Post Study Work Visa in Australia: Requirements, Fees & Duration

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Australia continues to be a top study destination for international students due to its world-class universities, high employability rate, and diverse work opportunities. The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a crucial option for graduates who wish to gain work experience in Australia after completing their studies.

However, in July 2024, the Australian government revised post-study work rights, reducing visa durations while maintaining longer stay options for priority skill sectors such as STEM, Healthcare, IT, and Education. These changes impact how long international graduates can remain in Australia after their studies. Let’s explore the Post-Study Work Visa in Australia for 2025, covering its types, eligibility, application process, fees, and duration.

Types of Post-Study Work Visas in Australia (2025)

Australia offers different Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) streams, each of which are especially made for specific categories of international graduates. These work visas allow students to gain valuable work experience in Australia after completing their degrees. The eligibility and duration of each visa depend on qualification level, study field, and the location of the university.

While most international graduates receive standard work rights, those in priority skill sectors (STEM, Healthcare, IT, Education, and Agriculture) may be eligible for extended work permits. With Australia’s growing demand for skilled workers, these work visas can be an excellent stepping stone toward permanent residency (PR) under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program. Below are the various types of Post study work visa in Australia:

Visa Stream	Who Can Apply?	Stay Duration (2025)	Key Benefits
Post-Study Work Stream	International students who completed a higher education degree (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) from an Australian university	2 – 6 years (varies by degree level)	Work in any job role, no employer sponsorship needed
Graduate Work Stream	International students who completed a vocational education course (TAFE, diploma, or trade course)	Up to 18 months (Extended to 2 years for Hong Kong & UK citizens)	Gain skilled work experience in relevant industries
Replacement Stream	Those who held a 485 visa but lost time due to COVID-19 travel restrictions	Same as original visa duration	Regain lost time and work experience in Australia

Duration of Post-Study Work Visa in Australia (2025)

The duration of a Post-Study Work Visa (485 Subclass) depends on qualification level, study field, and whether the degree falls under priority sectors. In July 2024, Australia reduced post-study work rights for most international students. However, graduates in priority skill sectors or those from regional universities still benefit from longer work rights.

These work rights help international graduates gain local work experience, increase employability, and transition to permanent residency (PR) under the Skilled Migration Program. Below is the duration of Post Study Work Visa in Australia:

Qualification Level	New PSWV Duration (From July 2024 – 2025)	Priority Sector Degrees (STEM, Healthcare, IT, Education)
Bachelor’s Degree (Including Honours)	2 years	3 years (Indian passport holders with First-Class Honours)
Bachelor’s Degree (Selected Priority Fields)	4 years	4 years
Master’s by Coursework / Master’s by Research	3 years	5 years
Master’s (Extended Degree)	3 years	5 years
Doctoral Degree (PhD)	6 years	6 years

Eligibility Criteria for Post-Study Work Visa in Australia (485 Subclass)

To apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (485 Subclass), international graduates must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs. These criteria ensure that students have completed their studies in Australia, meet visa requirements, and possess necessary English language proficiency.

Meeting the eligibility requirements also allows students to transition to Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer-Sponsored Work Visas after gaining sufficient work experience. Below are the eligibility criteria for Post-Study Work Visa in Australia for 2025:

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Age Limit	Must be under 50 years old
Eligible Visa	Must hold a valid student visa (subclass 500)
Study Requirement	Must have completed a CRICOS-registered course in Australia
Duration of Study	Course must be at least 2 academic years (92 weeks)
English Language Requirement	IELTS 6.0+ (No band less than 5.0) OR equivalent (TOEFL/PTE)
Health Insurance	Must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Character & Police Clearance	Must provide an Australian Police Clearance Certificate

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Post-Study Work Visa in Australia (485 Subclass)

Applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) involves multiple steps, from checking eligibility to submitting documents online. The application process can be completed entirely online, and students can apply from inside or outside Australia. Below is the step-by-step process on applying for Post-Study Work Visa in Australia:

Step	Details
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility	Ensure you meet all visa requirements, including study completion, English proficiency, and health insurance.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents	Gather all required documents, including passport, completion letter from university, OSHC proof, English proficiency test results, police clearance, and financial proof.
Step 3: Apply Online	Submit your 485 visa application via the Australian Government Home Affairs Website.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees	Pay the application fee (See updated visa fees below).
Step 5: Wait for Processing	Visa processing takes 4-10 months. Applicants can be inside or outside Australia while waiting.

Post-Study Work Visa Australia – Fees & Processing Time (2025)

The cost of a Post-Study Work Visa (485 Subclass) depends on the number of applicants (primary applicant, spouse, or children) and processing time. Following is the Fees & Processing Time for Post-Study Work Visa in Australia:

Type of Visa	Application Fees (AUD)	Processing Time
Primary Applicant (Graduate Visa 485)	AUD 1,895	4 – 10 months
Spouse/Partner	AUD 950	Varies
Dependent Child	AUD 475	Varies

Conclusion

The Post-Study Work Visa (485 Subclass) offers international graduates a valuable opportunity to work, gain industry experience, and increase chances of permanent residency in Australia. With the 2024-25 policy changes, priority sector graduates (STEM, Healthcare, IT, Education, and Agriculture) continue to enjoy extended work rights. However, all applicants must stay updated with visa rules to maximize their opportunities in Australia. For the latest visa updates, always refer to the Australian Government Home Affairs website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Post-Study Work Visa in Australia?

A Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) in Australia is a type of Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) that allows international students to stay and work in Australia after completing their studies. It helps graduates gain local work experience, improve employability, and transition to permanent residency (PR) under Australia's Skilled Migration Program.

Can I extend my Post-Study Work Visa in Australia?

In most cases, the Post-Study Work Visa (485) cannot be extended. However:

Students in priority skill sectors (STEM, Healthcare, IT, Education, and Agriculture) may be eligible for longer work durations.
Graduates from regional universities may receive a 1-year extension.
You can apply for another visa, such as a Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) or Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482), to stay longer.

Can I apply for permanent residency (PR) after my Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes! The Post-Study Work Visa is often used as a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Australia. You can apply for PR through:

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482)
State-Sponsored Regional Visa (Subclass 491)

How long does it take to process the 485 visa?

The average processing time is 4 to 10 months, depending on your application.

Can I bring my family members on a Post-Study Work Visa?

Yes. You can include family members (spouse/partner and children) in your Post-Study Work Visa (485 Subclass) application. Additional visa fees apply for each family member.