By Vertika
The Australian government’s decision to impose an age restriction on post-study work visas has raised significant concerns, particularly for individuals like myself who fall outside the 35-year limit. This policy, while perhaps well-intentioned, has the unintended consequence of shutting out a diverse group of highly skilled and experienced professionals from contributing to Australia’s economy. It’s time to reconsider this blanket restriction.
The government’s rationale for this age limit seems to centre on creating job opportunities for younger graduates. While the employment of younger professionals is crucial for Australia’s future, the exclusion of older graduates fails to recognise the wealth of skills and experience that mature individuals bring to the workforce.
As someone who has lived in Australia for two years, contributing to the economy, and with children immersed in the Australian education system, this decision strikes me as not only unfair but short-sighted.
I am a 42-year-old MBA student, and coming to Australia was not an easy decision. I invested my entire life savings into this journey, believing in the opportunities and international exposure this course would provide. Now, as we near the completion of our studies and stand on the brink of gaining that invaluable global experience, I am being told to pack my bags and leave.
I came to Australia with my family, and my son is currently attending school here. Uprooting everything at this stage feels unfair, especially after the significant personal and financial investment we’ve made to be part of this educational experience.
In fact, many of us came to Australia with the promise of pursuing higher education and filling skill shortages in areas critical to the nation’s growth. At the time of our enrolment, the pathway to a temporary graduate visa was not restricted by age.
The sudden imposition of a 35-year cut-off has upended those plans. It leaves individuals and families who invested in education, moved their lives, and committed to contributing to Australia’s workforce feeling abandoned by the system. For those of us already here, a grandfather clause should be considered to provide relief for those caught in this policy shift.
It is worth reflecting on why many pursue higher education later in life. Life circumstances—whether personal, financial, or professional—often delay the opportunity for further study. Yet these individuals, with years of experience behind them, are often well-placed to provide immediate value to their adopted country. Denying them the chance to stay and work solely based on age is counterproductive to Australia’s goals of nurturing talent and fostering economic growth.
Australia has long prided itself on being a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive nation. But this new age-based restriction undermines that principle. Age should not be the sole determinant of one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the workforce. Countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand do not impose age limits on post-study work visas, allowing them to tap into a larger pool of skilled talent. By maintaining this restriction, Australia risks losing its competitive edge in attracting international students.
The decision to study abroad is not taken lightly. It often involves considerable personal and financial sacrifice, not just for the individual but for their families as well. Many older graduates come to Australia with their spouses and children, further integrating themselves into the community and economy. The contribution they make—through tuition fees, living expenses, and eventually their professional work—is substantial. To now close the door on their future prospects seems unjust and dismissive of their commitment to the country.
While I understand that policy changes can be difficult to reverse, there needs to be a more nuanced approach to the age limit on post-study work visas. The current policy has left many, like myself, feeling not only betrayed but also disillusioned by the abrupt shift. We came to Australia with the best of intentions, eager to contribute to its workforce, yet now find ourselves excluded because of an arbitrary age cut-off.
Australia’s commitment to diversity and opportunity should extend to all international students, regardless of age. At the very least, those who have already arrived and invested their time and resources should be granted the opportunity to stay and contribute. By doing so, Australia will reaffirm its standing as a global leader in inclusiveness, opportunity, and fair treatment for all.
Contributing Author: Vertika is a 42-year-old MBA candidate currently pursuing her studies in Melbourne.
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