Barriers preventing students from getting work experience in Australia after their degrees finish could present further deterrence for foreign students looking to study in Australia.
A study has found universities will struggle to attract international students unless graduates have better access and opportunities to gain work experience or employment in Australia. Currently international students contribute billions of dollars each year to the Australian economy and the tertiary education sector. The substantially higher full-fare fees paid by international students , with courses often costing to over $20,000, now help to subsidise the cost of education for local students.
International students are often caught in a catch-22 problem, where they are unable to gain work experience or employment unless they have a permanent or work visa, but are unable to get a visa unless they have employment.
The Deakin University study say that work opportunities after tertiary studies are important factors international students take into account when they are choosing study destinations.
Study co-author Cate Gribble say universities, employers and the government should provide better work experience opportunities for international students to ensure Australia remained an attractive study destination.
“For international students it’s really difficult [to find work experience for themselves] because they don’t have their own networks,” Dr Gribble said.
Research conducted by the Australian government shows international students contributed $15.7 billion in export income last year.