Technical and Further Education (TAFE) is the largest education and training sector in Australia. TAFE institutions award students with a certificate or diploma after completing their program. This opens up a pathway for them to continue their education or gain employment. But can international students work in Australia after TAFE? In this article, we tackle post-study work in Australia for TAFE graduates.
What is TAFE?
TAFE is a provider of vocational education and training (VET), a popular study option taken by many international students in Australia. It typically caters to high school students who want to focus on vocational areas.
TAFE courses are administered by private or government-funded organisations. They award qualifications from certificates I to IV to advanced diplomas in fields such as business, health, media, sports, hospitality, etc.
TAFE for international students is a suitable alternative to undergraduate degrees as its courses provide practical and industry-focused education. Graduates can pursue further studies or immediate workforce deployment after graduation. VET graduates boast a high employment rate of 78%, debunking myths that they’re less qualified than their degree-holding counterparts.
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Working in Australia as an international graduate is possible through the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa. This temporary permission allows international students to live, study and work in the country after they graduate.
The Post-Vocational Education Work stream, formerly known as the Graduate Work stream, accommodates international students who have recently graduated with qualifications that are relevant to specific occupations that Australia needs. This applies to graduates with a VET qualification from an Australian education provider, with skills and qualifications relevant to a job in the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, the candidate must:
- be under 35 years old
- be in Australia during their application
- hold an eligible visa and have held a student visa in the last six months
- qualify for a relevant occupation on the skilled occupation list
- have applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
- meet English language requirements
- have adequate health insurance and meet the health requirement
- meet the character requirement and sign the Australian values statement
- have no debt to the Australian government
- have not had a visa cancelled or an application refused.
This visa grants stays and employment for up to 18 months. Candidates may include their family members in their application, granted that they’re in Australia and meet health and character requirements. Graduates who wish to stay longer can’t extend this visa. Instead, they must change to another skilled work visa, if eligible.
Post-study work for TAFE graduates
International students can work in Australia after TAFE. VET graduates can explore a bounty of post-study work opportunities in the country, particularly in the agriculture, healthcare and labour sectors, among others. Learn more about working in Australia after TAFE by getting in touch with our business development experts.
