More opportunities for int’l students who study in Western Australia

If you’re harbouring hopes of studying and migrating to Western Australia, your prospects just got better. The state government has added 194 occupations to the Graduate Occupation List to attract more international students to study in the state. This brings the total number of listed occupations to 331.

This is part of the Mark McGowan government’s 195 million Australian dollars Reconnect WA strategy to attract skilled migrants and international students to Western Australia to alleviate skills shortages. 

In a statement, the Western Australian government said expanding the Graduate Occupation List would help attract a broad and diverse range of skills that align with the state’s current and future workforce needs.

If you’re considering studying and migrating to Western Australia, visit the Migration Western Australia website for the complete list of Graduate Occupation List under the Graduate stream.

Migrating to Western Australia: In-demand skills

In a media statement, the state government said the skilled migration pathway would provide international graduates in Western Australia with the option to apply for permanent residence. 

The expanded skilled migration criteria will not only allow candidates who are already in the state or country to apply for Western Australia State nomination, but also offshore candidates. 

Preference, however, will be given to applicants currently residing in the state, followed by those residing in Australia and then those residing overseas.

Candidates for the 2022- 23 State nomination migration programme may be nominated by the state government under two streams: General or Graduate.

According to the Migration Western Australia website, the 2022-23 programme year’s expanded Graduate Occupation List under the Graduate stream includes:

• Acupuncturist
• Ambulance officer
• Biochemist
• Bricklayer
• Cardiologist
• Chiropractor
• Cook
• Dancer or choreographer
• Deer farmer
• Driving instructor
• Engineering professionals
• Film and video editor

Those considering migrating to Western Australia can click here for the full list of occupations or for further details.

Invitations to apply for Western Australia State nomination under the new Graduate Occupation List will not commence until the 2022-23 programme year, it said.

Mark McGowan’s government is implementing new initiatives to attract skilled migrants and international students to Western Australia to help alleviate skills shortages. Source: Trevor Collens/AFP

Migrating to Western Australia just got easier for students?

The Western Australia government said these changes would support the international education sector and add to the state’s pipeline of skilled workers in priority areas. 

The new initiatives also complement strategies to address skills shortages following industry consultation at the Perth and Regional Skills Summits, it said.

Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said: “Meeting Western Australia’s skilled workforce needs is a priority for the state government, to support the state’s strong economic growth and pipeline of works.”

She added that the Western Australia government’s management of COVID-19 has helped to keep the state’s economy strong and stable. 

“With world-class education, healthy job opportunities and strong public health management, there is no better or safer place to live, work and study,” said Ellery. “The state government is committed to encouraging the return of international students to Western Australia to support our international education sector and address skills shortages in key industries.”

International Education Minister David Templeman said: “Providing a skilled migration pathway is key for attracting international students to Western Australia to retain their capabilities once they have completed their studies.”