As graduation approaches, Indian students in Australia need a clear understanding of how long they can remain in the country to gain work experience. This planning becomes easier once you know the post-study visa options available.
The Post Study Work Permit in Australia, formally the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), provides the opportunity to work after completing an eligible qualification. Under current arrangements between Australia and India, some graduates can access extended post-study work rights of up to four years based on their degree level and where they studied.
This guide focuses on the rules for 2025-2026, helping you understand the stay duration available and how it can support your next steps in Australia.
What is the Australian Post Study Work Permit (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) is a temporary work visa given to international students who have recently finished their studies at an Australian institution. The main purpose of this Post Study Work Permit in Australia is to let you use the skills you gained in the Australian job market and get invaluable work experience.
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The Subclass 485 visa has two main types (streams). You must choose the correct one when you apply:
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: This is for graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree.
- Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: This is for students who completed a diploma or trade qualification that matches an occupation on Australia’s skilled list.
Extended Post Study Work Rights in Australia for Indian Students (AI-ECTA)
For Indian students, the best news is the extended stay period guaranteed under the AI-ECTA. These extensions give you more time to gain professional experience, boosting your career return-on-investment (ROI).
AI-ECTA Stay Periods for Indian Nationals (2025-2026)
| Qualification Level | Standard Stay Period (AI-ECTA) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree (Including Honours) | Up to 2 years |
| Bachelor's Degree (First Class Honours in STEM, including ICT) | Up to 3 years |
| Master's Degree (Coursework, Extended, and Research) | Up to 3 years |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD) | Up to 4 years |
Important: If you’re an Indian national, pursuing a Master's degree or a Bachelor's with First Class Honours in a STEM field (like IT/ICT) can automatically get three years of work rights. This specific benefit makes the Post Study Work Permit in Australia particularly sought after.
How to Stay Even Longer in Australia?
You can gain extra time by studying and living in a designated regional area.
If you study in a regional location, you may be eligible to apply for a Second Post-Higher Education Work stream visa after your initial Post Study Work Permit in Australia expires. This visa can extend your stay by an additional one to two years, depending on the regional category.
Rules to Get Your Post Study Work Permit in Australia
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has very strict rules you must meet when you apply.
1. Age, Timing, and Visa Status
- Age Limit: You must generally be under 35 years of age when applying.
- Exception: If you completed a Master’s (research) or a Doctoral Degree (PhD), you can apply if you are under 50 years of age.
- Application Timing: You must apply for the post study work visa Australia within six months after the formal completion date of your course.
- Visa History: You must be in Australia when you apply and must have held a Student visa (Subclass 500) in the last six months.
2. Study Rules (Australian Study Requirement)
The Australian Study Requirement (ASR) is a core hurdle for your Post Study Work Permit in Australia.
- Course Length (92 Weeks): You must have completed a CRICOS-registered course that was at least two academic years of study (92 weeks).
- Duration (16 Months): This study must have been completed over a period of no less than 16 calendar months while you were physically in Australia.
3. English and Health Rules
- English Language Test Scores (Updated August 2025): You must prove your English skills.
- New Requirement (Post-Aug 7, 2025): The minimum overall score increased to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, such as PTE 55), with a minimum score of 5.5 for each band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
- Validity: Your English test results must be recent, taken within one year (12 months) immediately before the date you apply.
- Health Insurance Switch (Crucial Step): The student health cover (OSHC) is NOT valid for the 485 visa.
- You must switch to a Working Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) or OVC and provide the policy certificate when you apply for your Post Study Work Permit in Australia.
- Character Check: You must provide an Australian Federal Police (AFP) clearance certificate.
Cost of the Post Study Work Permit in Australia (2025-2026)
The application process for your Post Study Work Permit in Australia is done entirely online through the official ImmiAccount.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Gather Documents: Collect all necessary papers, including your passport, transcripts, English test results, the OVHC certificate, and the AFP clearance certificate.
- Apply Online: Start your application on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the application accurately.
- Pay the Fee: The fee must be paid online to submit your application formally.
- Get Bridging Visa: After submission, you usually get a Bridging Visa (A), which lets you stay and work lawfully while your main visa is processed.
Visa Application Fees (AUD & INR)
The fees listed below are based on the latest confirmed increase, effective February 1, 2025. Note that the Department of Home Affairs also lists a higher, projected fee of AUD $2,300.00 from July 2025.
| Requirement Category | Detail/Action Required | Cost (AUD, Primary Applicant, Post-Feb 2025) | Approx. INR (57.67 INR = 1 AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee (Post-Higher Education Work Stream) | Base application charge for the main applicant. | $2,235.00 | ₹1,28,901 |
| Additional Applicant Charge (18+) | Fee for a spouse or partner accompanying you. | $1,115.00 | ₹64,285 |
| Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream | Base charge for the regional extension visa. | $880.00 | ₹50,750 |
Note: Exchange rates vary daily. The INR values provided are approximate (as per the rate 1 AUD = 57.67 INR) and should be checked against the latest rates when planning your finances.
After the Post Study Work Permit in Australia: PR Pathway
The Temporary Graduate (TR) visa is specifically designed to give you the Australian work experience you need to apply for a Permanent Residency (PR) visa.
The experience you gain during this period is vital as it helps you qualify for skilled migration visas.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): A permanent visa based on a points test without the need for sponsorship.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190): A permanent visa requiring nomination by an Australian state or territory.
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): This is a key employer-sponsored pathway that replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (TSS).
Getting a PR is not guaranteed, but the Post Study Work Permit in Australia is a major stepping stone that increases your eligibility for a long-term stay.
Tips to Secure Your Post Study Work Visa in Australia
Indian students often meet the academic criteria but face delays or refusals due to small mistakes. These steps can help you stay on track:
1. Track your course completion date
Request your completion letter as soon as your final results are confirmed. This letter starts the 6-month deadline to apply for the 485 visa.
2. Apply while your student visa is still valid
Aim to submit your application within two to three months after your course finishes. This gives you enough time to fix any issues if something is missing.
3. Change your insurance to OVHC when your course ends
Your insurance cannot stop after you finish studying. Upload your OVHC proof with your visa application to avoid delays.
4. Select the correct stream for your qualification
Most Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD graduates should choose the Post-Higher Education Work Stream. It is important to get this right the first time.
5. Upload all required documents together
Include your passport details, transcripts, completion letter, AFP police check and English results if needed. A complete application is processed more smoothly.
6. Make sure your course meets the Australian Study Requirement
Your course must be CRICOS-listed and meet the minimum 92-week duration. Check this early if you completed your studies faster than usual.
7. Think early about regional work options
If you may apply for a second post-study visa later, start looking at jobs in regional areas while you are still studying or job searching.
Conclusion
The Post Study Work Permit in Australia is a major strategic decision that will define your career trajectory. The opportunity to gain three to four years of international, skilled work experience remains vital for Indian students.
To succeed, you must be perfectly prepared and move quickly, avoiding critical mistakes like missing the six-month application deadline. You must also ensure the mandatory switch from OSHC to Working Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) is completed before lodging the application.
Expert counsellors at LeapScholar can guide you through each step, explain the latest rules, help you prepare your documents, and make the Post Study Work Permit process in Australia easier to handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the TR fee in Australia?
Ans. The fee for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), also known as the Post Study Work Permit in Australia, currently starts at AUD $2,235 for the primary applicant (post-Feb 2025). This is approximately ₹1,28,901 (using the exchange rate of 1 AUD = 57.67 INR).
Q. Who qualifies to get this Post Study Work Permit in Australia?
Ans. To qualify for the Post Study Work Permit in Australia, you must:
- Be under 35 years old (or under 50 for a research Master's/PhD).
- Have completed a degree registered with CRICOS within the last six months.
- Meet the Australian Study Requirement (at least 92 weeks of study over 16 months).
- Have valid Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Q. Can I get PR in Australia after the Post Study Work Permit in Australia?
Ans. Yes! The Temporary Graduate (TR) visa is specifically designed to give you the Australian work experience needed to qualify for various Permanent Residency (PR) skilled migration visas, making the Post Study Work Permit in Australia a great first step.
Q. Is it easy to get the Post Study Work Permit in Australia?
Ans. The process for the Post Study Work Permit in Australia is simple if you meet all the rules perfectly, but it is not easy because the application is very strict about deadlines and eligibility criteria. With careful planning, it is definitely an achievable goal for most graduates.
Q. How long can I stay on an Australia work permit after study?
Ans. The duration depends on your qualification. Most Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates get 2–3 years, and PhD graduates can get up to 4 years. Some Indian students may receive longer durations under current Australia-India arrangements.
Q. Can I apply for a Post Study Work Visa Australia if my student visa has expired?
Ans. No. You must apply while your student visa is still valid and within 6 months of completing your course. Applying earlier helps avoid issues.
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