Masters or Job in Australia for International Students: What’s the Right Move?

If you’re an international student in Australia, you’ve probably faced this question:

“Should I keep studying and get a Master’s or PhD… or should I start working?”

It’s a big decision — one that will impact your career, finances, and even your permanent residency (PR) pathway. Many people make this choice without a clear plan, often defaulting to more study because it feels safer. But is it really the smartest move?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of further study vs. getting a skilled job — and why, for many international students, starting work sooner could be the better option.

The Case for More Study (Master’s or PhD)

There are valid reasons why many international students consider continuing their studies:

Visa extension — Enrolling in further study can help you remain in Australia longer.
Deepening academic knowledge — If you genuinely love your field, postgraduate study can be rewarding.
Extra PR points — Some qualifications can contribute to your PR application.

These are all legitimate benefits. However, there are important risks and trade-offs to consider:

High cost — Tuition fees for Master’s or PhD programs can range from $30,000 to $60,000+ per year.
No job guarantee — A degree alone doesn’t ensure you’ll find skilled work in Australia.
Possible PR delays — Spending more years in study may mean postponing skilled work experience, which is critical for many PR pathways.

For some, study is a deliberate choice aligned with a clear career plan. But for others, it’s a way to delay entering the workforce because of fear, uncertainty, or lack of confidence in their job search.

The Power of Getting a Skilled Job

If your long-term goal is PR and building a career in Australia, getting a skilled, full-time job could be your fastest route forward. Here’s why:

Direct PR eligibility — Many PR pathways prioritise applicants with relevant skilled work experience in Australia.
Local work experience — This is often more valuable to employers than additional qualifications.
Income instead of debt — You’ll start earning straight away rather than adding more tuition costs.
Professional network — Working allows you to build industry contacts and relationships that can lead to more opportunities.

I’ve worked with hundreds of clients — including those who felt underqualified or unsure about their skills — who landed skilled jobs within weeks of starting the right job search strategy. For many, that first role became the foundation for their PR application.

Why Experience Beats More Degrees

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that you must have a Master’s or PhD to get a good job in Australia. The reality? Most job ads require a bachelor’s degree as the minimum — not a postgraduate qualification.

What hiring managers value most is proven ability to perform the job. That proof usually comes in the form of hands-on experience, not just academic credentials.

When you work, you solve real problems, meet deadlines, and deliver results — skills that employers can see and measure. This is very different from the controlled environment of a classroom, where success is measured by assignments and exams.

Studying more may feel safe, but working teaches you to adapt, collaborate, and deliver under pressure — all things that employers (and immigration case officers) view as critical indicators of readiness.

Real-World Example

One of my clients, Sarah, had over 10 years of teaching experience in her home country and was considering a PhD. She’d been applying for jobs without success and felt that more study might make her a stronger candidate.

But after working together, Sarah realised her main challenge wasn’t a lack of qualifications — it was a lack of a strong job search strategy tailored to the Australian market. We rebuilt her resume, optimised her LinkedIn profile, and refined her interview skills. Within weeks, she had multiple interviews and landed a role she loves. She’s now building her PR points through skilled work experience — no extra degree required.

Asking the Right Question

Instead of asking:

“Should I study more?”

Ask:

“Which option will get me closer to PR and a career I love?”

For many international students, the answer is to start working sooner — provided you have a clear plan to market yourself effectively, stand out in applications, and navigate Australia’s competitive job market.

Combining Both Paths

In some cases, you might choose a blended approach: securing a skilled job first, then pursuing postgraduate study part-time or later in your career. This way, you benefit from both professional experience and advanced academic knowledge, without delaying your PR eligibility.

FAQs

Is it better to do a Master’s or get a job in Australia?
If your focus is PR and career growth, a skilled job often provides faster, more practical progress than another degree.

Can I get PR after working instead of studying more?
Yes. Many PR visas reward skilled work experience more than extra qualifications alone.

Does a Master’s degree help with PR in Australia?
It can contribute points, but without relevant work experience or state nomination, it’s rarely enough on its own.

Final Thoughts

More study can be worthwhile — but only if it’s part of a deliberate career and PR plan. If you’re considering postgraduate study mainly because you feel unprepared to work, it may be time to invest in building your job search skills instead.

You can avoid spending years and tens of thousands of dollars on another degree, and instead start earning, gaining local experience, and moving toward PR now.

Want to fast-track your success?

Download the Skilled Job Starter Kit — packed with proven tools for international students and migrants in Australia. You’ll get:

A resume template that actually works in the Australian job market
Interview strategies to stand out from the competition
A LinkedIn checklist to get noticed by recruiters

👉 Get it free here: https://www.theaho.co/free