The post study work visa Australia offers international graduates the legal right to stay and work in Australia after completing an eligible qualification. Officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) – Post-Higher Education Work stream, this visa allows graduates to gain full-time work experience, strengthen employability, and assess future skilled migration options.
Eligible graduates can stay in Australia for 2 to 4 years, depending on their highest qualification, with unrestricted work rights. Some degrees may also qualify for extended post-study work periods, subject to government policy settings.
This guide explains how the post study work visa Australia works, who is eligible, how long you can stay, and what this visa realistically enables after graduation.
What Is the Post Study Work Visa Australia?
The post study work visa Australia falls under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and is specifically designed for international students who have completed higher education qualifications at Australian institutions.
This visa allows graduates to:
- Live in Australia temporarily after study
- Work full-time without occupation restrictions
- Gain Australian work experience, relevant or unrelated to their field
- Transition from student status to professional employment
Importantly, this visa is not points-tested, does not require employer sponsorship, and is not tied to skilled occupation lists.
Streams Under the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The subclass 485 has two distinct streams, which are often confused.
1. Post-Higher Education Work Stream
This is what most people mean when referring to the post study work visa Australia.
It applies to graduates who complete:
- Bachelor degrees
- Master’s degrees (coursework or research)
- Doctoral degrees (PhD)
Eligibility is based on qualification level, not occupation.
2. Graduate Work Stream
This stream is for graduates with trade or vocational qualifications closely related to an occupation on Australia’s skilled occupation list. The stay period is shorter and more restrictive.
This guide focuses on the Post-Higher Education Work stream, as it covers the majority of international university graduates.
Post Study Work Visa Australia Duration
One of the most searched questions is how long graduates can stay after completing their studies.
The duration of the post study work visa Australia depends on the highest eligible qualification completed in Australia.
- Bachelor’s degree: up to 2 years
- Master’s degree (coursework): up to 3 years
- Master’s degree (research): up to 3 years
- Doctoral degree (PhD): up to 4 years
The visa is granted once per qualification level, meaning graduates cannot repeat the same stay period by completing a similar degree.
Certain degrees linked to skills-shortage areas may receive extended post-study work rights, but these extensions are policy-based and subject to change.
Also read: Study in Australia in 2026: Complete Guide for International Students
Eligibility Criteria for Post Study Work Visa Australia
To qualify for the post study work visa Australia, applicants must meet all core requirements at the time of application.
You must:
- Be under 35 years of age
- Hold a valid Australian student visa in the last 6 months
- Have completed an eligible CRICOS-registered course
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement (minimum 2 academic years)
- Apply within 6 months of course completion
- Meet English language requirements
- Hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Your qualification must be formally awarded, not just completed academically.
Australian Study Requirements
To meet the Australian Study Requirement, you must:
- Complete at least 92 weeks of registered study
- Study in Australia for at least 16 calendar months
- Study while holding a valid student visa
- Complete no more than 50% of the course online
Failure to meet this requirement is a common reason for visa refusal.
English Language Requirements
English language proficiency is mandatory for the post study work visa Australia. Accepted tests generally include:
- IELTS Academic or General
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- OET (for health professionals)
Scores must meet the minimum threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs and be valid at the time of application.
Work Rights on a Post Study Work Visa
The post study work visa in Australia provides open work rights, making it highly attractive to graduates. Visa holders can:
- Work full-time with no hourly limits
- Work for any employer
- Change jobs freely
- Work in any industry or role
- Live anywhere in Australia
There are no restrictions on occupation or location.
Can the Post Study Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
The post study work visa Australia does not grant permanent residency. However, it plays a critical strategic role in PR planning. Graduates commonly use this period to:
- Gain Australian skilled work experience
- Improve English test scores
- Complete professional year programs
- Secure employer sponsorship
- Increase eligibility under skilled migration pathways
PR outcomes depend on factors such as occupation demand, state nomination criteria, and individual profile strength.
Common Reasons for Refusal or Delay
Despite being a popular visa, refusals still occur due to avoidable errors. Common issues include:
- Applying after the 6-month deadline
- Incorrect course completion evidence
- Expired English test results
- Inadequate health insurance coverage
- Selecting the wrong visa stream
Final Thoughts
The post study work visa Australia remains one of the most valuable post-graduation opportunities available to international students. It offers time, flexibility, and real exposure to the Australian workforce.
However, its true value lies in how strategically it is used, whether for career development, skills accumulation, or migration planning.
Graduates who plan early, choose eligible courses wisely, and understand policy boundaries gain the most from this visa.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.