Adelaide welcomes skilled migration changes

Tuesday, 9 May 2006

New incentives for international students to gain an Australian qualification are a positive move, according to the University of Adelaide.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred McDougall says the Federal Government's changes to the skilled migration system will benefit both the economy and the tertiary education sector.

The changes, announced yesterday, will make it easier for foreign students to work in Australia at the completion of their degrees.

Under the scheme, skilled migrants who can demonstrate good English language skills and some work experience in their relevant field will be granted temporary visas allowing them to work in Australia for two years after finishing their studies. Permanent entry will be granted to those who undertake more intensive English studies or 12 months' work experience.

"International students bring social, cultural, intellectual and economic benefits to South Australia, and it is important that we provide incentives for them to study in Adelaide because the net gains are significant," Professor McDougall says.

"The State Government has recognised this in its Strategic Plan, which aims to double the State's share of international students by 2014.

"The University of Adelaide is working hard to attract international students to Adelaide and to ensure they enjoy a quality experience while here. Anything the Federal Government does that helps us to do this is welcomed."

Professor McDougall said the annual Graduate Destination Survey published by Graduate Careers Australia had consistently shown that University of Adelaide graduates were highly valued by employers and quickly found work after graduation.

"Our reputation as a world class university is built on the quality of our graduates," he says.

"The skilled migration changes will make it possible for our international graduates to add value to the skills they have acquired during their time at the University, and thus increase their capacity to make an impact in their chosen fields."

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