How To Find a Job As An International Student In Australia

It’s not easy to secure a job in Australia after graduating as an international student. Historically, international graduates had lower employment rates than domestic graduates. 

But here’s the good news: the employment rate for international graduates has been going up in recent years. In 2023, the gap between international and domestic graduates got smaller.

International graduates had a full-time employment rate of 59.7%, while domestic graduates had 79%. The gap went down from 20.8% in 2022 to 19.3% in 2023 (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).

So, how can you stand out and succeed in this competitive job market? What can you do to join the growing number of international graduates landing full-time jobs?

That’s exactly what we will tell you in this guide. We will start by knowing the current job market trends and addressing the challenges some international students face. Then, we will provide the best solutions to increase your chances of joining the 59% who secure full-time jobs.

Article Guide:

• Current Trends in the Australian Job Market

• Challenges for International Students 

• International Students Career Success Stories 

• Tips to Secure a Job in Australia for International Students 

• Where to Apply for Jobs in Australia

• Understanding Workplace Culture and Expectations in Australia

• Start Your Job Search With Confidence

• Turn Your Career Goals Into Reality

The Australian job market is tough but not impossible. While many international graduates struggle to find work, many also succeed in their careers. 

So what’s the difference? It’s about knowing where the demand is. Let’s look at these trends and employment projections from Jobs and Skills Australia.

Australia Is Creating 2 Million Jobs by 2034

Yes, you read that right! Over the next 10 years, Australia is projected to add nearly 2 million new jobs, pushing the total number of employed people to 16.3 million by May 2034.

That’s a huge opportunity—if you’re looking in the right places.

The three biggest industries driving this growth are:

• Healthcare & Social Assistance

• Professional, Scientific & Technical Services

• Education & Training

These sectors alone will create over half (50.4%) of all new jobs in the country.

Tip: If you’re choosing a degree, consider fields that align with these growing industries. Not only do they offer more job opportunities, but they can also improve your chances of gaining permanent residency in Australia.

Professionals Are in High Demand

If you’re pursuing a career as a highly skilled professional, the odds are in your favour.

• The “Professionals” job group will grow by 785,000 roles by 2034—that’s a 20.9% increase.

• This includes roles in IT, engineering, healthcare, education, finance, and science.

Higher Education = Higher Employability

Over 90% of job growth to 2034 will come from roles that require post-secondary qualifications.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 51.0% of new jobs will require a bachelor's degree or higher

• 42.6% will require Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications

This trend highlights the value of further education—not just for knowledge, but for real job prospects.

Tip: If you're still choosing a degree or considering further studies, focus on courses that match these in-demand qualification levels.

Growth Across All States and Territories

Employment isn’t just rising in major cities—it’s growing across every Australian state and territory. The biggest increases will be in:

• Victoria: +627,700 jobs (16.9% growth)

• New South Wales: +523,300 jobs (11.7% growth)

• Queensland: +395,100 jobs (13.5% growth)

Tip: Keep an open mind when job hunting. You might find even better opportunities outside the major cities.

This guide is meant to help you become "the most prepared" you can be when you start to apply for jobs after you graduate. But before we dive into tips and strategies, let's first look at the challenges other graduates have faced. Understanding these will help you pinpoint where you can improve and get ahead.

According to a report from Deakin University and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) researchers, here are some of the reasons why international graduates struggle to find work in Australia: 

Employers are hesitant and sometimes confused due to:

• Visa concerns: Some employers prefer graduates who already hold permanent residency status.

• Cost and training worries: Some businesses believe hiring international graduates is more expensive and that they require extra training to adapt to Australian workplace culture.

• English proficiency worries: Many employers automatically assume international graduates struggle with English, even when they don’t. That’s why proving your English skills with a trusted test like IELTS matters. Unlike other tests, IELTS is recognised for its accuracy in assessing real-world communication, giving employers confidence in your ability to thrive in an English-speaking workplace.

• Lack of local cultural experience: Some employers worry that international graduates may struggle to adapt to Australian workplace norms, communication styles, and professional expectations.

• Lack of Work Experience: Many international graduates struggle to secure jobs simply because they don’t have enough internship or industry experience. Employers often prioritise candidates with relevant experience, making it harder for fresh graduates to compete in the job market.

Now that we've identified some of the challenges that international graduates face, let's dive into the tips and strategies that will help you stand out and increase your chances of landing a job in Australia.

The students who easily secured a job after graduating in Australia almost always have these things in common. They have:

• Solid portfolio and job experience 

• A well-established professional network

• Strong English and communication skills 

It might not seem like much, but these three things can make or break your job search. They form the foundation of the strategies we’ll discuss below.

• Gain Relevant Experience

The hardest part about getting a job after you graduate? Getting your foot in the door (meaning, getting the employers to want to invite you for an interview).

So how do you do that? 

Prove that you deserve a place at the table—your skills are valuable, your experience is worth considering, and that passing on you would be their loss.

How do you prove you’re a valuable candidate? Have relevant work experience. Many employers hesitate to hire fresh graduates because they don’t want to spend time and money training them.

That’s why having experience before you graduate is a game-changer. Internships are your best bet. But finding good internships isn’t always easy. 

Some universities have solid industry connections that offer internships that help you land a job after graduation. If you want to fast-track that process, IDP can connect you with universities that offer industry placements, so you graduate with experience, not just a degree.

• Enroll in a Professional Year Program

But what if you've already graduated and don’t have enough experience to stand out? 

That’s where the Professional Year Program (PYP) comes in.

Many international students find it hard to get hired in their field, but the PYP helps by giving you real-world training and a guaranteed internship in an Australian company.

It’s a great way to gain local experience, make connections, and boost your chances of getting hired. Many graduates land full-time jobs in the same companies they interned with.

• Create a Standout Resume and LinkedIn Profile

A strong resume isn’t just a list of qualifications. It’s your first impression. 

Australian employers look for a specific format, and many international graduates struggle to get it right.

One key strategy? Highlight your Australian study experience. Employers value local education because it shows you’re familiar with industry standards, workplace culture, and expectations in Australia. 

But that’s just one of the strategies you can use. For a complete tutorial, we have a guide on how to create an Australian-style resume. 

You can also build an online resume through LinkedIn. Many employers in Australia use LinkedIn to scout for potential candidates. Having a well-established LinkedIn profile can help increase your visibility and make it easier for recruiters to find you. Use this LinkedIn guide to help you start and optimise your profile.

• Enhance Your English Proficiency

Some employers assume international graduates might struggle with workplace communication because English is not their first language. Here’s your strategy: remove this misconception as early as they see your resume.

Highlight your proficiency: C2 level would be the best if you are applying for jobs that require strong communication skills. 

And if you really want to stand out, prove your proficiency with a globally recognised test.

When employers see IELTS on your resume, they know you have competent English skills. IELTS is recognised for its accuracy and credibility. That’s why employers and immigration officials trust it to reflect your true English proficiency.

If you want to know your current English level, take a free English self-assessment here. 

If you’re aiming for a higher proficiency level, you can easily improve your proficiency skills by practising with IELTS FREE preparation materials. 

It might feel like extra effort, but strong English skills are one of the best investments you can make for your career.

Taking your IELTS test through IDP not only strengthens your resume but also increases your credibility as a confident English speaker.

• Develop In-Demand Skills

The job market is constantly evolving, and the best way to stay ahead? Keep learning.

Upskilling in areas like digital literacy, AI, and industry-specific certifications can make you a more attractive candidate. 

But how do you figure out which skills actually matter? If you already know the skills you want to gain, where are the best places to learn them? 

If you want a clearer path, IDP can connect you with courses and training programs tailored to what Australian employers are looking for. Instead of spending months trying to stand out, you’ll have a direct roadmap to becoming the kind of candidate companies want to hire.

• Network and Connect with Employers

In Australia, many jobs aren’t even advertised—they’re filled through connections. That’s why networking isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. 

The same research from Deakin University suggests that international graduates should establish their local networks to improve their chances of getting hired.

Attend career workshops, networking events, and industry meetups where you can connect with professionals in your field. 

The challenge is finding the right events and getting in the room with potential employers. That’s where an IDP can help. We provide access to exclusive career-building opportunities, connecting you with employers, industry leaders, and alumni who’ve been in your shoes. All of these connections can help you land the job you want. 

• Understand Your Visa Options

Many employers hesitate to hire international graduates due to confusion about visa requirements. 

The key is being proactive. Include a short explanation of your work rights in your resume or mention it in your cover letter. You can also bring it up in interviews to reassure potential employers.

If you’re unsure how to navigate your visa options, IDP’s migration experts can help. We provide personalised guidance on Temporary Graduate visas (subclass 485), bridging visas, and permanent residency pathways, making it easier for you to communicate your eligibility to work in Australia confidently.

• Be Proactive in Job Applications

Not all jobs are posted online. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from reaching out directly to employers, showcasing your skills, and expressing genuine interest. But how do you do that?

You can start by knowing how to write compelling cover letters and cold emails, marketing yourself for unadvertised roles, and making a lasting impression.

Make sure to do all these the right way, as you don’t want to sound pushy and throw off potential employers.

The secret? Focus on communicating your value. Instead of just asking for a job, highlight how your skills and experience can solve real problems for the company.

If you still need more convincing, let's take a look at the success stories of international graduates who successfully landed a job in Australia!

I applied for many jobs and gigs on every website I could find: Upwork, Fiverr, Seek, LinkedIn, AngelList, Facebook Groups for job searches, or Instagram pages of companies that I wanted to work for, etc. I eventually landed a casual job at Electric Confetti, a neon sign brand I'd been obsessed with even before I came to Australia. I then joined LivenPay, a fintech food payment company, and now at S-kin Studio Jewelry, a brand that I've been a fan of since their early days. All this was done while freelancing as a graphic designer/ social media manager for small businesses, mostly in Melbourne. - Anna, Malaysia; IDP Student Alumni

IDP introduced me to the IDP Student Facebook community, for which I am very grateful. I attended the career webinars that the community posted about new students, and they gave me excellent advice on preparing for interviews and modifying my resume as per Australian standards. Due to that, I had the confidence to apply for the positions that were promoted in the group and elsewhere, and I eventually succeeded in landing a job with the organisation itself. - Ankita, India

I was doing odd gigs in my first year of studies, and then after I graduated, I landed a door-to-door sales job through my network, which was an incredible experience because I got to travel to Australia and speak to over 8,000 people from various backgrounds. Then, in 2022, I moved to the media industry again through a referral from my network. I strongly urge international students to work on their networking from day 1 of arriving in Australia; the connections and relationships you build in university will help you long after you have graduated. - Shiv, India

Did you notice how these graduates used the same strategies we discussed above? Like these alumni, you, too, can have the same success!

If finding internships feels harder than finding a seat on a packed train, if networking makes you break out in a nervous sweat, or if visa talk sounds like a foreign language—don’t stress.

We can connect you with work placements, career programs, and visa experts who actually speak fluent "migration paperwork."

And if you need to prove your English skills, we make IELTS prep and booking as easy as ordering coffee (minus the long queue). Whatever’s tripping you up, we’ll help you sort it out so you can focus on landing the job you deserve. 

Contact our education experts now for any of your study or post-study concerns! 

Knowing where to look is just as important as knowing how to apply. Here are the best places to find job opportunities as an international graduate:

• Online Job Portals

Websites like Seek, Indeed, and LinkedIn list thousands of job openings across different industries. Set up job alerts and tailor your applications to match job descriptions.

• Company Websites

Some companies prefer to advertise openings on their websites rather than on job boards. Make a list of companies in your field and regularly check their careers pages for new opportunities.

• Recruitment Agencies

Many Australian businesses hire through recruitment agencies. Registering with agencies that specialise in your industry can give you access to exclusive job listings and increase your chances of landing interviews.

How IDP Helps: IDP’s career advisors can guide you on the best job search strategies, connect you with industry-relevant opportunities, and even help you tailor your applications for maximum impact.

Knowing what employers expect in the workplace can give you an edge when applying for jobs and set you up for success once you land one.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Master Communication to Stand Out

Australian workplaces prioritise clear, direct, and respectful communication. That means saying what you mean—politely, of course.

In job interviews, confidence is key (but not over-the-top TED Talk energy). Just speak up, be real, and don’t mumble like you're ordering drive-thru at midnight.

Once you're on the team, join the chats, ask questions, and contribute like you belong—because you do. Bonus points if you can master the art of small talk about weekend barbecues and footy.

• Show Strong Work Ethics & Professionalism

Employers are looking for candidates who take initiative and get things done. Show them you’re the one who won’t need to be reminded about deadlines.

• Build Workplace Relationships

Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards—it’s about building relationships that’ll help you thrive. Australian workplaces are all about teamwork and collaboration. So, get involved, chat with colleagues, and create some solid connections. Who knows, the next career opportunity might come from the person you just shared a veggie sausage with at lunch.

There are two things you can do to easily secure a job as an international student: 

1. Be so valuable that you are irresistible.

2. Have the strongest professional connections.

And no–you don’t have to be the smartest student or be a “one of a kind” talent. 

You just have to build your value with relevant experience, strong English and communication skills, and relevant soft skills. 

Then you put yourself out there by making yourself known to people who need you. Build your network by meeting potential employers and joining career fairs. 

Bonus Tip

One last tip for you: it’s best to start the strategies we discussed above as early as possible.

So that when you graduate, you’re already highly proficient in English, you've already interned with the best programs, and you’re probably already Facebook friends with the HR of the company you want to work with. 

Securing a job as an international graduate in Australia sometimes requires more than a degree. You’ll have an edge with good communication, work experience, and soft skills.

With the right support, your path to success gets easier. 

Speak with Confidence. Get Noticed by Employers.

Need to improve your English skills? Practice with IELTS free preparation materials. When you’re ready to prove your English and communication skills, IELTS is the best representation of your skills–trusted by over 12,500 organisations worldwide for its credibility and global recognition.

Gain the Experience Employers Are Looking For

Need internships, career counseling, visa guidance, or networking opportunities? At IDP, we partner with top universities in Australia that offer the best industry placements, helping you gain internships and relevant work experiences.

Choose a Course That Leads to Real Job Opportunities

Plus, we offer personalised course advice to help you choose study programs that align with your career goals. 

From job-readiness support and English language prep to expert visa guidance, we’re here to set you up for success—before and after you graduate! 

Contact our education experts for any of your study and post-study concerns. 

SOURCES:

Australian Government Department of Education, Jobs and Skills Australia, Deakin University Report, 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey