Most students from Sri Lanka who undertook tertiary studies in Australia joined the workforce in Australia on completion of studies because they were able to get a clear career path linked to academic qualifications and job satisfaction.

There is however less opportunities for future students undertaking studies in Australia due to new immigration policies that are put in place already. The situation will be even tighter in the future as both major political parties consider issues related to immigration as vital in the forthcoming election on August 21.

Many Australians they say do not want to see a hugely populated Australia and thus the aim is to reduce migration numbers through policies. The annual immigration figure that stood in 2008 at 300,000 is expected to be reduced to around 150,000 - 175,000 a year. This overall reduction will affect international students wanting to join the workforce too.

International students desirous of working in Australia after studies with residency need to select courses of studies carefully to acquire highly professional skills required in Australia for the country's development.

Most students may require a year's work under a temporary graduate visa before being able to apply for residency. Some would require in addition sponsorship from employers or states/ territories. In any event those with sponsorships will have preference over applicants under independent category. To get nominated by states/ territories the students would require English at a "proficient" level. (IELTS 7.0)
To get Employer Nomination a student should have done the course very well and prove to an employer his/her worth. The institution a student selects for studies will also have a bearing on the ability to obtain employment.

Therefore it is vitally important that if you are looking to study in Australia and be employed on becoming a resident, you should carefully select the course of study that will provide the best employment opportunities, choose the institution to study based on its standing and acceptance amongst Australian employers and above all obtain every possible form of assistance whilst studying there to overcome any problems.

These are areas where you certainly need assistance before embarking on studying in Australia. Edlocate is one student agency that can be relied upon to assist prospective students and parents in each and every aforesaid aspects.

Edlocate with over a decade of active engagement in student promoting activities to Australia for studies has experienced counsellors. They provide sensible and practical career guidance to students to meet their aspirations, while assisting in course and pathway selections to achieve the best results. Edlocate represents 15 universities - in 5 states and ACT - with direct agreements.

Six of these are amongst the top 8 -Go8 and almost all of them with excellent and proven track records to produce quality graduates in different fields. They are a Streamlined Agent for student applications with the Australian High Commission in Colombo authorised to issue Pre Visa Assessment thus taking out the hassles of obtaining student visa.

Edlocate has its own representative office in Australia to assist students in finding solutions to their problems whilst in Australia and on completion of studies. Now is the time for prospective students to meet the counsellors of Edlocate at its Colombo and Kandy offices to obtain guidance and prepare for enrolments in February 2011. Parents too are most welcome to participate in these complimentary counselling sessions.