Visas & Work Options for Australian Students Studying Overseas

Planning to study in the USA or UK? Each country has its own student visa rules. In the US, most university programs require an F-1 visa (for academic studies), whereas in the UK students need a Student visa (replacing the old Tier 4 system) for higher-education courses longer than 6 months. Australian students must first secure a place at a certified university: in the US this means an SEVP-approved college that issues a Form I-20, and in the UK it means getting an unconditional offer and then a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Once you’re accepted, you can apply for your visa. For the US F-1 visa, you complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee (about USD $185) and the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD $350), and attend a consulate interview with your I-20 and proof of funds. Students may only enter the US up to 30 days before classes start, so timing is important. In the UK, after getting a CAS, you apply online up to 6 months before your course start, pay the £490 visa fee (plus the immigration health surcharge of about £776/year), and submit documents like your CAS number, passport, and bank statements. UK visa decisions usually come within 3 weeks.

Working While On A Student Visa

United States (F-1 visa)

On an F-1 visa, students can work on campus but with strict hour limits. While your school is in session you may work up to 20 hours per week; during vacations or official breaks you can work full time. Common on-campus jobs include library assistant, resident assistant, bookstore clerk, lab or research assistant, and cafeteria work. Internships related to your degree are possible through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) with prior approval. Off-campus work generally requires special permission. Volunteering is allowed if the work is unpaid and for a non-profit.

United Kingdom (Student visa)

With a UK Student visa, full-time degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During official breaks and holidays, students can work full time. Popular part-time jobs include retail and hospitality roles, tutoring, and on-campus support positions. However, self-employment is not allowed, and students must have a formal job contract. These rules apply equally to Australians as to any other international student.

Post-Graduation Work Opportunities

After graduating, both countries let you stay to work for a time. In the USA, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) – up to 12 months of work related to your degree. If your field is STEM (science, tech, engineering, maths), you can extend this by another 24 months. For example, an Australian engineering graduate on OPT might intern at a tech firm in Silicon Valley, and if it’s a STEM degree they could get up to 3 years total work time.

In the UK, graduates qualify for the Graduate Route visa, which lets them work or job-hunt for 2 years after their Bachelor’s. No job offer is needed to apply – you just apply online from within the UK after graduation. This visa is very flexible: grads can take any job or even spend time travelling while they look for work. For example, an Australian student who finishes a UK degree could explore European cities while on the Graduate Route visa. Meanwhile, a US graduate could use OPT to work part-time or full-time in their field – many find internships or training roles with companies.

What Happens After Your Post-Study Visa Ends?

United States

After OPT (or STEM OPT) ends, your F-1 visa and work rights expire. To stay in the US, options include:

• Applying for an H-1B visa (a temporary skilled worker visa) with employer sponsorship. This has strict requirements and a lottery system.
• Enrolling in further study (e.g. a master’s degree), which would allow you to apply for another F-1 visa.
• Seeking other visa types, such as a J-1 exchange visa (limited use).
• Returning to Australia if no visa is obtained.

Each option has specific timelines and requirements, and none are guaranteed. Planning ahead is key.

United Kingdom

Once the 2-year Graduate Route ends, you must switch to another visa or leave the UK. Options include:

• Applying for a Skilled Worker visa (requires a job offer from a licensed UK employer and meeting salary requirements).
• Pursuing further study (e.g. a second degree).
• Applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (if eligible), which allows Australians to work in the UK for 2 more years.

These options also require planning and are not automatic. Students should explore opportunities early in their final year.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Studying abroad in the USA or UK offers great universities and valuable work experience. While the F-1 and Student visas have different rules, both allow Australians to study, work part-time during study, and stay on after graduating.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with Ed Carpet today to get personalised advice on applying to universities abroad and navigating visas for Australian students. Our experts can help you make a detailed plan for admissions, visas, and post-study work so you and your family feel confident about your international study journey.