Post-Study Work Visa Australia Requirements & Eligibility

Australia’s post-study work pathways remain one of the biggest reasons international students choose to study there. The most common route is the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — often called the “post-study work visa.” This article explains who can apply, the streams, key eligibility rules, and practical tips to prepare a strong application.

What is the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa?

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) allows recent international graduates to live, work and study in Australia for a limited time after finishing an eligible qualification. There are two main streams you should know about:

• Post-Study Work stream — for graduates who have completed a higher education degree (bachelor, master by coursework, master by research, or PhD). The length of stay generally depends on the qualification (commonly 2–4 years).
• Graduate Work stream — for graduates with skills and qualifications that relate to occupations on the skilled occupation lists; this stream focuses on graduates with vocational or assessed skills.

Which stream you choose affects eligibility, required evidence and visa length.

Who is eligible? — The core requirements

To be eligible for a subclass 485 visa you generally must:

1. Have a recent eligible Australian qualification.
   You must hold a qualification awarded by a CRICOS-registered provider and meet the “Australian study requirement” (usually at least two academic years — 92 weeks — of study completed in Australia within the required timeframe). Plan your timings carefully: you normally must apply within six months of course completion.
2. Be in Australia when you apply.
   Most applicants must be physically present in Australia at the time of application.
3. Be under the age limit.
   The usual age cut-off is 35 years when you apply (some passport holders have exceptions). Check the exact age rule for your nationality.
4. Hold an eligible visa or have held a Student visa recently.
   You should normally hold or have held a student visa in the period immediately before applying.
5. Meet health and character requirements.
   Standard medical checks and police clearances are required for most applicants.

How long can you stay and work?

Visa length depends on the stream and the qualification:

• Post-Study Work stream: duration usually ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on whether you completed a bachelor, master or PhD level course. This stream gives full work rights for the visa period.
• Graduate Work stream: usually shorter and tied to the occupational assessment outcome; check the current rules for the exact length.

This visa is valuable because it allows full-time work and provides the chance to gain Australian work experience — a key asset if you later apply for skilled migration.

Recent changes Indian students should note (2024–2025)

Australia tightened and refined post-study visa policies in 2024–2025 to improve integrity. Important points to note for applicants in 2025:

• Stricter evidence and provider checks: Home Affairs now places more emphasis on meeting the Australian study requirement and on the credibility of providers (to counter non-genuine “visa factory” providers). Make sure you study with a well-recognised CRICOS provider and keep clear records of attendance and course progress.
• English language and assessment updates: Some assessing authorities and visa processes updated the list of accepted English tests and the recency requirement for test results — check the current test list and timing requirements before applying.

Because rules have changed in recent years, always verify the exact eligibility criteria before applying. Small administrative errors or missing evidence are common causes of delay or refusal.

Documents you will typically need

While requirements vary by stream, expect to provide:

• Official transcripts and completion letter (showing your award date).
• Confirmation of Enrolment / evidence that course is CRICOS-registered.
• Passport and identity documents.
• Police clearance / character evidence.
• Health check certificates (if requested).
• English language test results where required by the assessing authority.
• Any skills assessment for the Graduate Work stream (if relevant).

Keep digital and physical copies; organised paperwork reduces processing delays.

Practical tips to strengthen your application

1. Plan early. Start preparing evidence well before course completion and book medicals and police checks early.
2. Use genuine providers. Choose universities and colleges with strong CRICOS credentials and good compliance records.
3. Document study duration clearly. The “two academic years” requirement has precise counting rules — keep semester dates, attendance records and official transcripts handy.
4. Keep English test validity in mind. If a test is required, ensure it meets recency rules before your application.
5. Seek professional advice if unsure. A short consultation with a registered migration advisor can prevent common errors.

Pathway to permanent residency

The 485 visa is a temporary route; many graduates use it as a stepping stone to skilled visas (such as the Skilled Independent visa or Employer-sponsored pathways). Local work experience under the 485 visa can make you more competitive for employer sponsorship or state-nominated visas.

Final Words

Australia’s Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa remains a powerful post-study option for international students who wish to gain real work experience and explore longer-term migration pathways. However, rules and evidence expectations have tightened in recent years — so plan early, keep records meticulous, and confirm the latest Home Affairs criteria before applying.

If you’re unsure about whether you meet the study requirement or which 485 stream suits you best, a short consultation with a qualified migration advisor or the international student office at your university is a smart next step.