If you are coming to the end of your studies in Australia, it’s likely that you are wondering about your options after graduation. Many students choose to continue their studies in Australia in order to gain a second qualification. Here we discuss some of the key benefits of completing further study in Australia.
You can expand skills and knowledge
One of the main benefits of continuing your studies in Australia is that you will further develop your skills and knowledge, which will increase your job opportunities in Australia and overseas. You could expand your knowledge in your original field of study by entering a qualification at a higher level, such as studying an undergraduate degree after completing a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification, or entering a postgraduate degree after completing an undergraduate degree. You could also complete an additional qualification to gain expertise in a specific area covered in your original course (such as completing a postgraduate degree in marketing after studying a general undergraduate degree in business), qualify for practice in a regulated profession (such as law or architecture), or gain skills and knowledge in a completely different field.
You will have more time to experience Australia
Completing a second course will provide you with an opportunity to make new friends, explore new places and try new experiences. You might consider studying at a different institution or even in a different city or state, which means that you can experience life in another part of the country. Completing additional studies will also give you more time to enjoy the benefits of studying in Australia. You can travel to different parts of Australia, complete a student exchange through your institution, start a part-time job or complete an internship to gain some industry experience.
It’s easy to continue your studies
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) ensures that all Australian tertiary qualifications follow a standard format, making it easy to continue your studies and enter a higher-level qualification. When you are applying for a more advanced qualification, you may even receive credit for your previous study. This can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your second course. Speak with an adviser at your institution or use our Course Search for more information about your study options.
You can qualify for post-study work opportunities
Another excellent reason to continue your studies is to improve your chances of remaining in Australia to gain practical work experience once you finish your studies. In order to be eligible for post-study work opportunities, you must meet the Australian Study Requirement by completing one or more Australian qualifications that require two or more academic years of full-time study in Australia.
You can improve your chances of gaining permanent residency
Students who are hoping to gain permanent residency in Australia may also benefit from continuing their studies in Australia. Under Australia’s SkillSelect visa points system, international students who meet the Australian Study Requirement gain additional points and therefore improve have a higher chance of qualifying for permanent residency. Students with higher-level qualifications are eligible for further points. If English is not your first language, you will also find that continuing your studies in Australia will give you more time to improve your English language proficiency, which can also qualify you for additional visa points.