5 options for international students after graduation
The exams are over and all your hard work has paid off. While you’re waiting to get that certificate or degree in your hot little hand, it might be time to ask yourself, ‘what’s next?’
If you’re not sure of your options after graduation, we’re here to help. We’ve put together five different alternatives – choose your own adventure and get ready for the start of the rest of your life!
1. More study
Love the thought of continuing your education? It’s pretty common for international students to continue their studies after graduating. Explore other courses or consider a higher level qualification that could give you an edge when it comes to entering your desired profession.
If you’re looking to continue your studies, check out our Facts about postgraduate study article where we give you the basics of what you need to know.
2. Start working
You may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which will allow you to remain in Australia to get work experience and improve your English language skills. This is a good option if you are considering working towards permanent residency.
If you are looking to extend your time in Australia and kick start your career, check out our Life after study article to help you on your way.
3. Travel
Australia is a traveler’s dream. We are blessed with such a diverse landscape, countless species of native animals and some of the friendliest locals in the world. Make the most of your time here and discover the beauty that Australia is famous for.
Pack your bags, make a list of must see destinations and forget about your passport – this island continent requires no international border crossings.
Wherever you go, make sure you stay protected. If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget your nib Direct travel insurance.*
4. Arrange a family visit
Now that you’ve wrapped up your study, it’s probably one of the best opportunities to get your family over for a visit. Use this opportunity to show them where you went to university or college and give them a glimpse of the Aussie way of life.
If the family is coming over to explore, help them out with the following nib healthy traveler’s guides:
5. Return home
Ready to head back home? Our big tip is to try and finalise as much as you can before you go – for example, cancel your bank accounts and your mobile phone contracts, pay your final bills, fix up your rent and wrap up anything else you can think of.
Taking the time to ensure everything is properly managed will benefit you in the future should you wish to return to Australia for travel, study or work.
Before you leave Australia, it is a good idea to get rid of any unwanted items such as furniture, clothing and homewares. You can organise a garage sale (consider teaming up with friends and making it a group sale), advertise unwanted items on campus noticeboards or Gumtree, or donate items to charity.
Graduation is a big achievement, take a moment to reward yourself. Even if it is for just one night, put the future on hold and celebrate this accomplishment with friends and family. You deserve it!
*The discount applies to current nib and GU Health members, current nib Thrive participants and other eligible nib member cohorts who are eligible to purchase and are issued a nib Direct Travel Insurance policy. The discount is not available to nib International Students and Worker members, customers of nib partner-branded products, free members, or former or inactive members or participants. The discount applies to new policy purchases and is based on standard premium rates, including optional covers. It applies automatically upon successful input of a valid membership number, participant number or promotional code, as applicable, and applies to any changes, upgrades or amendments made to the policy prior to commencement of the journey. The discount may apply to changes made after commencement of the journey. Contact Allianz Global Assistance to find out more. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
nib Life Pty Ltd ABN 91 003 037 625 AR 321683 (nib) arranges this insurance as authorised representative for AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631 trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA). AGA issues and manages travel insurance as agent for the insurer Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz). Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. nib, Allianz and AGA do not provide any advice on this insurance based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Any advice is general only. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Before making a decision please consider the Product Disclosure Statement. The Target Market Determination is available at www.allianzpartners.com.au/policies/. nib and AGA receive a commission which is a percentage of the premium you pay for a policy - ask us for further details prior to purchasing.
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