Thinking about studying in regional Australia? Great idea! With plenty of amazing benefits, it’s no wonder that many international students have chosen to call the regions home.
But does living outside of the major cities mean fewer job opportunities while you study? And what about after you graduate?
Read on to discover what you need to know about work opportunities for international students in regional Australia.
Work while you study
Under the conditions of your subclass 500 Student visa, you’re allowed to work during your time in Australia. Remember, your working hours are capped at 48 hours per fortnight during study periods, but you can work unlimited hours over holiday breaks.
What kind of jobs can I apply for?
The best jobs for international students in Australia are part-time or casual roles. Retail, hospitality and customer service jobs are popular, as they allow you to work nights and weekends, making it easier to fit work around your study commitments.
Other popular industries include manufacturing, healthcare and office administration.
Finding student jobs in regional Australia
Thankfully, international students in regional areas often face less competition for student jobs, making it easier to find and land a fantastic role.
There are lots of ways to look for work, too. You can look online, using job boards like Seek, Indeed and Jora. You can also check out specialised job boards, like Student Jobs Australia, Ethical Jobs or Australian Retail Jobs.
Another way to find openings is to check employer websites. For example, retail employers like Coles Group, Woolworths Group and Cotton On Group all have their own online job portals.
Your university or educational institution may also be able to help. For example, the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (SuniTAFE) has an excellent Skills and Jobs Centre, where you can get support and advice to help you find and land your perfect role.
And finally, don’t forget to ask around! Word-of-mouth is a wonderful way to find out about new opportunities. Check in with peers, friends and even your teachers and staff to ask if they know of any opportunities.
Graduate opportunities
Finishing your studies in regional Australia and hoping to stay?
Good news! Whether you’re graduating with a higher education degree or a vocational qualification, you may be eligible to remain in Australia to launch your career with the subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Even better, some regional graduates can apply for a second post-study work visa once their first has finished.
But that’s not all! Regional Australia is experiencing serious skills shortages. To address this, the government has created several skilled migration visas.
With more visas available, regional international students are in a good position to take advantage of the great opportunities on offer, all while extending their Australian adventure and potentially opening up pathways to permanent residency!
Who hires graduates in regional Australia?
Being outside of a major city doesn’t mean you won’t have access to plenty of amazing opportunities.
Regional areas have plenty of jobs, and some in industries that may surprise you! For example, Mildura’s major industries include agriculture and farming, as well as beverage manufacturing, food and drink wholesaling and even air and space transport!
Not only that, but many major national and international companies choose to operate in Australia’s regional areas. Mildura alone is home to large Australian companies like GTS Freight Management, Sunbeam Foods and Australian Vintage, which has two facilities – Buronga Hill Winery and Merbein Packaging.
Other major industries include healthcare and social assistance, education and training, mining and construction, but you’ll probably find regional jobs in almost every sector and industry!
Skill gaps
Want to get the edge on a future in regional Australia? Check out which skills are in demand.
Over 600 jobs are listed on Australia’s skilled occupation (ANZSCO) list for regional visas, representing a wide variety of industries and specialisations. The roles on this list include:
- Various healthcare roles, including nurses, midwives, doctors and specialists
- Business roles, such as managers and administrators
- Technology and IT roles, including cybersecurity specialists and developers
- Cooks and chefs
- Agricultural jobs, from farmers to agricultural technicians
- Automotive specialists, including engineers and mechanics
You can explore the full list, as well as regional visa opportunities, on the Department of Home Affairs website.
