What work rights and stay duration will I get on the Australian Subclass 485 visa in 2026?
The Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education visa gives full work rights, so you can work full-time in any occupation for any employer in Australia. Stays are typically 2 years for bachelor's graduates and 3 for research master's, PhD and, under AI-ECTA, Indian coursework master's graduates. No sponsorship is required.
As per the March 2026 summary, the Subclass 485 Post-Higher Education visa gives you full work rights across Australia. Your stay is typically 2 or 3 years depending on your degree, and you do not need a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Work Rights and Stay by Degree
| Qualification | Standard stay |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 2 years |
| Master's (Coursework) | Typically 2 years, or up to 3 years for Indian graduates under AI-ECTA |
| Master's (Research) | 3 years |
| Doctoral (PhD) | 3 years |
Other Key Rules
- You can work full-time in any occupation and for any employer across Australia.
- If you lived and studied in a designated regional area, you may be eligible for a second visa extending your stay by 1 to 2 years.
- Most graduates must generally be under 35, while PhD and Research Master's graduates can typically apply until age 50.
- No job offer or employer sponsorship is needed, so it works as a flexible bridge to gain experience for future permanent residency pathways.
- Application fees have changed recently, so check the Home Affairs page for the latest amount.
My Advice
Plan your application around your degree type, since stay length depends on it. Keep your regional study records safe if you may want the second visa, and confirm the latest rules on the official Home Affairs page.
How long can you stay and work after an Australian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
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