Hi, How Can We Help You?
  • Level 3, 58 Kitchener Pde, Bankstown Sydney NSW
  • contact@emkglobal.com.au
  • (+61) 487 026 666

Temporary Graduate Visa (485) – Post-Higher Education Work Stream

Temporary Graduate Visa (485) – Post-Higher Education Work Stream

485-Graduate-Work-Stream-Graduate-Temporary-485-Visa

With this visa you can

Benefits of the Temporary Visa/Graduate Visa (485) – Post-Higher Education Work Stream

  • Stay in Australia for 2 to 3 years after your studies (up to 5 years for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
  • Include eligible family members in your application, and work and study in Australia

Duration of stay

  • Bachelor degree (including honours): 2 years
  • Masters by coursework (including extended): 2 years
  • Masters by research: 3 years
  • Doctoral degree: 3 years
  • Indian nationals: bachelor 2 years (3 years for first-class honours in STEM, including ICT), masters 3 years, doctoral 4 years
  • Hong Kong and BNO passport holders: up to 5 years
  • You may be eligible for a Second Post-Higher Education Work visa (1–2 years) if you studied at a regional campus and lived in a regional area while holding your first 485 visa

The extension degree can be found here:Extension of Subclass 485 VisaYou may be eligible to apply for a second Post Study Work stream visa (stay for 1-2 years) if:you live, work and/or study in a regional area while holding your first post-study work visa.

Smiling young employee or manager giving presentation working on flipchart in meeting room making business offer or reporting about project results, explaining new plan or idea to multi-ethnic team
11062b_c741fe6a7e0849729a6234d96d144f9f~mv2

Requirement

  • Aged 35 or under when you apply (higher age limits apply to masters by research and doctoral graduates, and to Hong Kong and BNO passport holders)
  • Hold a student visa, or have held one in the last 6 months, and apply within 6 months of completing your course
  • Have completed a bachelor, masters or doctoral degree with a CRICOS-registered provider (a graduate certificate alone does not qualify)
  • Meet the Australian Study Requirement (at least 2 academic years of study, completed over at least 16 months)
  • English: IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band (or an equivalent score in another accepted test), taken no more than 1 year before you apply
  • Hold adequate health insurance and meet health and character requirements, including an AFP police check

Visa Application Charge

  • The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) costs AUD 5,750.00 for the main applicant in the Post-Higher Education Work stream, effective 1 July 2026.
  • There is also a charge for each family member who applies for the visa.
  • You might also have to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
  • To work out what your visa will cost, use the Visa Pricing Estimator. The estimator does not take into account the other costs.

Last Updated: 14 September 2026

Processing Time

  • Post-Higher Education Work stream: 90% of the visas are processed in 3 Months.
  • 50% of the visas are processed in 11 Days.
  • The processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on the application and individual circumstances. We recommend applying well in advance and providing all required supporting documents.
  • You can check the status of your visa application and whether you have provided all necessary supporting documents through ImmiAccount.
  • For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs Visa Processing Times.

Last Updated: 14 September 2026 

Your Obligations

  • 8501: Maintain adequate health insurance.
  • You can check your specific visa conditions through your visa grant letter or VEVO.
  • For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485).

Last Updated: 14 September 2026 

counselling-image

Visa Application Steps

  • Step 1: Check you meet the age, English and Australian Study requirements
  • Step 2: Arrange health insurance for your visa period
  • Step 3: Apply for your AFP police check (and overseas police certificates if needed)
  • Step 4: Gather your documents (identity, completion letter, transcripts, English results)
  • Step 5: Include eligible family members (if applicable)
  • Step 6: Lodge in ImmiAccount within 6 months of completing your course and pay the visa charge
  • Step 7: Complete health examinations and biometrics when requested

Not sure if you qualify? Talk to our registered migration agent.

Have an inquiry?

Leave your message here!

About-Us-Black-Overlay-Image

WANT TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE WITH US?

Book one-on-one consultation with our expert

EMK Global is a leading expert in the field of international education and migration to Australia. Our head office is located in Sydney, Australia and we have branch offices in Vietnam and Pakistan.

  • Standard Consultation
  • Intensive Consultation
  • Complementary Service
  • Admission & Study Abroad
  • Student & Graduate Visa
  • Insurance & PY Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your question below, feel free to get in touch with one of our agents, they will be more than happy to share their wisdom.

Why should I study in Australia?

Australian degrees are internationally recognized, and Australian universities are known for their cutting-edge research and training methods, with seven of them consistently standing in the top 100 of the QS World University Rankings; this is why one should study in Australia!

Why should I choose Australia in particular?

Due to the high level of education, a large number of courses accessible, and post-study work prospects, Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations among students, and this drives students to select Australia in particular.

How is Australia's educational system?
Australia is one of the world’s most popular study destinations, known for high-quality education, strong protections for international students and post-study work opportunities.
What is the cost of studying in Australia?
Over AUD 40730.25 is the average fee. Tuition costs at Australian institutions are calculated based on the amount of units you take.
What are the prerequisites for obtaining a student visa in Australia?
A few documents must be given in order to receive a student visa, including proof of enrollment to proof of English proficiency. There’s a lot to stay on top of. Please contact one of our counselors for assistance.
What kind of health insurance does Australia provide?

Overseas Student Health Cover is an unique health insurance plan for international students in Australia (OSHC). OSHC is meant to assist overseas students in covering the costs of medical care while in Australia.

Contact our team for help comparing OSHC providers.

What is the finest place in Australia to study?
Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and the Gold Coast are a few of  Australia’s finest student cities.
What are the best Australian courses?
In Australia, there are a variety of popular courses ranging from agricultural sciences to architecture to tourism and hotel management. To learn more, please contact us.
Is IELTS a requirement for studying in Australia?
Yes, because Australia is an English-speaking country, IELTS or any other English language competence test is required for study.
How much money is necessary for a student visa in Australia?
If you need to provide financial evidence, you must show at least AUD 29,710 a year for living costs (more if your partner or children come with you), plus your first year of tuition and travel costs. Use the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool to see what evidence applies to you.
Is Australian student visa easy to get?
Australia has tightened student visa settings since 2024, including the Genuine Student requirement and higher visa charges. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment in a registered full-time course and a well-prepared application – our team can help you get it right.
In Australia, how much does student health insurance cost?
OSHC costs vary depending on the type of coverage needed. Prices vary by provider and level of cover, so compare policies before you buy. To learn more about it, get in touch with us.
Can I study in Australia with a scholarship ?
International students have access to excellent scholarship possibilities at Australian universities. These opportunities may help you save money on your tuition.
How Much it will Cost to Studying in Australia for graduate programs?
It costs around AUD 20026.62 to 46728.77 per year for graduate programs.
How Much it will Cost to Studying in Australia for bachelor programs?
It costs around AUD 26702.15 to 56074.52 per year for bachelor programs.
How Much it will Cost to Studying in Australia for doctoral programs?
It costs around AUD 26708.14 to 56087.09 per year
What is band requirement for Australia?
In general, to study in Australia, you must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with no band lower than 6.0 for your undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
What English language tests are acceptable for Australian student visas?
There are five different tests accepted for Australian student visa applications from IELTS to PTE. Get in touch with us to know more
Can I change my course or institution in Australia if I don’t like it ?
Yes, you can. Although there are strict conditions and steps set by the Department of Home Affairs that you will need to fulfill and follow.
What are the minimum prerequisites and qualifications for studying in Australia?
Each university will have its own set of academic and English language requirements. To understand more, we recommend that you speak with one of our counselors directly. 
Do universities in Australia recognize the 10+2+3 schooling system?
Yes!! In Australia, this approach is used for the Master’s program.
What are the various study levels for higher education in Australia that we can apply for?
Undergraduate, postgraduate, and research courses are all available to students. They can also apply for package courses that include both a certificate and a diploma.
What is the maximum age for obtaining a student visa in Australia?
There is no established age limit for student visa requirements in Australia. There are no limitations for those who wish to apply. However, there are some restrictions if you are under the age of 18.
Is Australian student visa easy to get?
Australia has tightened student visa settings since 2024, including the Genuine Student requirement and higher visa charges. You need a Confirmation of Enrolment in a registered full-time course and a well-prepared application – our team can help you get it right.
Is it simple to obtain PR after studying in Australia?

 

After completing their education, students can apply for a post-study work visa and subsequently apply for General Skilled Migration to seek permanent status (PR).