Applying for a Student Visa Post-Study in Australia Matters More Than You Think. Studying in Australia opens doors not just to world-class education but to global opportunities. But what happens after graduation? That’s where a post-study visa becomes crucial.
From graduate to global professional, Australia offers a unique advantage that is the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). This visa allows international students who’ve completed at least two years of study in Australia to live, work, and gain real-world experience for up to 2–4 years post-graduation, depending on your qualification and location of study. This is about starting your career with a competitive edge. Local experience is important in Australia, and employers value local experience. So, the post-study visa helps you get local experience.
Why It’s Important to Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa?
- Build a Career Bridge
The post-study visa is a launchpad into Australia’s job market. Whether you’re looking for a corporate role, to grow in your field, or planning to start your venture, this period helps you build the skills, network, and experience needed. - Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
Many use their post-study time to gain points for PR. Australian work experience, regional study, or skilled occupations all count. Without this visa, your path to permanent migration could be cut short. - Financial Independence
Instead of returning home immediately after completing your course, the post-study visa lets you earn and support yourself, pay back student loans, and even save for the future. - Explore Australia’s Diverse Landscape
It’s not just about work. Live life beyond the books—travel across Australia’s breathtaking coastlines, cities, and cultures while continuing your professional growth.
Don’t Miss the Window
Applying for the student visa post-study isn’t automatic. There’s a limited window—usually within six months of completing your studies. Missing this deadline can mean losing the chance to stay and work in Australia.
Continue to read the guide for clear information about the Post Study Work Visa in 2025, including eligibility criteria, application steps, benefits, and important updates for international graduates.
Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485)
This allows international students who have completed a qualification in Australia to live, work, and gain practical experience after graduation. It serves as a stepping stone from student life to professional experience in Australia, facilitating a smooth transition for graduates into the workforce.
There are two main streams under the subclass 485 visa:
1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This stream is designed for international graduates who’ve recently completed a higher education degree, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, at an Australian university, offering them a chance to extend their stay and gain local work experience.
2. Post-Vocational Education Work stream
This stream is for graduates who’ve completed vocational or trade qualifications in Australia and have skills that match jobs listed on the Skilled Occupation List. It’s tailored to help them take the next step toward working in their trained field.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for the Post Study Work Visa in 2025.
- Age: You must be under 35 years old at the time of application.
- Valid Student Visa: You must have held an Australian Student Visa within the last six months.
- Course Completion: You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia that lasted at least two academic years.
- English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language skills via tests such as IELTS or PTE Test.
- Health & Character: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
- Health Insurance: You must have valid Student Health Insurance or Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) throughout your student stay.
- English Language Requirement: The Australian government has implemented strict English proficiency requirements for the 485 visa in 2025. IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no band less than 5.5). PTE Academic: Minimum score of 57 overall (Test taken on or before 6 August 2025) and Minimum score of 55 Overall (Test taken on or after 7 August 2025). At the time of application, test results must not be more than 12 months old. Students are advised to begin IELTS preparation or PTE preparation early during their final semester to ensure they meet the new thresholds.
Stay after course completion is based on the length of the visa, which depends on the highest qualification you completed in Australia. The standard visa lengths are:
- Bachelor’s Degree: 2 years
- Master’s by Coursework: 2 years
- Master’s by Research: 3 years
- Doctoral Degree (PhD): 3 years (No longer 4 years)
You can apply for your 485 visa in 2025 by collecting documents such as a valid passport, completion letter and academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS/PTE), Evidence of health insurance (OVHC), police clearance and health checks. Create an ImmiAccount by registering and logging in to the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website. Submit the application by completing the online application for the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), making sure all your information is accurate and up to date. Pay the non-refundable visa fee of AUD 23,00, and please note that charges apply for family members. After payment, for processing time, check the official Global Visa Processing Times tool on the Department of Home Affairs website for the most current estimates.. By the time, ensure that your documents remain up to date and that you continue to meet all visa requirements.
Benefits of the Post-Study Work Visa
You can legally work full-time in any field without employer restrictions, and the work experience you gain in Australia adds value to your career opportunities, both here and internationally. A lot of graduates leverage the work experience they gain on the 485 visa to help qualify for a points-based skilled migration visa. Your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in your application. You can work, travel, and even pursue further studies during the visa period.
You may still be eligible under the Post-Study Work Stream, provided your course was at the undergraduate level or higher, if your course is not on the skilled occupation list. You can either pursue further studies that are on the skilled occupation list or explore employer sponsorship options.
It’s important to keep your Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) active for your entire stay in Australia if you hold a 485 visa. Valid insurance coverage is important to avoid risk. Many insurance providers are offering OVHC plans designed specifically for graduate visa holders. It is always good to find the best coverage and price for your needs.
What do you have to do for a successful application?
Start early and don’t leave it to the last minute—start your visa application process at least three months before you finish your course. Keep the course completion letters, transcripts, and test scores ready. Seek professional help from a migration agent or an educational consultant to ensure accuracy and improve your chances of approval. Stay updated because visa rules and migration policies are subject to change. Check the official Home Affairs website regularly to stay up to date with the latest information.
Regional Study and Extended Work Rights: Australia actively encourages international students to study in regional areas by offering extra benefits such as extended work rights, sometimes up to six years. This is a great opportunity for those hoping to settle long-term or pursue a pathway to permanent residency.
Regional cities include Adelaide, Gold Coast, Hobart, Darwin, Newcastle
Post-Visa Opportunities
When your 485 visa ends, new doors open: from Skilled Independent (189) and Nominated Visas (190) to Employer-Sponsored options (482/186) or even Second Post-Higher Education Work stream (if eligible).
Whether you’re aiming for PR, career growth, or just more time in Australia, the Post-Study Work Visa is a powerful stepping stone. Your next move may depend on your skills, English level, and experience.
Stay prepared: meet the requirements, maintain valid health insurance, and organise your documents early. This is your chance—whether you’re preparing for IELTS or about to graduate—to shape a future in Australia. Don’t miss it. Seek expert advice if needed.