International students and graduates in Australia represent a highly skilled and motivated talent pool, with a diverse and valuable range of skills. 

Employing international students and graduates can provide a variety of benefits to businesses in Queensland, including bringing diverse knowledge networks and fresh perspectives to your organisation. Additionally, hiring international students and graduates is an effective way of filling workforce and talent shortages, while also increasing organisational competitiveness by hiring diverse skills and experience.


Hiring international students

International students who hold a valid student visa can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Masters by research or PhD students may be able to work more than this.

No separate working visa is required for students with a valid student visa. There is no financial commitment required from employers to hire international students on a Student visa (subclass 500).


Post-graduation employment

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows international students to live, study and work in Australia temporarily for 2-4 years after they have completed their studies. There are no visa sponsorship costs for employers to pay when recruiting applicants who hold this visa.

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I know how many hours my (visa holder) employee can work?

VEVO - the Visa Entitlement Verification Online system allows employers to check someone’s visa conditions.

  • Register for an Employer profile that will allow you to check the work rights of a visa holder who is a prospective or current employee.
  • You will need the visa holder’s permission and travel document details to access this.
  • Check visa details and conditions using VEVO via homeaffairs.gov.au.

How many hours can a student visa holder work?

  • Generally, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during semester and can work full time when their course of study is not in session (semester break).
  • It is only when the student commences study that they are allowed to work. If you are seeking to hire a student visa holder, you should request evidence that they have commenced their course, such as a confirmation of enrolment or letter from the education provider.
  • Students completing a Masters by research or Doctorate (PhD) program have unrestricted working hours. 
  • Dependants of student visa holders enrolled in a Masters or Doctorate degree can work unrestricted hours.
  • Always check VEVO for confirmation.

Do I need to sponsor a student once they finish their studies to keep them on?

Not necessarily. The Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485):

  • Allows international students to live, study and work after they have completed their studies for between 2 – 4 years.
  • Is an independent visa type with no employer sponsorship obligations.

In addition, graduates with a degree from a regional institution are eligible for a second post-study work visa, which can allow an additional one to two years, depending on the region they studied in.

If I find an employee that is a good fit for our business, is it expensive to sponsor them?

There are a range of employer sponsored visa types available for sponsoring businesses. Most of them require the nominating employer to:

  • Be a Standard Business Sponsor.
  • Pay a nomination fee.
  • Pay a Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy - this amount depends on the business turnover and proposed period of stay of the employee.
  • Meet all other eligibility criteria.

If you require further information or assistance with preparing to sponsor a skilled migrant, you may wish to use the services of a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer.

You can find one at the Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority or Queensland Law Society Register of Solicitors.