Discover the benefits of hiring international students and graduates
Key benefits for employers
International students and graduates bring valuable and unique perspectives shaped by their diverse backgrounds. Research consistently shows that diversity fosters innovation, enhances team collaboration, and supports inclusive decision-making. In fact, a 2017 study by Boston Consulting Group found that culturally diverse teams produced 19% more revenue than their non-diverse counterparts.
Embracing cultural diversity helps organisations connect more meaningfully with the communities they serve, both in Australia and around the world. With their multilingual skills and cross-cultural understanding, international students and graduates are wonderfully equipped to support global clients, navigate international markets, and strengthen your organisation’s global reach.
The journey of studying abroad requires international students to be adaptable, goal oriented, and resilience, with these attributes often translating into high levels of professionalism, reliability, and performance in the workplace. In a 2023 survey, Prosple found that, if given the opportunity, 80% of international students would prefer to stay in Australia and kickstart their careers after completing their studies, offering your organisation with more engaged and determined young minds.
Many international students and graduates choose to study in high-demand disciplines such as engineering, information technology, business analytics, and health sciences, bringing fresh knowledge and valuable technical proficiency to align with industry needs. And yet, according to the 2026 AAGE Employer Survey Insights Report, only 40% of employers are open to recruiting international students, greatly limiting their talent pool for those with knowledge and proficiency in these high-demand areas.
By employing international talent, your organisation is promoting a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to all your employees, clients and stakeholders. This positions your organisation as progressive, globally aware, and desirable working environment for all.
How DeakinTALENT supports employers
- Access complimentary recruitment services: Our award-winning team can support you through every step of the recruitment process, providing you with a shortlist of the top candidates, checking visa status and working rights, and helping you to hire with confidence.
- Connect with international students: Meet our amazing and qualified international students and graduates face to face through our workshops, panels, office tours and careers expos, to see for yourself the incredible value they can bring to your organisation.
- Benefit from supported and prepared candidates: Our bespoke Deakin International Student Careers Program, provides international students and graduates with practical workshops, industry panels and office tours, ensuring that our students and graduates are confident and prepared to join your workforce.
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Hoa: I was only finishing my second year at uni and I already had an entry-level role. Because Deakin has a dedicated career support program called DeakinTALENT, I was able to build up my employability, my network, to kickstart my career.
Michael: International students face several challenges to understand the employment market in Australia, and it can differ quite a lot from their home countries, so DeakinTALENT have got programs set up specifically for them. Hoa is the perfect example of a student taking it upon herself to understand what is required and has just gone on to do incredible things.
Hoa: Currently, I'm a marketing specialist for Schneider Electric. It's a multinational company specialising in energy management and digital automation. I feel privileged that the work that I'm doing is having a positive and sustainable impact.
Michael: There are so many roles on the DeakinTALENT Jobs and Internships Platform that students can undertake. Hoa secured a career ambassador role which led to a team leader role which then she was able to leverage those skills to secure an internship and that set her up for success.
Hoa: I think it's always best to start early. Take advantage of the incredible events, workshops and resources that Deakin University offer. All of that will assist greatly in landing your dream job after graduation.
Employer and Student Success Stories
“Hiring candidates with international backgrounds will form a more diversified culture and helps our business to be much more innovative.
DeakinTALENT has been doing an amazing job providing students with industry-led programs, providing students with hands on experiences, as well as applying their academic knowledge in the field.”
Zelda Zheng – Customer Success Manager at BUPA
"At SEEK, we recognise the exceptional value international students bring to our graduate programs, including talented graduates from institutions like Deakin University.
These students often demonstrate a remarkable resilience, adaptability, and a broad worldview, and by hiring international students, SEEK is choosing to invest in those who have proven to thrive amid challenges, bringing fresh insights and a commitment to achieving their goals.
Libby Haynes – Grad Program Lead at SEEK
“Deakin has prepared me to work with Australian organisations through collaborative group assignments, practical projects, site visits, and guidance from experienced academics and industry professionals.
Employers should know that hiring international students means gaining motivated, hardworking individuals who are not just seeking jobs but are eager to grow, add value, and contribute meaningfully to the workplace.”
Tarang Lalwani - Graduate Civil Engineer at Spiire Geelong
Resources and Information
Employing International Students and Graduates FAQ
Access guidance from the International Education Association of Australia on hiring international students and graduates.
Check visa details and conditions
Use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system to confirm applicants’ work rights in Australia.
Recruiter responsibilities
Understand your legal obligations and how to prevent discrimination during recruitment with resources from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
Fact sheet: Employing International students
Learn about your legal obligations as an employer of international students with this resource from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Department of Home Affairs Employer Hub
Find comprehensive information for organisations hiring visa holders through the Department of Home Affairs Employer Hub.