Zenith Study Abroad

Australia Post-Study Work Visa 2026: Eligibility, Stay-Back Period, Costs & Work Opportunities

Australia Post Study Work Visa 2026

International students who complete an eligible Australian course may be able to remain in Australia temporarily through the subclass 485 graduate route. Depending on the qualification and stream, the current stay is generally 18 months to 3 years, while some regional graduates may qualify for an extra 1–2 years. Students who need help choosing an Australian university or planning their application can get study abroad application support.

What Is the Graduate Visa in Australia?

The Australia Post-Study Work Visa 2026 allows eligible international graduates to stay in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It is officially known as the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and has different streams depending on the qualification.

Australia post study work visa eligibility

Australia 485 visa eligibility depends on the stream and qualification. Most applicants must be 35 or younger when they apply. An age limit of under 50 can apply to masters by research and doctoral graduates, as well as certain Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders.

Australia 485 visa requirements

Before applying, check that you:

  • Are 35 or younger when you apply, unless an official exception applies.
  • Hold an eligible visa and have held a Student visa within the previous six months.
  • Recently completed an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered course.
  • Meet the Australian study requirement for your stream.
  • Apply under the correct stream because streams cannot be changed after application.
  • Meet the required English language rules or qualify for an exemption.
  • Have adequate health insurance.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Attach the required documents and evidence.
  • Obtain a suitable skills assessment if applying through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream.


The Australian Department of Home Affairs explains the current rules on its
Temporary Graduate visa page. The Australia post study work visa duration is usually 18 months for eligible vocational graduates, two years for bachelor’s and master’s by coursework graduates, and three years for master’s by research and doctoral graduates. Some regional graduates may get an extra 1 or 2 years.

Australia post study work visa duration

The stay depends mainly on the qualification and stream. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is generally for eligible associate degree, diploma, and trade graduates. The Post-Higher Education Work stream is for degree-level qualifications or higher.

Qualification or stream

Typical stay

Post-Vocational Education Work

Up to 18 months

Bachelor degree

2 years

Masters by coursework or extended masters

2 years

Masters by research

3 years

Doctoral degree

3 years

Second Post-Higher Education Work stream

1–2 additional years

The second regional stream is for eligible graduates who studied at an institution in a designated regional area and meet residence rules. The extra period depends on where the student studied and lived.

Australia post study work rights

According to Study Australia, the Australia post study work visa allows eligible graduates to work without a limit on working hours. They can also study and travel while the visa is valid. The Australia post study work visa for international students does not require graduates to work only in the subject they studied. However, some regulated professions may require registration or a licence

Australia post study work visa cost

The current Home Affairs information lists the main Temporary Graduate visa streams from AUD 5,750, which is about USD 4,091 based on the 20 August 2026 exchange rate. Exchange rates can change, so students should check the final amount before paying. Students may also need to budget for:

  • Health insurance.
  • Medical examinations if requested.
  • Australian Federal Police checks.
  • Overseas police certificates if required.
  • Biometrics where required.
  • English language testing.
  • Skills assessment fees where required.
  • Extra visa charges for family members.


The
Home Affairs visa fees page explains that visa charges can change. Students should check the official fee before submitting and paying for their application.

How to Apply After Graduation

Students applying for the Temporary Graduate Visa Australia 2026 need to choose the correct stream and prepare the required documents before submitting their application through ImmiAccount. For students looking for an Australian work visa after graduation, the 485 application is normally completed online through ImmiAccount. Start preparing before your current visa situation changes so you have enough time to collect the required evidence.

A simple process is:

  1. Check which 485 stream matches your qualification.
  2. Confirm your age, visa history, and study eligibility.
  3. Prepare your passport and course completion evidence.
  4. Arrange English evidence and health insurance.
  5. Apply for the required Australian Federal Police check.
  6. Obtain a skills assessment if your stream requires one.
  7. Create or sign in to ImmiAccount.
  8. Upload documents, pay the charge, and submit the application.
  9. Check ImmiAccount for requests or updates.


Home Affairs confirms that online applications are managed through ImmiAccount, and applicants may need to provide police, health, insurance, identity, and other supporting documents.

Australia stay back after study

The subclass 485 visa is temporary and does not directly give students permanent residency in Australia. Graduates can use this time to gain work experience and explore skilled, regional, or employer-sponsored visas. Students can check the Skilled occupation list to see whether their occupation is eligible for skilled visa options. Possible PR pathways include the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190), and Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186), but each has its own requirements.

Students who study and later work in regional Australia may also explore the subclass 491 route. Eligible holders can apply for the permanent subclass 191 visa after meeting the required regional conditions. A skilled occupation or Australian degree does not guarantee permanent residency. Students must still meet the rules of the visa they apply for.

Work Opportunities After Graduation

Students who want to work in Australia after graduation should check which jobs are in demand. The 2025 Occupation Shortage List from Jobs and Skills Australia shows that 29% of occupations were in shortage, down from 33% in 2024. Demand was still high in areas such as health, education, construction, and skilled trades. However, studying in a high-demand field does not guarantee a job. Employers may also look at your work experience, English skills, qualifications, technical knowledge, professional registration, and the location of the job.

Australia post-study work visa for Bangladeshi students

The Australia post-study work visa for Bangladeshi students follows the same main rules as the Australia 485 visa for other eligible international graduates. Bangladeshi students do not get a different visa length only because of their nationality. Before finishing their course, students should check:

  • Whether their course meets the visa requirements
  • When their current visa expires
  • Whether they meet the English requirement
  • Whether they have suitable health insurance
  • Which police checks or other documents they need
  • Which subclass 485 stream suits their qualification
  • How much they need for the visa and living costs


Preparing these things early can make the application process easier after graduation.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s post-study work visa can provide international graduates with an opportunity to gain valuable professional experience after completing their studies. With eligibility requirements, stay-back periods, visa costs, and work rights depending on your circumstances and the latest immigration rules, it is important to understand the requirements before making plans.

For prospective students, choosing a course and institution that aligns with your career goals can be an important part of planning your post-study pathway. Graduates should also keep track of changes to visa policies, eligibility criteria, and application requirements, as Australian immigration rules can change over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can Zenith Study Abroad help me study in Australia?

Zenith can help students compare Australian universities and find courses that match their study plans. Students can also get support with entry requirements, application documents, scholarships, and student visa preparation. This can be especially helpful for students who are applying to an Australian university for the first time.

2. How long can I stay in Australia after graduation?

How long you can stay depends on your qualification and visa stream. Eligible vocational graduates can usually stay for up to 18 months. Bachelor’s and master’s by coursework graduates can normally stay for two years. Master’s by research and doctoral graduates can usually stay for three years. Some regional graduates may also get another one or two years.

3. Can I work in Australia after studying?

Yes. Eligible subclass 485 visa holders can generally work without a limit on working hours. They can take full-time, part-time, or casual jobs and can also change employers. However, some professions, such as healthcare or teaching, may need professional registration or a licence before a graduate can start working.

4. Who is eligible for the 485 visa?

Eligibility depends on the visa stream you apply for. In general, you need to have recently completed an eligible course in Australia and meet the required visa history. You may also need to meet age, English, health insurance, health, character, and study requirements. Some streams may have extra conditions.

5. How much does the Australia post study work visa cost?

The current Home Affairs fee for the main first Temporary Graduate visa streams starts from AUD 5,750, or about USD 4,091 using the 20 August 2026 exchange rate. Other costs may include insurance, police checks, medicals, English testing, skills assessment, and charges for family members.

6. Can Bangladeshi students get a post study work visa in Australia?

Yes. Bangladeshi students can apply if they meet the same subclass 485 conditions as other eligible international graduates. They should confirm their qualification, age, visa history, English evidence, health insurance, character documents, and application timing before their current eligible visa situation changes.

7. How many years can international students stay in Australia after graduation?

Most eligible graduates receive between 18 months and three years under the current main streams. Bachelor and coursework masters graduates generally receive two years, while research masters and doctoral graduates generally receive three. Eligible regional graduates may be able to add another one or two years.

8. Do I need a job offer before applying for subclass 485?

No. A job offer is not a basic requirement for the main graduate streams. The visa gives eligible graduates time to look for employment after study. Applicants still need to meet all immigration requirements, and the Australian Government does not arrange jobs for graduate visa holders.

9. Does a 485 visa guarantee permanent residency?

No. The Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485 is temporary and does not guarantee permanent residency. Some graduates later move to skilled, regional, or employer-sponsored pathways, but each visa has separate occupation, points, sponsorship, salary, skills, health, character, and other requirements.

10. What should I do before my graduate visa ends?

Start planning early. Check your occupation, work experience, skills assessment needs, employer sponsorship options, and skilled or regional visa routes that may fit your situation. Another visa may require documents, testing, sponsorship, or an invitation, so waiting until the final weeks can make the process harder.