Top Graduate Opportunities in the Australian Skills Shortage List

Gradstar
March 4, 2025

The Australian Skills Shortage List 2025 highlights the growing demand for skilled professionals across various sectors in Australia. It also presents significant opportunities for international students. As of February 2025, regions like Sydney City and Inner South and Melbourne Inner great job demand. Other areas like Brisbane Inner City and Sydney Parramatta are also in need of skilled workers.

So, if you are planning to study abroad after 12th grade, understanding this list is essential to make informed decisions about your courses and future job prospects. It can help guide you towards the best programs in Australia, especially those aligning with the growth sectors promising the greatest career opportunities for graduates.

Understanding the Skills Shortage List

Australia’s Skills Shortage List identifies occupations that are in high demand across the country. This list plays a crucial role in shaping immigration policies and providing job opportunities for local and international job seekers. Australia faces skill shortages due to several key factors:

Aging Workforce: Many skilled professionals are retiring, leaving gaps in industries like healthcare, engineering, and education.
Growing Economy: Sectors such as IT, construction, and healthcare are expanding rapidly, requiring a continuous supply of professionals.
Limited Local Workforce: The number of local graduates in some industries does not meet the demand, creating opportunities for skilled migrants.
Post-Pandemic Recovery: COVID-19 disrupted labor markets, causing workforce shortages in healthcare, hospitality, and tourism. Several industries are still recovering from the aftermath.

To address these gaps, the Australian government updates its Skills Shortage List regularly to attract specialists and professionals from around the world.

Categories of the Australian Skills Shortage List

The Skills Occupation List (SOL) splits into three categories, each catering to different work visa programs. For international students, this list serves as a guide to selecting the right course in Australia, increasing their chances of securing a job after graduation.

Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL):

For occupations that are in demand across Australia for the long term. Professionals on this list can apply for visas like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) and the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485 – Graduate Work Stream). If your occupation is on the MLTSSL, you have the highest chances of obtaining a permanent work visa. The types of jobs in MLTSSL include professions such as:

Registered Nurses
Civil Engineers
Software Engineers

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):

This includes occupations in demand in the short term, which mostly require employer sponsorship to qualify for migration opportunities. Applicants are eligible for the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). If your occupation is on the STSOL, you need state nomination or employer sponsorship to apply for a work visa. Examples of jobs in STSOL:

Chefs
Marketing Specialists
Primary School Teachers

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) ROL:

This category covers occupations that are essential in Australia’s regional areas. Workers can apply for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 494) or the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191). If your occupation is on the RSMS ROL, working in a regional area increases your chances of securing long-term employment and permanent residency. The jobs in RSMS ROL include:

Agricultural Consultants
Veterinarians
Aged Care Workers

How International Students Can Benefit

Studying in Australia can be a gateway to lucrative job opportunities, especially if you choose a degree that aligns with the Australian Skills Shortage List. Many high-demand fields, like healthcare, IT, and engineering, offer clear pathways from education to work visas. This ensures that graduates have access to employment opportunities upon completion.

One key benefit for international students is the opportunity for employer sponsorship and the possibility of securing permanent residency (PR). Graduates in fields appearing on the Skills Shortage List are often eligible for PR visas, making it easier for them to settle in Australia long-term.
In addition to job security, international graduates enjoy higher employability. Studying abroad after completing 12th grade in a critical area increases one's chances of securing a job and obtaining work visa sponsorship from Australian employers after graduation. Many companies are eager to hire professionals in sectors facing shortages, offering more stable career prospects.
Moreover, many high-demand jobs offer competitive salaries, particularly in sectors like healthcare, IT, and engineering. These industries tend to offer attractive compensation packages to fill essential roles.
Lastly, studying in Australia opens up regional work opportunities, which provide additional visa benefits, including faster processing and fewer applicants for available positions. Regional areas actively seek skilled workers, making it a great option for you looking to enhance your career prospects after studying in Australia.

Top Industries with Graduate Opportunities

Australia's Skills Shortage List (SOL) highlights critical industries that need skilled workers, offering great opportunities for international graduates. These sectors are growing rapidly and have an increasing demand for talent. Here’s an analysis of the top industries with the highest graduate opportunities, along with the best Australian universities providing top courses to study for high-demand jobs:

Healthcare and Nursing

Australia faces significant healthcare worker shortages, particularly in nursing, physiotherapy, and medical science. The aging population and high demand for quality healthcare services make these sectors essential. Graduates from Healthcare and Nursing programs can expect high job placement rates and often secure roles quickly in hospitals, aged care facilities, or private practices.

Top Courses to Study:

Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic University
Start Date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 31,632
Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University
Start Dates: 3 March 2025, 28 July 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 40,200
Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University
Start Date: 3 March 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 38,960

IT and Computer Science

The demand for IT professionals, particularly in cybersecurity, data science, and information technology, is surging due to rapid digital transformation across industries. Cyber threats and data security challenges continue to grow globally. Australia is actively recruiting IT professionals for roles in software development, network security, and data analytics. These jobs offer competitive salaries and career growth prospects in tech firms and startups.

Top Courses to Study:

Bachelor of Information Technology at The University of Queensland
Start Dates: 24 February 2025, 28 July 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 53,760
Bachelor of Science - Cybersecurity at The University of Western Australia (UWA)
Start Dates: 24 February 2025, 21 July 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 46,600
Bachelor of Data Science at Swinburne University of Technology
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 40,740

Engineering and Construction

Australia’s infrastructure and engineering sectors are booming, with major projects in construction, civil engineering, and electrical engineering. The country needs skilled engineers to meet growing demands in urban development and renewable energy. With Australia investing in infrastructure and innovation, engineers are in demand for roles in construction, renewable energy, and manufacturing. These industries offer long-term career stability.

Top Courses to Study:

Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honors) At University of Newcastle
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 41,955
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Honors) At RMIT University
Start Dates: 3 March 2025, 21 July 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 44,160
Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) - Electrical Engineering At University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 54,054

Teaching and Education

Posts in education appear prominently on the Australian skills shortage list. The demand for teachers, especially in early childhood education, primary, and secondary education, is rising due to Australia's growing student population and government investment in the sector. Graduates in education can find teaching positions in public and private schools across Australia, with an emphasis on providing quality education to all children and young adults.

Top Courses to Study:

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) At Swinburne University of Technology
Start Date: September 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 31,340
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Education) At Curtin University
Start Date: 24 February 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 37,076
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education) At Australian Catholic University
Start Date: July 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 26,848

Finance and Accounting

With a booming economy and expanding global trade, Australia’s financial sector is growing rapidly. Skilled finance professionals are necessary to support businesses in accounting, financial management, and actuarial roles. Finance graduates can find lucrative job opportunities in banking, investment, and corporate finance. These roles often lead to senior positions in financial management and consulting.

Top Courses to Study:

Bachelor of Accounting at CQUniversity Australia
Start Dates: 10 March 2025, 14 July 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 35,040
Bachelor of Business (Finance) at La Trobe University
Start Dates: 3 March 2025, 28 July 2025
Duration: 3 years
Annual Fees: AUD 36,800
Bachelor of Actuarial Studies at Macquarie University
Start Date: 24 February 2025
Duration: 4 years
Annual Fees: AUD 45,100

Visa Options for Graduates on the Australian Skills Shortage List

Several visa options for graduates can help you live and work in Australia. Here's the list:

Visa Type	Description	Eligibility	Stay Duration	Pathway to Permanent Residency
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)	Allows recent graduates to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily.	Must complete at least two years of study in Australia in a course that is CRICOS-registered.	Up to 18 months.	No direct pathway, but gaining work experience may lead to eligibility for other permanent visas.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)	A permanent visa for skilled workers without sponsorship from an employer or family member.	Must have an occupation on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and pass a points test.	Indefinite.	Grants permanent residency upon approval.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)	A permanent visa for skilled workers with nomination from an Australian state or territory.	Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL or Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and receive a state or territory nomination.	Indefinite.	Grants permanent residency upon approval.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)	A permanent visa for skilled workers with nomination from an Australian employer.	Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL and at least three years of relevant work experience.	Indefinite.	Grants permanent residency upon approval.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)	Allows skilled workers to work in regional Australia.	Must receive nomination by an employer in regional Australia and have an occupation on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).	Up to 5 years.	After 3 years, eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191).
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)	Allows employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers.	Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL or STSOL and at least two years of relevant work experience.	Up to 4 years for MLTSSL occupations; up to 2 years for STSOL occupations.	For MLTSSL occupations, eligible to apply for ENS Visa (Subclass 186) after 3 years.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491)	A provisional visa for skilled workers with nomination from a state or territory to live and work in regional Australia.	Must have an occupation on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL and receive a state or territory nomination.	Up to 5 years.	Eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (Subclass 191) after 3 years.

How to Apply for Jobs in High-Demand Sectors

Once you study abroad after 12th grade and graduate with a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to secure a job in a high-demand sector. Therefore, it's crucial to tackle the application process strategically. Here’s an in-depth guide to assist you in navigating the process confidently:

Step 1: Identify High-Demand Sectors

The first step is to understand which sectors are currently experiencing skill shortages. The Australian Skills Shortage List highlights industries in need of skilled professionals. Some of the most in-demand sectors include healthcare (nurses, physiotherapists), IT (software developers, cybersecurity specialists), engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical), and education (teachers, childcare workers).

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Specialization and Course

To increase your chances of employment, make sure your degree aligns with high-demand sectors. Universities in Australia offer courses specifically to fill skill gaps in these industries. For example, if you're keen to pursue a career in healthcare, a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Medical Science could be a good fit. Research the courses and their relevance to industry needs before you apply.

Step 3: Create a Striking Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume should highlight your academic qualifications, internships, and relevant skills. Customize it to each job you apply for, focusing on how studying in Australia aligns with the employer's needs. Similarly, customize your cover letter to explain why you're the right candidate for the role. Emphasize your enthusiasm to contribute to Australia’s workforce.

Step 4. Utilize Internships and Work Experience

Internships and part-time jobs are vital for gaining practical experience and networking within your field. Look for opportunities that allow you to gain hands-on experience while studying. Employers are more likely to hire candidates with local work experience, especially in high-demand sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering.

Step 5. Make Connections Through Job Portals and Networking

Many job opportunities in Australia appear on job search platforms like Seek, LinkedIn, and JobActive. Regularly check these sites and apply for positions as soon as they become available. Additionally, network with professionals in your industry by attending career fairs, professional meetups, or online forums. Networking can often lead to job referrals and opportunities that you won’t find in public advertisements.

Step 6: Understand the Visa Requirements

If you're applying for jobs in Australia as an international student, ensure that you understand the visa requirements. Some employers may be willing to sponsor skilled workers for visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) or the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491). You should also be familiar with your rights and responsibilities as a visa holder, ensuring that you are eligible to work full-time during your post-graduation period.

Step 7: Prepare for Interviews

Once you secure an interview, make sure you’re well-prepared. Research the company, understand the role you’re applying for, and practice answering common interview questions. Highlight how your international perspective, academic background, and skills make you a strong candidate. Employers value diverse experience, so don't hesitate to discuss your journey, challenges, and accomplishments as an international student.

Step 8: Consider Regional Opportunities

If you're open to working in regional Australia, you’ll have more chances of employment due to the additional visa benefits. Regional employers often find it harder to fill positions, which means you may face less competition for roles in areas like nursing, engineering, and education. Applying for regional jobs may also fast-track your work visa and PR process.

Step 9: Seek Professional Help

If you find the job search process overwhelming, consider using recruitment agencies or career services from your university. Many universities provide career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement services for international students. Additionally, recruitment agencies can help match you with suitable job opportunities in your field.

Rounding Up

Despite the ongoing updates to the Australian Skills Shortage List, Australia remains a land of abundant opportunities to study abroad. By choosing courses in alignment with high-demand sectors, you can enhance your chances of finding rewarding jobs and securing work visas. With various pathways to permanent residency and employer sponsorship, the skills shortage only strengthens the demand for skilled graduates. Don’t let the list intimidate you—study in Australia, embrace the possibilities, and shape a successful career in a thriving job market!