Half of SA employers have never considered hiring international graduates

Despite ongoing critical skills shortages, new research reveals that 49 per cent of South Australian employers have never considered hiring an international graduate.

Recent research by StudyAdelaide has found that nearly half (49 per cent) of South Australian employers have never considered hiring international graduates despite the state being home to over 59,000 international students.

According to StudyAdelaide, a key barrier is a widespread knowledge gap among employers, with nearly 70 per cent incorrectly believing that hiring international graduates requires employer sponsorship.

This misconception, the organisation explained, represents a “missed opportunity to secure a valuable talent pipeline”, particularly amid the severe skills shortages currently affecting industries nationwide.

However, the research also suggests a shift in attitudes may be underway, with 50 per cent of employers indicating they are now “more open” to hiring international graduates than they were previously.

To tackle these challenges, StudyAdelaide has launched Employment Connect, a new initiative designed to dispel common myths about hiring international graduates by providing accessible information on visa types, work rights, and recruitment processes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy Susan Close emphasised that, amid ongoing skills shortages across key industries in South Australia, employers must have accurate information about hiring international students.

“South Australia is experiencing significant skills shortages across a number of key industries, and this initiative will help to connect students with relevant employers while they are living in South Australia,” Close said.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about employing international students, and this initiative will provide accurate and up-to-date information for employers about how they can tap into this resource.”

Close also highlighted the vital role international students have in supporting the state’s economy, adding that they continue to drive “significant economic growth in South Australia, and this new service will be good for employers and students alike”.

StudyAdelaide’s chief executive, Jane Johnston, pointed out that many international students are studying in fields that directly align with “areas of skill shortage across the state”.

She emphasised that bridging the current information gap among employers will help “maximise the opportunities this diverse talent pool can bring to South Australian businesses”.

International graduate Nusrat Gazi, a production support engineer at REDARC, highlighted the significant contributions international graduates make to the economy and workforce, noting that they “bring fresh ideas, perspectives and a creative approach to problem solving”.

Sarah Drew, people and culture manager at REDARC, echoed these thoughts, warning that “companies that aren’t hiring international students are missing out on access to a global workforce, which is then going to have an impact on their recruitment strategy”.