Post-Study Work Permit in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Post-Study Work Permit in Australia: Everything You Need to Know

Smile Foreign Education
Visa Subclass 485

Stay, Earn, and Grow
After You Graduate.

The "Post-Study Work" permit is one of the biggest reasons students choose Australia. It allows you to stay back, work full-time, and gain the professional experience needed for Permanent Residency (PR).

⚠️ Important Policy Update (Age Limit)

The age limit for the "Post-Higher Education Work" stream has been reduced. You must now be under 35 years of age at the time of application (Masters Research and PhD graduates remain eligible up to 50 years).

Which Visa Stream Fits You?

[Image of Australian temporary graduate visa subclass 485 streams flowchart]
Most Common

Post-Higher Education Work

For students who graduate with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD.

  • No Skills Assessment required.
  • Must study for at least 2 years (CRICOS registered).
  • Must apply within 6 months of holding the course completion letter.
Vocational

Graduate Work Stream

For students completing Diplomas or Trade Qualifications related to the "Skills Shortage List".

  • Skills Assessment IS required.
  • Qualification must be relevant to an occupation on the skilled list.
  • Usually valid for 18 months.

Visa Duration (How many years?)

The length of your work permit depends entirely on your qualification level. (Note: Indian nationals have specific terms under the AI-ECTA agreement).

QualificationStandard DurationIndian Passport Holders (ECTA)
Bachelor Degree2 Years2 Years (Up to 3 for First Class Honors in STEM)
Masters (Coursework)2 Years3 Years (Stem/ICT focus)
Masters (Research) & PhD3 Years4 Years

🎁 The "Regional" Bonus (+1 to 2 Years)

If you live and study in a "Regional Area" (Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Canberra, etc.), you can apply for a Second Post-Study Work Visa immediately after your first one expires.

  • Category 2 Cities (Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast): +1 Extra Year.
  • Category 3 Areas (Darwin, Ballarat, Hobart): +2 Extra Years.

Eligibility Checklist

✅ Age Limit

Under 35 years (for most graduates).

✅ Study Requirement

Completed 92 weeks (2 academic years) of CRICOS registered study.

✅ English Score

IELTS 6.5 Overall (min 5.5 in each band). Valid for 1 year.

✅ Physical Location

You must be physically present in Australia when you apply.

Plan Your PR Pathway Early.

Don't wait until graduation. Choosing the right course and city TODAY determines your visa length TOMORROW.