Federal report finds international graduates working below their skill levels
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More than half of international graduates working in Australia are employed below their qualification level, according to a federal government study highlighting a gap between education and the jobs market.
The Jobs and Skills Australia report found many international graduates were also working outside their field of study and earning less than Australian graduates with similar qualifications.
The study followed students who began studying in Australia in 2010–11 and tracked their outcomes through to the end of 2023.
Around 35–40 per cent of international students from that group gained permanent residency within 10 years. The rate was higher among graduates whose education and employment records could be linked to government data.
However, permanent residency did not always lead to skilled work.
More than 50 per cent of international graduates with the highest-level qualifications were working in lower-skilled occupations. Among domestic graduates, the figure was around 20–30 per cent.
International graduates were also less likely to find jobs related to what they studied.
Researchers identified several barriers, including English-language challenges, limited Australian work experience, visa concerns among employers, difficulties recognising overseas experience and recruitment bias.
The findings come as Australia continues to debate the size of its international education sector. International education contributed more than $50 billion to the Australian economy in 2023–24.
Education Minister Jason Clare has defended retaining some international graduates, particularly in occupations facing skills shortages.
The government has set a planning level of 295,000 international student commencements for 2026, with the same level planned for 2027.
However, the report warns that Australia will gain less from international education if qualified graduates cannot successfully transition into skilled employment.
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Source : News.com
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