Post Study Work Visa in Australia
Moving to Australia for studies can be exciting. But what about staying longer at work and experiencing life here after graduation? Australia offers a great opportunity called the Post-Study Work Visa. This visa is for international students and lets you stay and work in Australia after completing your studies.
In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about the post study work visa in Australia. You’ll learn about the different types of visas, eligibility requirements, benefits, and the application process. Let’s get started!
Types of Post-Study Work Visas
If you’re an international student in Australia, a few types of post-study work visas are available. Each visa has different requirements and benefits. So it’s good to understand which one suits you best.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Post-Study Work
This visa is the most popular choice for students recently graduating from an Australian university. With the Post-Study Work Stream, you can stay and work in Australia for a limited time after finishing your degree.
To apply, you need to be under 50 years old and have completed a degree in a course registered with CRICOS. You’ll also need an Australian Federal Police (AFP) check and proof of English language skills.
The stay duration depends on your qualifications. You can stay for up to two years after completing a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree holders can stay for three years, while doctoral graduates get four years.
If you’re a British National Overseas or hold a Hong Kong passport, you may be eligible to stay up to five years.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485): Graduate Work
Another type of temporary visa is The Graduate Work Stream for international students. This visa is for those with skills related to specific occupations in demand in Australia. With this visa, you can live, study, and work in Australia for a short period. It also lets you bring your close family members to stay with you.
You must apply within six months of finishing your studies. You should also already hold a visa permit to stay in Australia. This visa typically lets you stay for up to 18 months, but currently, it is extended to 24 months.
Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476)
This visa is for recent engineering graduates. If you’ve completed an engineering degree at a recognized institution within the last two years, you can stay for up to 18 months in Australia on this visa.
To apply, you must have an engineering degree from a specified institution. As the main visa holder, you cannot have previously held a Subclass 476 or 485 visa.

Eligibility Requirements for Post Study Work Visa in Australia
Certain criteria need to be met to be eligible for a post-study work visa in Australia. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements:
Age Requirements
You should be 35 or younger when you apply. However, if you’re applying with a research-based Master’s or a PhD or hold a Hong Kong or British National Overseas passport, you can apply until age 50.
Location at the Time of Application
You must be in Australia (but not going through immigration clearance) when you apply. If you’re applying as a subsequent entrant (like a family member joining you), you can apply from inside or outside Australia.
Visa and Residency Status
To apply, you must either hold an eligible student visa or have recently held one within the past six months. If your student visa recently expired, you’ll need either a Bridging Visa A or B or another substantive visa.
Academic Qualifications
Your qualification should be degree-level or above and awarded within the past six months from an Australian education provider. This degree must be from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution.
English Language Proficiency
You’ll need to demonstrate your English proficiency. If taking a test, you’ll need to meet the following minimum scores:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in every category.
- TOEFL iBT: At least 83 overall, with section minimums of 7 in listening, 8 in reading, 18 in writing, and 16 in speaking.
- PTE Academic: A score of 57 or above, with minimums in each skill.
- OET: A grade of B for each part.
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: A total score of 176 with a minimum of 162 in each section.
Health Insurance
You and any family members on the visa must have health insurance throughout your stay in Australia.
Australian Values Statement
If you’re over 18, you must read (or have explained) the Life in Australia booklet. You must also sign a statement confirming your respect for Australian values and laws.
Financial Responsibility and Others
You cannot have any outstanding debt to the Australian Government. If there’s debt, it should be paid or arranged for repayment before applying. Additionally, your immigration history will be reviewed.

Application Process for Post-Study Work Visa
Applying for a post-study work visa in Australia involves several important phases, and starting early can help the process go more smoothly.
Preparation Before Applying
Start preparing as soon as your education provider confirms the successful completion of your course. First, ensure you have a valid passport; you’ll need this for your application. If your passport needs updating, it’s best to handle this before you begin applying for your visa.
Depending on the requirements, you may also need to organize a health examination. It’s important to check your current visa conditions and confirm whether you meet all eligibility criteria.
Gather Necessary Documents
For a smooth application, have all your documents ready before submitting. Key documents include:
- Your passport and national ID card, if available.
- Proof of your completed studies in Australia.
- Evidence of your English proficiency, especially if you’re not from an English-speaking country.
- Health insurance documents that demonstrate you’re covered in Australia.
- Police checks and character assessments for applicants over 16, including a Federal Police check.
Submitting Your Application
Apply for your visa online through the ImmiAccount portal, where you’ll create an account, upload your documents, and pay the required application fee. If applying with family members, each member must pay their respective Visa Application Charge and submit the necessary documents.
Double-check your visa stream choice before submission; changes aren’t allowed afterwards. Once submitted, you can track your application status in ImmiAccount, though updates might be limited if it’s within standard processing times.
After Applying
After submission, you’ll receive confirmation. If requested, you may need to complete additional health exams or attach further documents through ImmiAccount.

Duration and Extensions of Post-Study Work Visa
The length of your post-study work visa in Australia generally depends on the degree you completed and the visa stream you apply for. For graduates with a Graduate Work Stream visa, the stay typically extends to 18 months after completing their studies.
However, if you’ve finished a master’s degree or similar qualification, you may get to stay longer; around 2 to 4 years is common.
For students from Hong Kong or those holding a British National Overseas passport, there’s a longer stay option, usually up to 5 years.
Extensions: In some cases, you may apply for an extension or other visa options to continue staying in Australia. For instance, some graduates in specific fields or areas may qualify for extensions or other skilled visas.
Benefits of Post-Study Work Visa
A post-study work visa in Australia comes with some great benefits. With one of the strongest economies in the world, Australia offers plenty of room for career growth in areas like business, healthcare, tech, education, and more.
Plus, you’ll find major global companies here, including big names like Microsoft, Google, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and Telstra. Working with such well-known companies can be a great start to building a successful career.
Another advantage is that your post-study work visa can open doors to permanent residency. By gaining work experience in Australia, you’ll also get to apply what you learned in real-world situations, which is invaluable for personal and professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Australia offer a post-study work visa?
Yes, Australia does offer a post-study work visa. This visa allows international graduates from Australian institutions to work in the country after completing their studies.
Who is eligible for a post-study work visa in Australia?
Graduates from Australian institutions are eligible for a post-study work visa if they meet specific criteria.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Post-Study Work Visa in Australia?
You must finish at least two years of study in Australia to get this visa. You must have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. There may be other rules, too.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Post-Study Work Visa?
The stay time depends on your degree. You can stay for up to 2 years if you have a bachelor’s. If you have a master’s or a doctoral degree, you can wait 3 to 4 years. Some people may stay for up to 5 years.
Can I bring my family members with me on a Post-Study Work Visa?
Yes, family members, such as your spouse or dependent children, can join you on this visa.
Is health insurance mandatory for the Post-Study Work Visa?
Yes, you must have health insurance while you stay in Australia on this visa.
What options do I have after my Post-Study Work Visa expires?
After your visa expires, you can apply for other visas. You may consider a skilled migration visa to stay and work in Australia.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we’ve explored the essentials of a post study work visa in Australia, covering the types of visas available, eligibility criteria, benefits, and the steps to apply. This visa offers a valuable pathway for graduates to gain international experience and potentially build a future in Australia. Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions about your career path after graduation.
Feel free to share your own experiences or insights about the post-study work visa in Australia in the comments—your perspective might help others considering this important step.