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International students in Australia are struggling a lot these days regarding their jobs. Many students, whether they want to do part-time jobs or are temporary graduate visa holders, face a lot of struggles when searching for full-time jobs.
Now, this struggle is increasing day by day. The Australian government and its rules are changing constantly, so today, I will discuss the reality of this struggle. What are the factors contributing to these struggles?
Current Scenario for International Students:
As of July 2023, the number of student visa holders in Australia is around 65. Out of these, about 200,000 students are either pursuing a master’s or higher education, such as PhDs. Many people choose Australia for their initial studies, i.e., bachelor’s degrees.
Reasons for Choosing Australia:
Why do people choose Australia? Firstly, the weather is quite attractive; it is neither too hot nor too cold. Secondly, Australia provides a post-study work visa, which attracts many students. The country is known for its high-quality education and is considered safe compared to other nations. Students have working rights even during their study time, and the pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) is comparatively easier.
These are some of the main points, but there are various reasons why individuals are drawn to Australia for their higher education.
Post-Study Opportunities:
After completing their studies in Australia, students can apply for a post-study work visa and work in their field. If eligible, they can then apply for PR. However, this has become somewhat of a false hope for many, as many individuals with high points (90-95) are struggling to secure PR, while some with lower points (60-75) have been successful.
The Job Market Reality:
Skilled individuals or those who have pursued higher education are often unable to find jobs at their level and may end up in low-skill jobs. This leads to genuine students having difficulties in obtaining PR, while, in many cases, non-genuine students do get PR.
The job market is very tight these days, making it quite challenging to secure a job in one’s field.
Factors Contributing to Job Struggles:
Now, let’s discuss the main reasons behind these struggles:
- Competition from Domestic Graduates: Domestic graduates always compete with international students. A data report from 2021 shows that only 38% of temporary visa holders secured jobs, while domestic graduates had a higher percentage of 58%. Many international students are not able to get jobs at their skill level, often leading to low-wage positions in sectors like retail.
- Income Challenges: The average income for those on temporary graduate visas is quite low, around Rs 53,300 per year. Employers show little interest in hiring them due to various reasons, including visa status, low confidence, and weak communication skills.
- Recruitment Process: Companies spend significant resources on recruitment, and if a candidate’s visa status is temporary, employers are hesitant to invest in training someone who may leave the country.
- Communication Skills: Many candidates lack strong communication skills, which directly impacts their confidence during interviews. Employers can easily gauge a candidate’s confidence level, and weak communication can be a significant barrier.
- Changing Immigration Rules: The rules surrounding immigration change frequently, which adds uncertainty for both students and employers.
- Tight Job Market: People who are already employed tend to stick to their jobs due to the current market situation, making it harder for newcomers to find opportunities.
Conclusion:
It’s important to recognize that while the job market is tough, it is not impossible to find employment. Students must prepare themselves, enhance their CVs, and focus on improving their communication skills to increase their chances of securing a job.
The current job market is tight, but there are opportunities out there. Students should be ready to apply persistently and continuously, given the current situation. Thanks for reading, and I will meet you again in a new blog. Till then, bye-bye, and take care!