Hi John, welcome to our community! ☺️
It’s great to hear you’re considering a career in urban planning in Australia!
Urban and Regional Planner (ANZSCO 232611) is currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which means there are solid visa options available for both temporary work and permanent residency.
Study Pathway and Employment Prospects
If you complete your master’s in Australia, it should not significantly disadvantage you compared to those who studied their bachelor’s degree here.
Many international students take this route, and employers primarily focus on skills, experience, and accreditation rather than where you completed your undergraduate degree.
Urban Planner Australia Visa Options
1. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485 – Post-Study Work Stream)
After completing a master’s degree in Australia, you can apply for this visa, which allows you to stay and work for up to three years.
2. Skilled Migration (189/190/491 Visas)
Urban planning is on the MLTSSL, so you may be eligible for a Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa or a state-nominated (Subclass 190) visa.
3. Employer-Sponsored Visas (482 Visa leading to 186 PR pathway)
If you secure a job with an employer willing to sponsor you, the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa is another option, with pathways to permanent residency via the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
Job Market for Urban Planners in Australia
The demand for urban planners is generally strong in Australia, particularly in growing cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, as well as regional areas experiencing expansion.
Employers do value local experience, though, so internships or part-time roles during your master’s program can help boost your employability.
Advice for Navigating the Australia Job Market
Gain practical experience through internships or part-time work while studying.
Consider networking with industry professionals via Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) – http://www.planning.org.au.
Look for jobs on https://482jobs.com (our job board featuring visa-sponsored roles), https://seek.com.au, and https://indeed.com.au.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
All the best
Mark