Step-by-Step Guide: From Study to Work in Australia

Table of Contents

Introduction

It’s no doubt that Australia has been on the mind of every study-abroad enthusiast. Owing to its high class education and cultural diversity, it’s quickly becoming the most coveted destination for international students. However, there’s an information gap that often stands in the way of turning this dream to study in Australia into reality.

That’s exactly why we’ve put together this up-to-date and comprehensive blog– breaking down every step on the path toward your Australian journey and helping you understand how to study and work in Australia seamlessly!

Step 1: Choose the Right Course

This is the foundational step on which your entire journey takes shape. Choosing the right course is crucial for anyone hoping to study in Australia and later transition to a study and work visa in Australia (or simply build a career through the study and work in Australia pathway.)

Below are some pointers to keep in mind when making your decision.

When choosing the right course, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to look beyond the popularity. Like any other facet in life, education systems are also subject to social fads and trends. Thus, it becomes necessary to evaluate your true intentions and goals, especially if your goal is to study in Australia and continue to study and work in Australia after graduation.

If you already have a discipline in mind, make sure to research the course variants the Australian universities have to offer. For instance, a course like Bachelor’s in Psychology has slightly different syllabus depending on the university you choose. These differences can influence your future opportunities to study and work in Australia

On top of course variants, it’s just as important to research the faculty. A good faculty makes or breaks your experience while you study in Australia, especially for those preparing for a study and work visa in Australia.

If you are unsure of the direction you want to head in, it’s beneficial to seek help from career experts and study in Australia consultants who bring their decades of expertise in the Australian market to help you make the right choice for your study and work in Australia opportunities

Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements

For your quick review, below are the academic requirements needed to study in Australia according to the degree type. Understanding these will help determine how soon you can begin your ‘study and work in Australia’ journey.

1. Diplomas in Australia

Apart from a minimum of 60% in grade 12, you will need a score of at least 5.5 in IELTS, TOEFL iBT score: 55, and the PTE score: between 42 and 49.
These tests should be taken not more than two years before your course commencement.

2. Bachelors in Australia

To do a Bachelor’s degree in Australia, you require at least 65% in your grade 12.
IELTS score should be at least 6.0, TOEFL: 65, and PTE score: between 50 and 57. This level opens doors to long-term study and work in Australia options.

3. Masters in Australia

A 3-year degree from a recognised institution is all that most universities require.
However, in the case of special courses, universities demand a qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree.
The IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE scores should at minimum be 6.5, 79, and 58-64, respectively.

4. Doctoral programs in Australia

A 3-4 year Bachelor’s degree and a two year Master’s degree are a must.
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required to study abroad in Australia for international students.
Doctoral students often have the strongest opportunities to study and work in Australia long-term.

Step 3: Apply to an Australian Institution

Once you shortlist the university options, you are all set to submit your applications to study in Australia. Required documents include:

Academic transcripts
English Language Tests scores
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation
Passport copy
Portfolio (for design/arts programs)
Financial proof

If accepted, you’ll receive something called a ‘Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)’, which is essential for your study in Australia visa and the further progression to study and work in Australia.

Step 4: Get Your Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Luckily for you, Australia has one of the most efficient and simple visa processes. Subclass 500′ student visa lets you study full-time, work part-time, and travel in and out of the country while your course is in session. It’ll be your first real exposure to how students eventually study and work in Australia

Documents you need ready:

Proof of enrolment (your electronic confirmation of enrolment eCOE)
A valid passport
Your visa application fee (AUD $2000)
Your Genuine Student Requirement (GS) statement
Academic and work experience documents
Evidence of your English proficiency skills (such as IELTS test scores)
Evidence of financial ability (tuition fees, living expenses, expenses for dependents, return airfare)
Details of your health insurance policy, OSHC
Passport-size photographs

Once you’ve gathered these documents, you can begin your application through the Department of Home Affairs website. First, create an ImmiAccount, complete the Student Visa (subclass 500) form, and upload all required documents. After submission, pay the visa application fee online. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive your visa grant notification online to study in Australia!

Step 5: Completing Your Studies

Once you finish your course, your education provider (typically your university) informs the government. This is the prime time for you to start preparing for your post-study work options if you intend to further study and work in Australia

Make sure you have these handy:

Final academic transcripts
Completion letter
Evidence of meeting the Australian study requirement
Your part-time work experience proof (Internships, project works, Tutoring)

These are the essential building blocks for your study and work visa in Australia application.

Step 6: Apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)

This visa is exactly what you need to work full-time in Australia and gain practical experience. It’s also a great reliever for those who need to pay off their student debts. It is the key study and work visa in Australia option for graduates.

There are two main streams through which you can acquire this work visa:

Post-Study Work Stream

This is available to students who completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Australia.

Validity:

2–3 years for bachelor’s/master’s
Up to 4–6 years for higher degrees (depending on field and region)

Graduate Work Stream

This is open for graduates in occupations that are on the Skilled Occupation List (usually diploma or trade qualifications).

Validity: Up to 18 months

This Subclass 485 visa is the bridge between your study in Australia route and long-term migration, especially if you’re aiming for a study and work visa in Australia that leads to permanent residency.

Step 7: Gain Work Experience in Australia

Once you are granted the 485 visa, you should focus on:

Securing a full-time job
Building industry connections
Completing professional year programs (for IT, accounting, engineering)
Getting skill assessments done

Work experience, along with completing professional internships and skill assessments, puts you ahead of the majority of the competition. It also significantly strengthens applications for employer-sponsored visas or permanent residency.

Conclusion

Whether you want to move to Australia permanently or just want to graduate from the top most universities, planning your journey is the key. Once you clearly understand what to aim for, your Australian dream becomes clear and practical. Choosing the right course and gaining working experience allows you to switch from student mode to long-term employee.

With millions of international students successfully moving to study in Australia, your dream is absolutely within reach.

Ready to start? Get in touch with our expert study in Australia consultants today. We’ll guide your applications, visas, scholarships, and every step of your study and work in Australia process, including securing your study and work visa in Australia — everything you need to make your Australian dream come true.