International students are struggling to find postgraduate jobs, with some considering writing English names on their resumes just to get interviewed.

The city's leading student welfare agency Education Adelaide says a growing number of students are not being considered for local jobs or work experience because employers think they lack language skills and have no prior experience in the Australian workplace.

Education Adelaide chief executive Denise von Wald said several international students had asked her whether they should write Anglo names on their resumes to boost their job chances.

"There was one student in particular that said that to me but we intervened and set him up with some contacts,"she said.

"Academic studies have also shown it's tougher for people with ethnic names but it's not just international students but sons and daughters of migrants who have lived here for generations."

The latest Education Adelaide study, commissioned in 2007, showed about 60 per cent of international students found work in their field within a year of graduating, compared with 97 per cent of locals.

She said Education Adelaide was working with job agencies, employment groups and education institutions to "break down barriers"and help graduates find jobs.

"We had a record 34,000 students study in Adelaide last year so despite some of the challenges the numbers are still up and that's why it's important we look after them and deliver on our promises."

Adelaide University Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) John Taplin said short-term visas and misconceptions about international student's communication skills made it hard for international students. He said the university helped international students find jobs through career counselling, introductions to industry representatives and working with multicultural business councils.

UniSA's acting Pro Vice Chancellor (International and Development) Alan Brideson said the job market was challenging for international students who hold temporary residency visas as many positions require Australian citizenship.