Guide to Post Study Work Visa Australia 2026

The Post Study Work Permit in Australia, officially known as the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa, is a critical pathway for all eligible international students who have completed a full-time educational qualification in the country. This visa allows international graduates to temporarily stay back in the country, find work relevant to their field of study, and gain valuable professional experience.

The length of stay back on your post study work visa in Australia ranges from 18 months up to 4 years, depending on your qualification level and nationality, provided that the course is CRICOS-registered or listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, which can be found on the CRICOS Search Portal. This includes PR courses in Australia preferred by international students.

Australia's immigration policy targets those whose qualifications align with national skills shortages and streamlines pathways in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and technology. The Subclass 485 Australia Visa has three streams, and the course you complete must align with an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List to meet eligibility requirements.

The post-study stay-back durations, fee schedules, age limitations, and skilled occupation streams detailed throughout this Australia Post Study Work Visa Guide are compiled from official 2026 immigration amendments enforced by the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and Study Australia. All regulatory data points reflect active compliance guidelines established under the federal Migration Strategy framework.

Key Updates on Australia Post Study Work Visa 2026

Listed below are the new changes to the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia for international graduates:

1. 100% Increase in Visa Fees

Visa filing fees for all applicants and dependents have been increased by 100%.

Source: Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Fees and Charges

Note: The Australia post study work visa cost is significantly lower for citizens of Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, and others.

2. No Onshore Switching Rule

A major Integrity update is that Subclass 485 Visa holders cannot switch back to the Australian Student Subclass 500 Visa while onshore.

3. Reduced Visa Durations and Ended Extensions

The Australian government's focus on visa integrity and permanent skilled migration has resulted in shorter durations for most international graduates, effectively ending the previously offered 2-year temporary extension for certain degrees.

Source: Migration Strategy: Ending Visa Hopping

Note for Indian Nationals: Under the AI-ECTA agreement, Indian graduates may receive up to 1 year extra stay on their post-study visa in Australia, bringing the total to 3 years for all Masters and 4 years for PhDs.

4. Lowered Age Limit

• Age Cap: The maximum age for most applicants for the post study work permit in Australia was reduced from 50 to 35 years, which varies with Subclass 485 visa streams.
• Exception: Graduates of a Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) degree remain eligible until they are under 50 years old; as per the DHA Subclass 485 Eligibility - Age Requirements.

5. Increased English Requirements

• IELTS Score: The minimum required score for the Subclass 485 Visa Australia increased to an overall IELTS Academic 6.5 bands or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 bands in each section.
• Score Validity: The validity of English test results has been reduced to 1 year before application lodgement, as per the DHA's Requirements for Subclass 485.

Note: As a replacement for IELTS, more international students are moving to PTE Academic, for which the overall score requirement is 55, with minimums of 39 in Speaking, 42 in Reading, 41 in Writing, and 40 in Listening.

Subclass 485: Overview, Eligibility & Key Benefits

The Temporary Graduate Visa – Subclass 485 is the official name of the post study work permit in Australia, which is a crucial visa permitting international graduates to remain in the country after completing their studies. It helps retain talented graduates and enables them to gain valuable professional experience, a key step toward securing permanent residency in Australia.

Benefits of Post Study Work Visa Australia

This visa provides a pathway to launch a career in Australia, offering a competitive edge in the job market and potential long-term residency. With the Subclass 485 Visa Australia, international graduates can stay for 2-3 years, depending on their qualifications and avail themselves of the following benefits:

• Work full-time in any occupation without restriction
• Enhance career prospects and build professional networks
• Transition to permanent residency through skilled migration pathways

Details on PR Advantage: The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa can lead to a PR or permanent residency in Australia, allowing you to stay in Australia, work, and improve your eligibility for skilled migration programmes. These include the points-tested stream on Subclass 189 and 190, employer-sponsored visas and state-nominated visas, respectively.

Post Study Work Visa Australia Eligibility

To be eligible for any stream of the Subclass 485 Visa Australia, you must satisfy these core requirements:

• Age Limit: Under 35 years old when you apply; exceptions: PhD/Research graduates and HK/BNO passport holders
• Location: Must be in Australia when you lodge your application
• Previous Visa: Have held an eligible visa and have held an Australian Student Subclass 500 Visa in the last 6 months
• Study Requirement: Have completed the Australian Study Requirement (ASR), which is completing a CRICOS-registered course with 92 weeks of study within the last 6 months
• Basic Requirements: Meet all basic requirements, such as adequate health insurance, having applied for an Australian Federal Police check, and demonstrating English proficiency

Turn your Temporary Graduate Visa into Permanent Residency. A Subclass 485 visa is only the beginning. Our counsellors specialise in aligning your Australian study requirements with high-demand occupations to maximise your PR points. Get a personalised migration roadmap today.

Types of Post Study Work Visa Australia

There are three types of Temporary Graduate Visa Australia – Subclass 485, viz.

1. Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
2. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
3. Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

International graduates holding either of these three visa types are allowed not only to live and work, but also to study in the country temporarily. Australia post study work visa holders can also bring their family members to the country.

Let us explore the details like their duration of validity, application costs, age limit, exceptions, and more according to the official DHA Subclass 485 Requirements.

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Visa

Post-Vocational Education Work Stream visa, earlier called the Graduate Work Stream, is granted to international graduates of associate degrees, diplomas or trade qualifications.

Cost & Duration

• Visa Filing Cost: AU $4,910
• Duration: Up to 18 months
• Exception: Hong Kong and British National Overseas BN(O) passport holders may be granted up to 5 years

Eligibility

• Be 35 years or under when you apply; exception: HK/BNO passport holders may be granted up to 50 years
• Be in Australia when you apply
• Hold an eligible visa and have held a student visa in the last 6 months
• Qualify relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• Applied for a skills assessment in your nominated occupation on the skilled occupation list
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants applying for an Australian Federal Police check, and the required level of English with your application

Note: Skills Assessment is mandatory for the Post-Vocational Education Work Stream Visa, whereas it is not required for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream Visa.

Worried the 35-year age cap or new fee hike affects your plans? Do not let policy changes stall your career. Speak with our migration experts to explore research-based masters pathways, eligible up to age 50, or alternative visa streams tailored to your profile.

Post-Higher Education Work Stream Visa

International graduates of full-fledged degree courses can apply for the Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa, formerly known as the Post-Study Work Stream visa. Graduates of diploma courses in Australia are not eligible for this work permit.

Cost & Duration

• Visa Filing Cost: AU $4,910
• Duration General: Between 2 and 3 years, depending on your qualification:
  • Bachelors/Masters Coursework & Extended: Up to 2 years
  • Research Graduates: Up to 3 years for graduates of both Masters and PhD programmes
• Exception (Duration): Hong Kong and British National Overseas BN(O) passport holders may be granted up to 5 years

Eligibility

• Be 35 years or under when you apply; exception: Research/PhD graduates eligible until under 50
• Must have completed the Australian Study Requirement (ASR)
• Must provide adequate health insurance for all applicants
• Must submit the application for an Australian Federal Police check
• Required level of English for the application

Note: For the Post Vocational stream, there are no exceptions for PhD/Research, as they are Higher Education. The age 50 exception is only for the Post-Higher Education stream.

Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream

The Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream visa is an extension for holders of the aforementioned Post-Higher Education Work Stream, Post Study Work Visa, or Replacement Visa. Only the international graduates who have a degree from an Australian institution located in a regional area, like the universities in Adelaide or Perth, can apply for this extension.

Cost & Duration

• Visa Filing Cost: AU $1,810
• Duration: Between 1 and 2 years, depending on the regional category (Category 2 or 3) of the educational institution you graduated from and where you lived while holding your first Australia post study work visa

Eligibility

• Be 35 years or under when you apply; exceptions: Research/PhD graduates and HK/BNO passport holders eligible until under 50
• Must hold a Subclass 485 in the Post-Higher Education Work, Post-Study Work, or Replacement stream, and have held it as the main applicant
• Must have studied in an eligible designated regional area for the first visa
• Must have lived in an eligible designated regional area for at least 2 years immediately before applying
• Provide evidence of adequate health insurance for all applicants

Before we move forward with the post study work visa Australia application process, it is vital to note that visa rules and application fees disclosed above are subject to change by the DHA.

With visa fees now at AU $4,910, an application error is a costly mistake. Do not risk a Subclass 485 refusal. Register with AECC and ensure your skills assessment, English scores, and health insurance meet the 2026 integrity standards through a professional document audit.

How to Apply for the Australia Post Study Work Visa?

The application process is standardised across all streams of the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia. Here are step-by-step instructions for applying for the different types of post study visa in Australia.

Step 1: Before Application: Start these steps as soon as your education provider confirms you have completed your course, within six months of course completion. For the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, ensure you meet the two-year regional residency requirement.

Step 2: Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents to support your application. Provide as much information as possible to avoid delays. Some documents might take time to obtain, so have them ready when you apply.

Step 3: Apply for the Visa: Submit an online application for the Australia Post Study Work. If you encounter any issues or error messages, refer to the common problems section for assistance.

Step 4: After Application: The officials will notify you when they receive your application and documents. Follow the instructions for what to do next after applying.

Step 5: Visa Outcome: You can be either inside or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when officials decide on your application. If you are applying as a family member, you can also be inside or outside Australia at the time of the decision.

AECC Pro Tip to Avoid the Completion Letter Trap: Your 6-month application window starts from the date your Completion Letter is issued, not your graduation ceremony date. In 2026, with fees at AU $4,910, missing this window by even one day is a non-refundable mistake.

Australia Post Study Work Visa Rejection

The application process of a post study work permit in Australia can be overwhelming, and rejections can happen due to multiple reasons. Common reasons include:

• Health-related issues,
• Immigration violations,
• Past criminal convictions, and
• Security concerns.

Applicants must be able to provide any other requirements requested by the DHA, failing which would lead to a Subclass 485 refusal.

To conclude, the post study work visa Australia offers international graduates a vital opportunity to live and work in Australia, with full work rights and unlimited travel during the visa term. Eligible applicants must apply within six months of course completion under the correct stream. Stays range from 18 months to 3 years.

Looking to explore study and work opportunities in Australia? Our experts can guide you through the process of securing your post study visa in Australia and help you make the most of your international experience. Register with AECC today to start your journey.

Sources & References

Visa Fees, Rules, Regulations & Streams

• Department of Home Affairs - Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) - Fees and Charges - official 2026 visa application fees for main applicants and dependents, including the 100% fee increase.
• Department of Home Affairs - Temporary Graduate Visa Subclass 485 - legislative criteria defining the AU $4,910 cost brackets, 35-year age ceilings, English score targets, and ASR 92-week study rules.
• Department of Home Affairs - Post-Higher Education Work Stream Eligibility - official directives clarifying visa durations, the age-50 research exemption boundaries, and on-shore student visa hopping restrictions.
• Study Australia - Post-Study Work Rights and CRICOS Registration - CRICOS eligibility requirements and approved course categories for Subclass 485 qualification.
• Department of Education - CRICOS Search Portal - searchable register of all CRICOS-approved institutions and courses eligible for Subclass 485 post-study work rights.

International Trade and Migration Policy

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) - statutory provisions validating the extended 3-year Master's and 4-year PhD stay-back extensions reserved exclusively for Indian nationals.
• Australian Government - Migration Strategy: Ending Onshore Visa Hopping - macro policy mandates formalising shorter visa baselines, the cancellation of 2-year general degree extensions, and systemic border integrity rules.