Australia Student Visa & Graduate Work Permit (500 / 485)

Step 1 of 4

Step 1 — Your Goal

What are you trying to achieve?

Select the option that best describes where you are in the Australian education/migration journey.

I want to study in Australia — I need a Student Visa (500)

For students enrolling in a course registered with CRICOS — school, TAFE, university, or vocational training

I've finished studying in Australia — I want to work after graduation (485)

Temporary Graduate visa — lets you live and work in Australia for 2–6 years after completing your studies

I'm a student or graduate thinking about permanent residency

Explore how studying and working in Australia sets you up for skilled PR visas (189/190/491)

Step 2 — Your Course

What level of course are you enrolling in?

The Student Visa 500 covers all levels — from school to postgraduate. Your course level affects your post-study work rights duration on the 485.

School (primary or secondary)

Visa valid for duration of enrolment + 1 month

English Language Intensive Course (ELICOS)

Visa valid for duration of enrolment + 1 month

Vocational Education & Training (VET / TAFE) — Certificate III, IV, Diploma

Post-study work rights available on 485 after 2-year qualification

Bachelor's degree (3–4 years)

Eligible for 485 Graduate stream: 2–4 years post-study work rights

Postgraduate — Honours, Masters, or PhD

Eligible for 485 Graduate stream: up to 4 years (Masters) or 4 years (PhD)

Step 3 — Your Background

Where are you from, and what is your English level?

The Streamlined Visa Processing (SDS) pathway offers faster processing for students from selected countries who have IELTS 5.5+ (or equivalent). Non-SDS applicants go through the standard processing stream.

SDS-eligible: From India, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Colombia, Philippines, or other eligible country AND IELTS 5.5+ overall (or equivalent)

Faster processing — typically 3–4 weeks. Fewer upfront documents required

Non-SDS: Not from an SDS country, or English score is below 5.5 IELTS

Standard processing stream — 4–8 weeks, may require more financial/genuine temporary entrant evidence

English-exempt: From UK, USA, Canada, NZ, Ireland, or South Africa

No English test required — eligible for streamlined assessment

Step 2 — Your Qualification

What Australian qualification did you complete?

The duration of your 485 Temporary Graduate visa depends on the level and location of your Australian study. All qualifications must be from an Australian institution registered with CRICOS.

Bachelor's degree (3–4 years)

485 Graduate stream: 2 years post-study work rights (standard); +2 years if study in regional Australia

Bachelor's with Honours, or Graduate Diploma/Certificate

485 Graduate stream: 2 years post-study work rights; +2 years if regional

Master's degree (coursework or research)

485 Graduate stream: 3 years post-study work rights; +2 years if regional study

Doctoral degree (PhD)

485 Graduate stream: 4 years post-study work rights; +2 years if regional study

VET qualification (Diploma / Advanced Diploma / 2+ years)

485 Graduate stream: 18 months post-study work rights if qualification ≥ 2 years

Step 3 — Study Location

Did you study in a regional area of Australia?

Studying in a regional area adds 2 extra years to your 485 Temporary Graduate visa. Regional areas exclude Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and the Gold Coast.

Yes — I studied in a regional area (not Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Perth/Gold Coast)

Adds 2 years to your 485 Graduate stream duration

No — I studied in a major city

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Important disclaimer ▼

IMPORTANT: This guide provides general information only. Student visa and graduate work rights requirements change regularly. Work hour conditions, SDS country lists, and 485 duration rules are subject to policy changes by the Department of Home Affairs. Consult a MARA-registered migration agent for advice specific to your situation. Information is current as of March 2026. Full disclaimer →