Australia is renowned for its academic excellence, but its post-graduation work opportunities are what make it truly stand out. The Australian government offers the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allowing international students to live, study, and work in Australia after completing their courses. Here is what you need to know.
What is the Subclass 485 Visa?
This visa is designed for international students who have completed at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of registered study in Australia. There are two main streams:
- Graduate Work Stream: For students with qualifications in occupations listed on Australia's Skilled Occupation List (usually vocational courses or diplomas). Valid for 18 months.
- Post-Study Work Stream: For graduates with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree from an Australian university. Valid for 2 to 5 years depending on the level of qualification.
Visa Duration by Degree Level
Under current rules, graduates can stay in Australia to gain valuable work experience for:
- Bachelor's Degree (including Honours): 2 Years
- Master's Degree (Coursework or Research): 3 Years
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): 4 Years
Regional Bonus: If you study and live in a designated regional area (such as Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, or Gold Coast), you may qualify for an extra 1 to 2 years on your post-study work visa.
💡 Important Eligibility Checks
You must apply for the Subclass 485 visa within 6 months of your course completion date. You must also meet health requirements, hold adequate health insurance (OVHC), and achieve a competent English score (e.g. IELTS overall 6.5 with no band less than 5.5).