Australia is always in need of skilled people and Australia has been building its population through immigration from the past 200 years.   Australia welcomes international students and will continue to provide an opportunity for those who have the necessary qualifications and skills to find an Australian employer willing to sponsor them for a permanent visa.

There are also several other visa categories open to international students and Australia has a very straightforward path to permanent residency under the skilled migration program. Most International students studying in Australia who hold a vocational, higher education or postgraduate student visa will still be able to apply for permanent residence if their occupation is on the new Skilled Occupations List (SOL) and they meet other requirements.

Please Note: However students should be aware that merely by studying in Australia does not guarantee permanent residence or full time jobs.

The changes to Australia's skilled migration program announced recently will ensure that it operates as a demand rather than a supply driven system that delivers the skills most needed in the economy. The Australian Government skilled migration program targets young people who have skills, an education and outstanding abilities that will contribute to the Australian economy. International students with Australian qualifications account for about half the people assessed under the skilled migrant program.

For up-to-date information on the program, please see: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration