Studying in Australia offers more than just a world-class education; it also opens doors to exciting career opportunities and long-term settlement options. One of the most attractive benefits for international students in Australia is the Post-Study Work Visa, commonly referred to as a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). But the burning question remains:
How many years of work permit can you get in Australia after studying?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of qualification, location of your educational institution, and your field of study.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Subclass 485 Visa allows international students who have completed at least two years of study in Australia to live, study, and work in the country temporarily. It has two main streams:
- Graduate Work Stream – For vocational or diploma-level graduates (mainly for those with occupations on the Skilled Occupation List).
- Post-Study Work Stream – For higher education degree holders (like Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degrees) from Australian universities.
Work Permit Duration Based on Level of Study
| Qualification Level | Duration of Post-Study Work Visa |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s (Honours) Degree | 2 years |
| Master’s Degree (Coursework) | 2-3 years |
| Master’s Degree (Research) | 3 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | 4 years |
| Vocational Education (Diploma or Trade) | Up to 18 months (under Graduate Work Stream) |
Extended Work Rights in Regional Areas
To encourage migration to regional Australia, the government offers additional years of post-study work rights for graduates who study and live in designated regional areas.
- Category 1 (Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) – No extension.
- Category 2 (Cities like Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Gold Coast) – +1 year (total 3–5 years).
- Category 3 (Other regional areas like Darwin, Tasmania, regional NSW/QLD/SA) – +2 years (total 4–6 years).
Example: If you complete a Master’s degree in Hobart (Tasmania), you could be eligible for up to 5 years of post-study work rights (3 years’ base + 2-year extension).
Graduate Work Stream (For Diploma Holders)
Students with vocational education or trade qualifications may qualify under the Graduate Work Stream, which offers 18 months of work rights. However, this stream requires:
- A qualification closely related to an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
- A positive skill assessment in that occupation.
Note: The duration was temporarily extended to 24 months during COVID-related recovery, but the base remains 18 months unless extended by policy.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 485 Visa
To apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa, you must:
- Hold an eligible Australian student visa in the last 6 months.
- Have completed a CRICOS-registered course with a minimum duration of 2 academic years.
- Fulfill English language proficiency requirements.
- Hold a recent qualification (generally within 6 months).
- Meet health, character, and insurance requirements.
Additional Pathways After Work Permit
Australia’s post-study work permit is often the first step towards Permanent Residency (PR). After gaining relevant work experience, many graduates apply for:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Employer Sponsored Visas (Subclass 482 or 186)
- Regional Sponsored Visa (Subclass 491)
A longer work permit gives you more time to gain local work experience, improve your points score, and secure employer sponsorship, increasing your chances of PR.
🇮🇳 Case Study for Indian Students
Let’s say Riya from Delhi completes a Master of IT in Adelaide (a Category 2 regional area). She would receive:
- 3 years of base work rights for Master’s
- +1-year regional extension
- Total: 4 years of work permit after study
This gives her a strong foundation to gain experience, apply for a skilled visa, and eventually settle in Australia.
Finl Thoughts:
Australia offers flexible and generous post-study work options that can significantly benefit international students. Whether you’re aiming to stay temporarily, gain valuable work experience, or pursue permanent residency, the Temporary Graduate Visa is your gateway.
Quick Recap:
- 2–4 years for university graduates
- Up to 6 years in regional areas
- 18–24 months for diploma/trade students
- Eligible courses must be CRICOS-registered
- Can lead to Permanent Residency (PR)
Need Guidance? Let Apical Immigration Experts Help You
Navigating visa rules can be confusing. At Apical Immigration Experts, we help students understand their eligibility, choose the best courses and regions, and guide them from admission to PR pathways. Whether it’s choosing a regional university or filing a 485 visa, we’ve got you covered!
DM us or Book a Free Consultation Today!
