other visa types may vary.
Finding work while studying is a great way to gain practical experience and get a taste of the local culture. You can look for jobs that offer flexible hours to balance your study and work commitments. You can also volunteer to gain work experience and industry exposure whilst studying.
