The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa offers a great opportunity for recently graduated international students to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. This work experience helps develop the skills graduates gained during their studies and also makes them more employable upon return to their home country.
It is important to note that applicants need to meet a number of eligibility requirements to be granted the temporary graduate visa. And if the visa is granted, temporary graduate visa holders are responsible for finding their own employment.
Applying for this visa
Many international students make a decision to apply for the temporary graduate visa upon completion of their studies. Graduates can apply for this visa up to six months after completion of their studies.
There is no guarantee that, on the basis of having previously held a student visa, the applicant will meet the requirements to be granted a temporary graduate visa.
Any decision to apply for a temporary graduate visa is an entirely separate process to a student visa application. Depending on their individual circumstances, applicants may be eligible to apply for a temporary graduate visa through either the graduate work stream or the post-study work stream.
For information on the eligibility requirements for the temporary graduate visa, check out the Who Can Apply tab on the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa webpage.
Finding a job
The temporary graduate visa allows recent graduates to spend time in Australia to gain practical work experience to accompany their Australian qualification(s). There are no restrictions on the type of employment that the temporary graduate visa holder may choose to undertake.
It is important to note that finding a job is the responsibility of the temporary graduate visa holder. The Australian government is not responsible for arranging employment—there are many organisations which offer assistance in job seeking, including through the Australian Government’s JobSearch website.
For further information on latest labour market test (LMT) information on selected 457 visa occupations please contact www.visaagency-australia.com or write to [email protected]
If you are interested in Australian visas, contact International Education Agency – Australia (IEAA) for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our migration services to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Australia.
IEAA glad to announce that IEAA and UPC will provide sponsorship for 18 months paid traineeship and they might be eligible as a Childcare Centre Manager. With this program trains childcare diploma graduates to be qualified as Childcare Centre Managers.
On completion of the Diploma, finding employment is essential so that you can enrol into the occupational training program (OTP). For the next 18 months, you will work full-time earning an annual income between $AU35,000 to $AU42,000.
On completion of the OTP, you are qualified as a childcare centre manager and eligible for temporary or permanent work in Australia. The critical point of the occupational training program is employment and to gain employment, you should
- have good results in the Certificate III and Diploma courses,
- have a good track record on work placement and extra paid jobs during your study,
- achieve good English proficiency (No set English level is required),as well as attain good communication skills,
- have a positive attitude to work and gaining experience on the job.
There is a high demand for childcare professionals in Australia, a trend which is set to continue for many years ahead, but nobody can guarantee you a job. It is your future and your responsibility.
On completion of your Diploma of Children’s Services, the Australian Government allows you to advance in your childcare profession by working and training in the early childhood sector using the Occupational Trainee Visa (OTV).
Three conditions for the Occupational Trainee Visa:
- a full-time job offer
- a customised training program and
- an approved sponsor to monitor the training program.
IEA-A glad to announce that TAFE NSW offers international students an opportunity to undertake Diplomas in Hospitality and Events at the same time with “guaranteed” paid work. In addition to that students can directly start to final year of the Bachelor of Business Degree Program. In total three years, three internationally recognised qualification:
– Diploma of Hospitality
– Diploma of Events
– Bachelor of Business
– and 3 years work experience
During “guaranteed” paid employment placements (minimum “guaranteed” 10 hours per week with $23 hourly rate). Students can start the work after completing first 3 months of the Hospitality diploma program. Students legally can work 20 hours per week during school weeks and full time during the holidays.
English Entry requirements:
- IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
– $6325 per semester ( total 4 semester in 2 year programs).
Fee covers tuition, uniforms, texts and registration with Work Solutions for paid employment.
Advantages
- Two Diplomas in 2 years or
- Two diplomas + Bachelor of Business Degree in 3 years
- Complete a Bachelor of Business with one more year of study in the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School
- 2 years paid work experience at Australian Turf Club (ATC), Rosehill Gardens (2008 Restaurant and Catering NSW/ACT Award for Excellence’ and finalist in the ‘Venue Caterer’ category).
Intake
TAFETR English Course Oct 2012, Feb 2013
TAFENSW SWSI Diploma February, April, June, Sep 2013
Students need to start Diploma of Hospitality course (C18115) first and then Diploma of Events course (C18075). The Hospitality course starts on Feb, Apr, Jul, Sep in 2013 and offered at Campbelltown campus. You can find both courses details at the following link
http://www.detinternational.nsw.edu.au/tafe/courses/certificate_diploma_courses/cC18115.html
http://www.detinternational.nsw.edu.au/tafe/courses/certificate_diploma_courses/cC18075.html
Number of hours work placement
Students gain a minimum of 10 hours paid work a week (after a training period of 3 months without pay) during the course. They also have the opportunity for further work at major events in Sydney such as ANZ Stadium and the Easter show. The minimum hourly wage is $23/hour.
Career Opportunities
• Cafe/Coffee Shop Operator
• Hotel Service Supervisor
• Hotel/Motel Manager
• Event managers
• Resort management
• Event Coordinator
• Venue coordinator
• Conference coordinator
• Exhibition coordinator
• Event manager
• Venue manager
• Conference manager
• Exhibition manager
Degree pathway
Diploma graduates can gain credit of up to two years in either the Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) or Bachelor of Business (International Hotel Management) with our tertiary partner Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School, ranked No: 1 InAustralasia*.
* by the Hotel and Tourism industry-conducted by Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) PLC in the United Kingdom, the world’s largest provider of custom research and analysis.
There are very limited number of places are available, so please make required announcement to your student base now to not miss this great opportunity.
For further information about the course, college locations and how to apply visit our website
www.mystudyinaustralia.com www.tafetr.net www.tafensw.edu.au
USQ Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) student Clare Anthony took advantage of the Tafe pathway by completing a diploma before beginning her degree.
AN initiative developed between the University of Southern Queensland and Tafe Queensland to encourage more students to take up tertiary education has returned promising results.
More than 740 students have already joined USQ after studying at Tafe’s throughout Australia.
It is a 121 percent increase in 2011 and early results indicate an even stronger result for 2012.
The Queensland Tertiary Education Network, established in 2011 is the second initiative of the university, designed to strengthen the connection between industry, the higher education sector and the vocational education and training sector.
QTEPNet project manager Di Paez said the increase in numbers indicated students were taking advantage of new seamless pathways into a university degree from Tafe programs.
“There have been a number of opportunities opened up for prospective students,” Ms Paez said.
“Many Tafe’s now offer dual awards with USQ with the benefit of being able to jointly market courses that give seamless transition into degree programs and expand on the number of articulation pathways that are already in place.”
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) student Clare Anthony took advantage of the Tafe pathway by completing a Diploma of Events Management at the Bremer Institute of Tafe before beginning her degree.
“On completion, I was able to gain direct entry into a USQ business degree without having to reapply and it took one year off my three year degree,” Ms Anthony said.
“I decided to take this route as I wasn’t certain my OP would make the cut off to go directly into university.
“This way I still only had to complete a three year program, but I have a diploma as well as my degree.
“The Tafe to uni option really suited my situation and worked for me. USQ were extremely supportive and I think it is one of the best pathways to university I know of.
“There is no time wasting and you receive the credit you deserve for the hard work you already put in. If I can do it, than anyone can.”
Now in her final year of study, Ms Anthony said she planned to work as an accountant and continue studying to become a Chartered Accountant.
Source: The Chronicle 23rd August 2012
The government will replace the six employer sponsored permanent visa programs with two simplified categories.
The Australian Government has announced plans to make it easier for skilled migrants to become permanent Australian residents.
The Immigration Minister Chris Bowen says the changes will simplify the process for people who hold 457 visas which give temporary work rights, to apply for the permanent employer-sponsored visa program.
From July this year, overseas workers in the 457 category won’t have to have a second skills test and English test to become eligible for residency.
But the changes will tighten the application process for people who apply for permanent visas without having worked in Australia already.
Mr Bowen says applicants seeking direct entry to Australia will first be expected to sit a basic English test .
“Particularly remembering these people are often living in regional Australia, where perhaps the level of access to English training might not be as extensive as it would be in capital cities, and they will be working in occupations that will require a good level of English in any event,” he said.
Mr Bowen says the government will also replace the six employer sponsored permanent visa programs with two simplified categories.
He says the changes will help deal with critical skills shortages in some industries.
The chief executive of the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries, Gary Brack, told Radio Australia the streamlined process could help alleviate labor supply shortages in some sectors.
“One of the most important aspects of this is the speed with which you can actually make the transition,” he said.
“Employers get caught short in the market if they can’t recruit somebody. A lot of them are desperate to get people at a particular time. So if it can be expedited in the way that it’s been discussed, then that will certainly be advantageous.”
Ged Kearney, the president of Australia’s peak union body, the ACTU, says while the changes would have distinct advantages for overseas workers, it must not undermine the ability for local workers to obtain those jobs.
She told Radio Australia there is a possibility that migrant workers could be exploited by their employers under the planned changes.
“We would not like to see a situation where the overseas worker’s still bonded to an employer simply because they have been encouraged to hang on – maybe in sub-standard terms and conditions or sub-standard wages et cetera, with the promise that if you work for less money, or work for less conditions, we can now get you permanent residency,” she said.
The Opposition says the government should go further with its attempts to cut red tape for skilled migration.
The Coalition’s immigration spokesman Scott Morrison says the government should also reintroduce the immigration concessions that were scrapped in 2009.
“The government abolished the regional concessions for 457s when they came to government ,which was a major and important program for particularly small and regional business,” he said.
“The government has not restored those concessions.”
The new system will operate from July 1.
Source: Reuters – Anna Henderson and Girish Sawlani, Canberra Fri, 9 Mar 2012
September 2011
International Education Agency-Australia, one of the largest education agent of Australia has welcomed the Government’s response to the Knight review into the student visa program, in particular steps to remove barriers for genuine higher education students to study in Australia.
The Australian federal government commissioned the Knight Review into the student visa program in Dec 2010 to investigate ways to make Australia more competitive whilst maintaining the integrity of the migration system and the quality of its education system.
This followed a steady downturn of international students choosing to study in Australia after changes to visa and migration policy in early 2010.
In June Michael Knight handed his report to the Government and on 22 September the Government, Senator Evans, Minister for Education, and Minister Bowen, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, released the report with the statement that they were accepting all 41 of Knight’s recommendations.
A number of significant changes are outlined below.
Changes to student visa eligibility and processing:
- That all higher education students applying to study a bachelor degree or higher at a university or a packaged course, regardless of country of origin, will be treated as a student from an AL1 country. This means a change to a declaration of proof of funds and in many countries the ability to apply via the eVisa system which should significantly reduce the time taken to secure a student visa. English language courses and other preparatory course will also be included in this streamlined process.
- Allowing English language students to apply for a visa without first meeting minimum English language skills requirements; and
- The policy of Pre¬Visa Assessment will be discontinued.
- That student visas be allowed to be granted in advance of four months before the commencement of the relevant course. Where necessary visas should specify a date before which the holder cannot enter Australia.
Changes to student work rights:
- An enhanced post study work visa regime for international university graduates, particularly withdrawing skills assessment and the requirement to work in any particular occupation.
- In addition the term of the post study work visa will increase from 18 to 24 months for undergraduates degrees, up to three years for Masters and four years for PhD.
- That student work entitlements be measured as 40 hours per fortnight instead of 20 hours per week
Changes to be made regarding Agents:
- That the necessary legislative changes be made to require the name of any agent involved to be entered into the student’s data into PRISMS.
- That DEEWR take steps to encourage providers to voluntarily enter agent data into PRISMS in the interim before the ESOS Act is changed to make this mandatory.
- That DIAC upgrade its liaison at overseas posts with migration and education agents in relation to the student visa program, including regular meetings to keep agents abreast of any changes in rules and procedures.
Changes to visa compliance and enforcement:
- The mandatory cancellation requirement for unsatisfactory attendance, unsatisfactory progress and working in excess of the hours allowed should be removed, giving DIAC officers the discretion to determine cancellation in particular cases on their merits.
- DIAC should concentrate its compliance and integrity resources in relation to student visas on the highest risk areas.
- Automatic cancellation of student visas should be abolished and replaced by a system in which information conveyed by SCVs is used as an input into a more targeted and strategic analysis of non‐compliance.
The full list of 41 recommendations has been provided below.
One of the most significant changes is that the onus on judging student visa eligibility has been passed to universities and their partners, who will need to ensure that standards are maintained otherwise the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) reserves the right to strip institutions of their ability to streamline visa processing.
Other education providers such as Vocation Education institutions have not yet been granted the ability to streamline their visa processing like the universities but the government has highlighted plans to widen this option based on a provider risk assessment.
In accepting Knight’s recommendations the Australian government has also indicated that it plans to review the current Assessment Level system and take further steps to improve the current risk management framework.
The implementation timeframe for many of these changes is not yet established but the government has committed to having most changes operational by the commencement of the second semester in 2012.
Recommendations
Recommendation 1
That a new element be introduced into the eligibility criteria for a student visa. That new criterion will be to assess whether the applicant is a genuine temporary entrant. This new criterion should be the first to be considered in assessing any application for a student visa.
Recommendation 2
A successful applicant must be both a genuine temporary entrant and a genuine student.
Recommendation 3 – streamlined visa processing for universities
3.1 That all students in the categories set out below, irrespective of their country of origin
– but subject to the provisions in 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7 should be treated as though they are all AL1.
3.2 This treatment should apply to the following university student applicants:
- Bachelor Degree;
- 2 plus 2 (or 3 plus 1) arrangements with partner universities;
- Masters Degree by Coursework.
3.3 The special treatment should not apply to:
- short courses;
- Associate Degree;
- Graduate diploma;
- Graduate certificate;
- Diploma and Advanced Diploma;
- non‐award courses (except as provided for in Recommendation 18);
- the non‐university courses at the six universities which are dual sector (VET and university).
3.4 The benefits should also apply to courses which are explicitly packaged with an eligible university course at the time when the offer of university enrolment is made. This might include English language (ELICOS) and/or foundation or pathway courses in circumstances where non compliance by the student at any part of the package would be regarded as non‐compliance with the university enrolment.
3.5 The government should continue to require appropriate health checks, health insurance, character (predominantly criminal record/connections) and security checks.
3.6 The underlying DIAC powers in regard to every individual student application should continue to exist.
3.7 The government should also reserve the right to exclude certain high risk groups from the streamlined approach for university applicants. For example, the government might want to carefully assess all applicants from a persecuted minority group in a particular country. Applicants from such a group might have a huge incentive to apply for protection visas as soon as they reach Australia. The Australian Government may or may not wish to take such people on humanitarian grounds but that should be a separate decision and should not get mixed up with the process of granting visas for university students.
Recommendation 4 Post Study Work Rights
4.1 All graduates of an Australian university Bachelor degree, who have spent at least two academic years studying that degree in Australia, and who have complied with their visa conditions, should receive two years work rights.
4.2 All graduates of an Australian university Mast
ers by Coursework degree, who have studied that degree in Australia, and who have complied with their visa conditions, should receive two years work rights on successful completion of their course.
4.3 This should apply irrespective of the nature of the course (for example whether it be Arts or Engineering) and not be tied to working in any particular occupation.
4.4 The mechanism for taking up these work rights should be administratively very simple with the following components:
- the university must notify that the course has been successfully completed. (This will be earlier than the formal graduation which could be many months after the course has been completed);
- DIAC should not undertake any detailed, time consuming, assessment of the applicant;
- the scheme must be one which can be marketed by the universities to prospective students as almost guaranteeing post study work rights.
Recommendation 5
That all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students – visa subclass 574 ‐be treated as though they are all AL1 applicants.
Recommendation 6
That where any English language or other preparatory course is required by the Higher Degree by Research provider then the whole package still be treated as AL1.
Recommendation 7
That all Higher Degree by Research students be given unlimited work rights.
Recommendation 8
Masters by Research graduates should receive three years post‐study work rights and PhD graduates four years.
Recommendation 9
That the visa arrangements for Higher Degree by Research students be such that an extension for up to six months after submission of their thesis is available if needed during the interactive marking process.
Recommendation 10
That, provided the integrity measures relating to the revised criteria for a student visa are implemented (as set out in Recommendation 1), the threshold English language test requirements for stand alone ELICOS students be removed.
Recommendation 11
That the English language requirements for school students in AL4 be the same as those applying for AL1 through to AL3 and the associated waiver scheme abolished.
Recommendation 12
That the maximum period of time a school student visa holder can study English be 50 weeks across all ALs.
Recommendation 13
That the current restrictions on student guardians of a maximum of three months of study be maintained but unlimited part‐time study rights for ELICOS study only be allowed.
Recommendation 14
That pre‐paid homestay fees be included in financial assessments on the same basis as pre‐paid boarding fees.
Recommendation 15
That as a matter of some urgency AusAID, DIAC, DOHA and other relevant Australian government agencies develop an integrated policy in relation to the award of scholarships and how visa arrangements for awardees are to be managed. In particular they should address the situation of potential awardees who have a disability or HIV.
Recommendation 16
That PhD students entering under the subclass 576 visa have access to the same extension provisions recommended for Higher Degree by Research students in Recommendation 9, provided AusAID is prepared to fund their extended period.
Recommendation 17
That DIAC and DEEWR meet with State education authorities to work out what can be done to avoid the situation where a visa for a child dependent cannot be granted until proof of enrolment is present and state education authorities will not grant such proof until proof of visa grant is made. Any agreed remedy should apply across all student visa subclasses.
Recommendation 18
That students coming for semester or year¬long non‐award courses at an Australian university as part of their home universities degree and/or as part of an agreed student exchange between universities be given access to streamlined processing as outlined in Recommendation 3.
Recommendation 19
That DIAC undertake specific research targeted at integrity and compliance issues into student visa outcomes, including both primary and secondary applicants, to inform policy development.
Recommendation 20
That DIAC be appropriately funded to further develop research capability across the program.
Recommendation 21
That DIAC, to the extent permitted by legislation, co‐operate with its counterparts across all levels of government to facilitate information sharing, to inform evidence based decision making.
Recommendation 22
In the event that the research over the next 12 months reveals systemic abuse of dependant (secondary applicant) visas, that the government seriously consider mirroring the recent UK policy and restrict dependant visas to Masters and above courses unless the primary applicant is sponsored by a government.
Recommendation 23
Current arrangements whereby SCVs automatically become NCNs should cease. SCV information should continue to be conveyed to DIAC who should use it as an input into a more targeted and strategic analysis of non‐compliance.
Recommendation 24
Automatic cancellation of student visas should be abolished and replaced by a system in which information conveyed by SCVs is used as an input into a more targeted and strategic analysis of non‐compliance.
Recommendation 25
The mandatory cancellation requirement for unsatisfactory attendance, unsatisfactory progress and working in excess of the hours allowed should be removed, giving DIAC officers the discretion to determine cancellation in particular cases on their merits.
Recommendation 26
DIAC should concentrate its compliance and integrity resources in relation to student visas on the highest risk areas.
Recommendation 27
DIAC should not only respond to information generated by PRISMS but also be proactive in detecting the sorts of breaches (for example sham marriages and exceeding permissible work hours) which are not reported in PRISMS.
Recommendation 28
That student work entitlements be measured as 40 hours per fortnight instead of 20 hours per week
Recommendation 29
That the necessary legislative changes be made to require the name of any agent involved to be entered into the student’s data into PRISMS.
Recommendation 30
That DEEWR take steps to encourage providers to voluntarily enter agent data into PRISMS in the interim before the ESOS Act is changed to make this mandatory.
Recommendation 31
That DEEWR and DIAC establish a single student identifier to track international students through their studies in Australia.
Recommendation 32
That DIAC undertake a review of the AL framework, with a mind to either abolishing the system entirely or modifying the framework to make it relevant to current and future challenges facing the student visa program. This review should be managed by DIAC but should include reference to an external panel or reference group.
Recommendation 33
That DIAC upgrade its liaison at overseas posts with migration and education agents in relation to the student visa program, including regular meetings to keep agents abreast of any changes in rules and procedures.
Recommendation 34
That Austrade be asked to prepare a more detailed outlook document that provides effective business planning intelligence demonstrating the opportunities, for offshore provision of vo
cational education.
Recommendation 35
That the highest quality Australian VET providers including TAFEs, be encouraged to explore offshore market opportunities.
Recommendation 36
That the Australian Government, through programs such as the Export Market Development Grants Scheme and other forms of assistance, support high quality Australian vocational education providers in expanding their offshore training services.
Recommendation 37
That DIAC constitute an Education Visa Advisory Group as a primary means of regular two way communication between stakeholders in the international education sector and DIAC.
Recommendation 38
That the policy regarding Pre‐Visa Assessment (PVA) be discontinued.
Recommendation 39
That student visas be allowed to be granted in advance of four months before the commencement of the relevant course. Where necessary visas should specify a date before which the holder cannot enter Australia.
Recommendation 40
That DIAC regularly reviews the current living cost amount, and based on the CPI or other measure amend the amount, as required.
Recommendation 41
That DIAC review the exclusion criteria and policy which relate to student visa non‐compliance.
UNIVERSITIES will be allowed to entice foreign students with quick visa approvals and the right to two years of work after graduation as part of a reform package to stem further losses of overseas student income.
Immigration Minister Chris Bowen and Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans said yesterday they would act on a remarkably frank report on Australia’s education export industry by former NSW politician Michael Knight.
By mid next year, foreign students keen on an Australian university degree will have access to a new, fast-track visa system.
Students from supposedly high-risk countries, such as China, no longer will have to show $75,000-plus in a bank account to prove they can cover fees and living costs.
Regardless of where they are from, would-be students will simply have to make a declaration they can support themselves.
Onerous financial requirements have been bitterly criticised as an over-reaction to past failings when migration was the motor of education, especially in private colleges.
Under yesterday’s Knight reforms, which single out universities for special treatment, foreign graduates emerging with a bachelor’s degree will be entitled to two years of work with no restriction on the type of job.
But if they want to stay for good they still have to satisfy stricter rules for skilled migration, which are much less generous to on-shore foreign students with low value skills.
University leaders yesterday welcomed the liferaft thrown them by the government.
“The reforms announced are more positive than anyone we spoke to expected [and] they come when competitors are kicking own goals _ riots in the UK and US funding cuts,” said University of NSW vice-chancellor Fred Hilmer.
“We expect a moderate lift in 2012 and a significant lift in 2013.”
In New Delhi yesterday, Professor Hilmer said education agents had told him that a streamlined student visa system was “the key to restoring our competitive position”.
Violence against students and tighter rules for skilled migration drove Indian students away while the US and Canada were making inroads on the China market.
In 2010-11, Australia’s education export earnings fell by almost 10 per cent from their $18 billion peak. Sharp declines in numbers at English language colleges and tertiary preparation courses suggest that universities are heading into tough trading conditions next year.
The education export industry complains of “a perfect storm” _ meaning rapid and unsettling changes in visa rules and skilled migration policy, the strong dollar and more competition for students overseas, and lingering reputational damage done by attacks on Indian students.
Under the Knight reforms, broadly adopted by the government, students wanting to study for a bachelor’s or higher qualification at university will find it easier and quicker to get a visa, regardless what country they are from.
“Unfortunately the worst perceptions about visa processing times are in Australia’s biggest market, China,” Mr Knight said.
From next autumn, would-be university students would benefit from an end to the requirement that they show large amounts of money upfront as evidence of capacity to pay.
Also promised next year is a comprehensive review of the so-called risk assessment levels that immigration officials use to vet would-be students. This system makes it harder for students from China and India, for example, to get visas.
Mr Knight recommended a new work rights regime for foreign students who graduate from an Australian university.
He said this had to be “administratively very simple”.
“The scheme must be one which can be marketed by the universities to prospective students as almost guaranteeing post-study work rights,” he said.
Glenn Withers, chief executive of Universities Australia, said the work entitlement was “one of the biggest breakthroughs”.
“This [work right] is as good or better than the Canadian or the US provisions,” he said.
But Monash University researcher Bob Birrell said the labour market implications had not been thought through.
Locals already were competing with thousands of former overseas students who were on bridging visas following a reform of the skilled migration rules, he said.
Stephen Connelly, from the International Education Association Australia, welcomed the Knight reforms.
He praised the extension of the new streamlined visa rules to packages including university study with foundation programs or English language courses.
“Australia has world’s best practice in pathways and preparatory programs for university studies, and this aspect of the recommendations will help cement our competitive advantage in this area,” Mr Connelly said.
He urged rapid implementation of the reform package to try to reverse the downward trend in on-shore student numbers.
Mr Knight justified special measures to boost overseas student recruitment by universities, rather than by TAFEs or private colleges, on the basis that universities were of “universally high” quality.
He also cited the “huge financial stake” of taxpayers in a university sector that had become heavily dependent on fees paid by foreign students.
He expressed surprise at the degree of dependence, pointing out that in 2009, about 25 per cent of students at the elite group of eight universities were internationals.
Andrew Norton, higher education expert at the Grattan Institute, was troubled by the favouritism shown to universities.
“My concern is that this is a big blow to the private higher education sector and the TAFES … and that this will distort the market further,” he said.
He said public universities already enjoyed a privileged position in the demand-driven system starting next year.
Adrian McComb, from the Council of Private Higher Education, said the “university centric nature” of the Knight report was disappointing.
He said this ran counter to the unified system of regulation for higher education, public and private, under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.
Mr Knight said universities were “not perfect”.
He put universities on notice that they would be held accountable for systematic migration abuses by their students or for lower standards.
“The financial dependence which universities now have on the fees from international students could create pressure to soften entry standards and assessment standards,” he said.
He said his freeing up of student visas would be “quite dangerous” unless immigration officers put new effort into checking that applicants were genuine temporary visitors as well as genuine students.
However, Dr Birrell said the guidelines for this new student visa test were “so opaque that it’s almost impossible to apply. I cannot see how [an immigration] officer could possibly implement them.”
BY: BERNARD LANE From: The Australian September 23, 2011 12:00AM
Many international students rely on part-time work while they study. It might pay for your cost of living abroad and all those travel adventures, or you may want to send some money home to your family.
But how do you find the right part-time job as an international student? Read our guide to part-time work abroad, and find out!
What kind of job can I do?
This will come down to your student visa and your language ability, rather than your course and skills. So check your visa restrictions first. If you are on a standard student visa to Australia or New Zealand, you can usually work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during the holidays. If you are studying an postgraduate course and married or have a partner, you partner can work full time otherwise similar to you.
In the USA you are restricted to on-campus work for up to 20 hours per week. This could mean working in the college administration office, cafeteria, shops, or within a faculty.
You may be studying a PhD, but you most probably won’t be able to get part-time work in your chosen field. That’s fine – no matter what you end up doing, it will add to your CV experience and understanding of the workplace culture abroad.
International students are often found working as…
- Waiters and bar staff
- Retail staff
- Warehouse staff
- Call centre phone operators
- Data entry staff
- Security Officer
- Car Park staff
- Language teachers
These are all jobs that offer flexible part-time shifts, so you can take on more work as time and coursework allows. Make sure you feel confident in your local language ability before applying for a job that requires you to talk a lot on the phone or face to face – such as a market researcher!
How do I find a job?
You won’t be able to start looking until you’ve arrived and settled in – most employers will want to meet you in person.
Start with your university’s job centre or employment office. As well as current listings of local jobs, they can help you write your CV and job application, prepare for an interview, and be ready for differences in work practices.
You can also look online at career websites, such as www.seek.com.au , www.careerone.com.au in Australia.
Some countries have government-run job centres as well. Local newspapers are also a great source of convenient part-time work.
How much will I be paid?
Make sure you understand exactly what your terms of work are before you start. Most countries have a minimum wage that all employers must stick to, even if you’re a casual part-time shift worker. In the Australia this is currently A$14.31 per hour and in the US it’s US$7.25.
You may be paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly, and usually as a direct deposit into your bank account. You will pay tax out of your salary, and you should register for a local tax number (called a a Tax File Number in Australia) as soon as you are offered a job. You may be eligible for a tax return when you leave after your studies.
What about voluntary work?
Even though you might not be paid, it’s still worth taking on voluntary work for a non-profit organisation, or a short-term work experience placement. You will learn valuable work skills. Just check that it’s not a job that a local citizen would be paid to do – don’t take the risk of being exploited.
But how will I fit it all in?
It’s important to think about your course workload before you take on part-time work. If you have a lot of contact hours and a heavy commitment to group work, you may not want to take on work that will cause you extra stress.
But some jobs can add an entirely new dimension to your student life. You’ll meet new friends, learn new skills and discover your own hidden talents. It could be the highlight of your study abroad experience.
Course Name
Certificate 3 in Children Services
CRICOS Code 069332K
National Code CHC30708
Course Number
18206
Work placement
Workplace learning (‘on-the-job’ training) of a minimum of
100 hours is required for the achievement of competencies
to receive the Certificate 3 in Children’s Services (18206). A
teacher will secure a work placement for you and assist in
the organisation of the workplace learning and associated
workplace activities in line with TAFE NSW policy.
To be employed as a worker in child care services, you
must be aged over 18. In NSW you need a minimum of
one year’s experience, gained after the qualification, to
apply for the role of an authorised supervisor of a child care
centre. Children’s services regulations vary in each state of
Australia.
Go to www.tafetr.com for further information.
Duration
Course commences Monday 13 September 2010 and
finishes 28 January 2011.
LIVE, WORK and STUDY in AUSTRALIA
MIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA
International Education Agency – Australia and Migration Professionals are working together to help you (and your family) live, work and study in Australia.
Contact us now at [email protected] for our personal visa eligibility assessment service which includes advice on all your options to live, work and study in Australia. Read More
