When considering post-graduation employment as an international student, it’s worth remembering that to attract the strongest candidates in a competitive market, employers may offer more flexibility, better salaries, or other benefits. So, even though it might seem contradictory, cities with a low unemployment rate can be better places to look for work.
The Australian government also projects that careers in the fields below will generate 64.4% of total employment growth between today and November 2025. So, international students with expertise in one or more of these areas will have an edge on finding post-graduation employment:
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Education and Training
Per the most recent Australian Labour Force survey for October 2021, the nation-wide unemployment rate rose from 4.6% to 5.2%. Despite the slightly higher unemployment rate, and economic impacts from autumn COVID-19 outbreaks in the states of New South Wales and Victoria, folks seeking work can be hopeful. Job creation across the country is still strong, and there are a record number of job postings available in some industries.
As such, there are some Australian regions where the labour market is more welcoming to new grads with the right skills. Read on to find which states were at the top of the list by the Australian Labour Market Information Portal.
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Northern Territory
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Government and community services, service industries, and mining and manufacturing are the three largest employers in Australia’s Northern Territory. In fact, these three industries employ just over 75% of the local population. Construction, retail trade, and agriculture also contribute significantly. Most locals live in or around the capital city of Darwin, and with ecosystems ranging from the tropics to the desert Outback, it’s an adventurer’s or biologist’s dream location.
Curious about becoming an international student in Australia? We’ve counted down the top 10 universities for 2022.
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Western Australia
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Western Australia benefits from a diverse economy, and one that is focused on exports. In fact, around half of the country’s exported goods originate here! Some of the most common goods include minerals like iron ore, petroleum, agricultural products, and specialized manufactured goods. Mining made up 47% of the state’s Gross State Product (GSP) in 2020–21, and service industries ranging from health care to finance and insurance created a further 32%. Western Australia is also a popular stop for international visitors and students, particularly in its state capital, Perth and adjacent wine regions, making tourism and education important employers as well.
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Queensland
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
In northeastern Australia, Queensland‘s rainforests, vibrant cities, surfing beaches, and access to the Great Barrier Reef appeals to explorers, athletes, and researchers alike. Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state, clocking in at seven times the size of Great Britain, and two and a half times the size of Texas. It’s nicknamed the “Sunshine State” because of the eight to nine hours of sunlight much of the state gets every day. As such, it’s no surprise that industries like agriculture and tourism are major employers! Mining and financial services also employ a large number of locals.
Check out available courses in Queensland on the ApplyBoard Platform!
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Tasmania
Unemployment Rate: 5.1%
If you travel 240 km south of the Australian mainland, you’ll find Tasmania. It’s an island state made up of the main island and the surrounding 1,000 islands. Tasmania’s locals are employed in a wide variety of fields, and enjoy a comparatively low cost of living for Australia. Health care and social assistance employs 14.6% of the population, retail trade another 10.5%, and education a further 9.3%. Construction and public administration round out the top five employers. The climate can be a little cooler than the Australian mainland, but the islands are famous for their friendly locals, and (due to the islands’ smaller size) commutes are often shorter!
From how you commute to the food you buy, your day-to-day life often changes while living and studying abroad. Check out our blog on ways to adjust to a new culture.
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South Australia
Unemployment Rate: 5.3%
South Australia is primarily known for its manufacturing outputs, whether machine parts or meat products. Manufacturing contributed over A$45 million to the economy in 2020—almost twice the amount of the second-highest grossing industry, construction. Graduates looking to enter the health care, retail, or education and training industries would also be in good company, as these industries employ a large number of South Australians.
South Australians know how to relax, as well. One of its nicknames is the “Festival State” for the many events and festivals that happen each year. Its capital, Adelaide, is home to many of Australia’s major arts and cultural institutions. South Australia is also where over 50% of Australia’s wine production happens, including the Barossa Valley area, which is world-famous for its Shiraz.
As you look ahead to post-graduation employment, keep these Australian regions with low unemployment rates in mind. Each one offers its own possibilities, and could be a great place to start your career.
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