Top-scorer International students get a new pathway for skilled migration in Western Australia

High-performing and brightest international students graduating from Western Australia universities will be will given priority and be offered a pathway under the State Nominated Migration Program.

WA will launch a new Graduate Skilled Migration List soon to attract high-achieving global talent that are PhD, Masters, Honours and other higher degree graduates with advanced skills and experience to help them grow and settle in Western Australia post their studies.

The current Skilled Migration Occupation list of the state government will not be affected by not including occupations such as electricians, bricklayers and mechanics remaining in place.

Prime preference under the State Nominated Migration Program for Skilled Migration will be given to the brightest and best international students graduating from universities in WA.

These skilled students are essential to maintain the competitiveness of Western Australia’s universities in creating knowledge and building capacity for scientific and technological development, and strengthening the future workforce.

The eligibility information and the detailed process of application will be on the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s migration portal in coming months at http://www.migration.wa.gov.au.

The Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan said, the new occupation list will attract growing number of international students to the state and will help increase our share in international education market and build new local jobs in the process.

He said, we needed to send a message across the globe that we welcome overseas students and their families and friends. Perth is an attractive, supportive destination to live, study and work,”

A key part of our plan for jobs includes an investment of $2 million to develop a long-term International Education Strategy to grow and diversify the knowledge economy, while creating jobs.”

Chamber of Commerce and industry is appreciating the State Government’s initiative to attract more international students to Western Australia.

CCI said that the government policy was looking for a change from long to attract more international students and boost the economy, tourism sector and create WA jobs.

Other States have similar programs that provide a quicker pathway for students to stay and work in the States in which they studied. We have excellent universities and our weather and lifestyle is second-to-none, hence this move will help WA to get more high-achieving students.

“We’re confident that investment in international education and our International Education Strategy will see growth in the sector.”