In a recent development, the Australian Government has backtracked on its proposal to reduce the maximum eligible age for the Temporary Graduate visa program. Originally, the plan was to lower the age limit from 50 to 35 years for most streams of the visa.
This decision faced significant opposition, particularly from the Group of Eight and Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, who highlighted the importance of international PhD students to Australia’s research and innovation sectors. They argued that reducing the age limit would negatively impact Australia’s ability to attract highly skilled migrants and hinder the nation’s competitiveness in various fields.
As a result of this backlash, the Department of Home Affairs has decided to maintain the age limit at 50 for certain streams of the Temporary Graduate visa. Specifically, the ‘international PhD’ and ‘masters by research’ applicants will still be eligible up to the age of 50. However, the 35-year-old age limit will still apply to graduates of other programs such as coursework masters, bachelors, associate degrees, and vocational programs.
Additionally, holders of Hong Kong and British National Overseas passports will remain eligible for the visa stream if they are under 50 years of age.
This decision provides some relief to international students and graduates, ensuring that they can continue to pursue opportunities in Australia’s research and innovation sectors without age-based limitations.
Related topics:
