Post Study Work Permit in Australia: Updated Guide

The post-study work permit in Australia (Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485) allows international graduates to stay and get practical experience after they finish their education. It connects student life to long-term employment opportunities in the country's growing sector.

In 2024–25, the Australian Government updated several visa conditions, including eligibility, duration, and age limits. This guide explains the recent changes, who qualifies, and the typical work permit durations for international graduates.

What is Post Study Work Visa in Australia?

The post study work visa in Australia refers to the Post-Higher Education Work stream under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It allows eligible international students to stay, work, and potentially pave a path toward permanent residency after they complete a degree in Australia.

This visa is distinct from the Graduate Work stream (for skills-based or shorter qualifications) and from other temporary visas. Its aim: let degree holders gain Australian employment experience legally.

What Changed in the Recent Update

The Australia post study work visa update introduced fresh conditions that affect many graduates. Key changes include:

The extra two-year extension available for graduates in certain fields is being phased out from mid-2024.

Age limits have been tightened: many applicants must be 35 years or under (with special exceptions for research masters, PhDs, or Hong Kong/BNO passport holders).

Stricter English language requirements and more focus on aligning qualifications to national skills needs.

The Longer post-study work rights (e.g. 4 or more years) have been scaled back for many courses; only select priority disciplines may access longer durations.

Because policies evolve, always check the official Department of Home Affairs site before you apply.

Unsure if you qualify under the new rules? Schedule a consultation with Career Gyan for step-by-step guidance.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Graduate Visa

To qualify for a post-study work permit in Australia, you must complete many requirements.

You must have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course that meets the Australian Study Requirements.

You must have held an Australian student visa in the last 6 months.

Usually, you should be 35 years or younger when you apply (with exceptions for PhD, research masters, or certain passport holders)

You must satisfy health, character, and security checks.

Your English proficiency must meet acceptable standards (IELTS, PTE, or equivalent) as required by the department.

Australian Study Requirement (ASR)

You must have studied in Australia for at least 2 academic years (equivalent to about 92 weeks full-time). The course must be completed in no less than 16 calendar months.

If your degree is shorter (e.g., a 1-year master's), you may need to combine it with previous eligible studies to meet the ASR.

How Many Years of Work Permit in Australia After Study

Wondering how many years of work permit in Australia after study you can get? It depends on your degree, study field, and location, usually 2 to 6 years.

Here’s an overview based on the latest data:

Qualification	Typical duration (after 2024 changes)	Notes / exceptions
Bachelor’s (general)	2 years	For most standard undergraduate degrees
Bachelor’s in priority / STEM / shortage	3–4 years	Some priority fields may allow extra duration
Master’s (coursework or extended)	3 years	For regular master’s degrees
Master’s by research	3–4 years	Some flexibility in research master durations
Doctorate (PhD)	4–6 years	Longest stay rights for PhD holders
Diploma / Trade / VET (Graduate Work stream)	~18 months	Under the Graduate Work stream, not the Post Study Work stream

Because the post study work visa australia new rules scaled back some extensions, those who expected extra years under the older rules may now see lower durations.

Post Study Work Permit in Australia: Step-by-Step Roadmap

Below is a roadmap to help you apply for the post study work permit in Australia:

Step 1: Check eligibility & plan timing

Confirm you’ve met all study visa requirements for australia (study duration, age, English, health).

Ensure your course is CRICOS-registered and meets the ASR.

You should plan to send in your 485 application within six months of your student visa ends.

Step 2: Gather documents

You’ll need:

Degree certificate / academic transcripts

Confirmation of completion from the institution

Passport and identity documents

English test result (IELTS / PTE / equivalent)

Police clearance certificates

Health check reports

Proof of overseas health insurance covering your stay

Any prior Australian visa records

Step 3: Lodge the application online

Use the Department of Home Affairs website visa portal.

Upload all documents.

Pay the visa application fees (AUD 1,895 ~ INR 1,09,359), it may vary).

Ensure that your supporting documents are legible and well organized.

Step 4: After applying

Once lodged, you may get a bridging visa to maintain status while the 485 is processed.

Use valid visa conditions (you can generally work full-time) while waiting.

Monitor status via your ImmiAccount.

Be ready to answer any other questions that immigration officials may have.

Need help preparing your 485 application? Career Gyan can review your documents and ensure a smooth submission.

Post Study Work Visa Australia Fees

Fee Type	Approx. Cost (AUD)	Equivalent (INR)
Visa Application Fee	AUD 1,895	INR 1,09,359
Health Insurance (OSHC)	AUD 500 – 700 / year	INR 28,000 – 40,000
Medical Examination	AUD 100 – 200	INR 5,800 – 11,600
Biometric Enrollment	AUD 45 – 50	INR 2,600 – 2,900
Document Scanning / Courier Charges	AUD 30 – 50	INR 1,700 – 2,900
Total Estimated Cost	AUD 2,500 – 2,900	INR 1.45 – 1.65 lakh

Processing Times & Considerations (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Understand the Visa Cost

The application fee for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) is approximately AUD 1,895 (~INR 1,09,359) for the primary applicant.

Charges may be different for dependents or secondary applicants.

Please verify the most recent fee on the Department of Home Affairs website prior to submitting an application.

Step 2: Estimate the Processing Time

The average processing time ranges from 4 to 10 months, depending on the case type, document accuracy, and application volume.

Submitting complete and precise documents can assist in preventing delays.

Step 3: Be Aware of Updated Rules (2024–25)

The two-year extension for some graduates was removed in mid-2024.

Priority fields (such as STEM or health) may still qualify for longer periods.

Before you apply, always check for the most recent updates.

Step 4: Track Your Application

You can track the status of your submission using your Immi Account.

If necessary, immigration officers may require more documentation.

Step 5: Plan Ahead for Your Next Step

While you wait, think about possible PR pathways, employer sponsorships, or more education opportunities.

Make sure your health insurance is valid throughout your stay.

From Temporary Graduate Visa to Permanent Residency

The 485 visa (or post-study work permit in Australia) can act as a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Here are common routes:

Employer Sponsorship

If your employer is willing, you may be sponsored under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) or Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

Points-based Skilled Migration

Many graduates apply under Skill Select (subclass 189, 190) or state nomination programs, using their gained Australian work experience to boost points.

Regional pathways

If you live and work in a designated regional area, you may be eligible for additional nomination opportunities.

You cannot directly convert a 485 visa into PR; you must satisfy the criteria under those PR pathways.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Missing the 6-month time limit to lodge the 485 after the student visa expiry.

English score validity is too old or below the required band. Check the test date and result.

Study duration not meeting ASR (less than 2 academic years).

Not entering all required documents (forgetting police or health clearances).

Relying on old rules, some extension options are no longer available.

Overestimating eligibility based on anecdotal reports, stick to official sources.

Conclusion

The post-study work permit in Australia gives overseas graduates a great chance to gain job opportunities in australia & other countries, along with real time experience and long-term career options. With the updated rules, understanding eligibility, duration, and the application process is more important than ever.

For expert guidance on navigating your post study work visa in Australia and planning your career path, Contact Career Gyan and let our team support your journey with our expert guidance.