- Published on February 20, 2026
- Bishnu K.
Post-graduation opportunities are a key factor when choosing where to study. Securing a job allows students to gain valuable experience and earn the income needed to repay loans and recover the financial investment of their education.
Temporary Graduate Visa
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) lets students stay and work in Australia after they finish their studies. There are two different streams of the temporary graduate visa: Post-Higher Education Work Stream and Post-Vocational Work Stream. Students can apply for one stream or the other depending on what they studied and what types of jobs they are seeking.
Post-Higher Education Work Stream
The Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Higher Education Work Stream is for international students who have recently graduated with a degree in a CRICOS-registered course from an Australian institution.
To be considered for this visa, the student must apply within six months of their official date of course (program) completion.
The length of stay depends on the level of the Australian study qualification that the student has achieved. Typically graduates of a bachelor’s degree and a course-based master’s degree can stay for two years, while research-based master’s graduates can stay for three years, and PhD holders can live in Australia for three years with this visa. For more information, visit the Australian Government’s website on Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Higher Education Work Stream. Please ensure you check the official government website for updates, as requirements can change frequently for visas and permits.
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream
The Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream is for international students who have recently graduated specifically with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification; with skills and qualifications that are relevant to the specific occupations Australia needs. The skilled occupation list specifies the qualifications eligible for this visa.
Graduates need to apply within 6 months of the completion of their program to be considered. They will be able to stay and work for up to 18 months if approved for the visa. For more information, visit the Australian Government’s website on Temporary Graduate Visa – Post-Vocational Education Work Stream. Please ensure you check the official government website for updates, as requirements can change frequently for visas and permits.
Other Work and Stay Visas
The Temporary Graduate Visa holders cannot stay longer in Australia by extending this visa. Instead, they can apply for other skilled work visas. Visit the Australian Government’s website to explore all the available visa options. If a graduate wants to apply for a new visa, they must do so before their current visa expires so they can obtain a Bridging Visa A (BVA) while their application is being processed.