Australia is a nation well known for its varied environment, unique wildlife, and multicultural communities. It also offers strong education, health care, and quality-of-life standards. Depending on their qualification, visa stream, and passport, eligible international graduates may be able to live, study, and work temporarily in Australia through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Current options include the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, the Post-Higher Education Work stream, and the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream for eligible regional graduates.
Australia is a highly sought-after destination for international students because of its high-quality higher education, varied culture, and welcoming environment. It offers opportunities for eligible students to stay and work after graduation, and the government provides different visa options depending on a graduate’s study background and circumstances. The Temporary Graduate visa can help graduates gain Australian work experience, but it does not guarantee permanent residency.
If you are looking for information on how to apply for a post-graduation work visa in Australia, the article below gives you an overview of the process and the general eligibility criteria. Always check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website before applying, as visa rules, fees, processing times, and English test requirements can change.
Steps on Applying for an Australian Temporary Graduate Visa
Step 1. Determine Whether You are Eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Visa
Before applying, check whether you meet the eligibility requirements for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). In general, you must apply for the stream that matches your qualification, hold an eligible visa, have held a Student visa within the required period, have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course, meet the Australian study requirement, and provide the required evidence when you apply. Most applicants must be aged 35 or under when they apply, although exceptions apply for some passport holders and some research degree graduates.
The stream you choose matters. The Post-Vocational Education Work stream is generally for graduates with an associate degree, diploma, or trade qualification related to an eligible occupation. The Post-Higher Education Work stream is generally for graduates with a higher education degree. Eligible regional graduates who already hold a qualifying Temporary Graduate visa may be able to apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream.
Step 2. Gather the Required Paperwork
The documents you submit can affect whether your application is processed smoothly. Common documents include your passport, identity documents, academic transcript, completion letter from your education provider, English language test results if required, evidence of adequate health insurance, Australian Federal Police check evidence, and current visa details. If you apply under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, you may also need a skills assessment or evidence that you have applied for one.
Check the official document checklist for your visa stream before lodging the application. Missing, expired, or incorrect evidence can delay processing or lead to refusal.
Step 3. Lodge Your Application and Wait for Processing
After gathering your documents, lodge your application online through ImmiAccount. You should apply before your current visa expires and within the required time after completing your course. The Department of Home Affairs publishes visa processing times through its global processing time guide, which is updated regularly and varies by stream, application date, and individual circumstances.
The visa application charge also changes from time to time. As of the current Home Affairs information, the Temporary Graduate visa starts from AUD 4,600 for many applicants, while a lower visa cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens who lodge a valid Temporary Graduate visa application from March 1, 2026.
Documents Needed for a Temporary Graduate Visa
VISA
REQUIREMENT | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Proof of Study Completion | You must provide evidence that you completed an eligible qualification from an Australian education provider. This commonly includes a completion letter and academic transcript. Your qualification must meet the rules for the stream you apply under. |
| Eligible Visa Status | You must hold an eligible visa when applying and must have held a Student visa within the required period. Check the Home Affairs eligibility page for your stream before applying. |
| Passport and Identity Documents | You need a valid passport and identity documents. Make sure your personal details are consistent across your passport, education records, English test results, and visa application. |
| English Language Test Score | You may need to provide results from an approved English test. Accepted tests are IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET, CELPIP General, Cambridge C1 Advanced, LANGUAGECERT Academic, and MET. Online or at-home tests are not accepted for Australian visa purposes. |
| Adequate Health Insurance | You must provide evidence that you have adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia. |
| Character Documents | You will usually need evidence of an Australian Federal Police check and may need other police clearances depending on your circumstances. |
| Skills Assessment, if Required | Applicants under the Post-Vocational Education Work stream may need a skills assessment related to their nominated occupation. Check the official requirements for your occupation and stream. |
These are general document requirements. The documents you need can vary depending on your stream, passport, visa history, family members included in the application, and whether Home Affairs asks for additional evidence.
FAQs: Post-Graduation Work Visa Applications for Australia
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Post-Graduate Work Visa for Australia?
To be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa, you must meet the general requirements and the requirements for the stream you apply under. In most cases, you must be aged 35 or under when you apply, although exceptions apply. You must also hold an eligible visa, have held a Student visa within the required period, have a recent qualification from a CRICOS-registered course, and attach the required evidence when you apply.
The Australian study requirement generally includes at least two academic years of study, which equals 92 weeks of registered study, and the study cannot be completed in less than 16 calendar months. Your qualification must also match the stream you choose.
Your English language ability is important. You must provide approved English test evidence unless you are exempt. For many Temporary Graduate visa applicants, the English requirement is higher than it was in the past, and tests must be taken at an approved secure test center. Always check the current English requirement for your visa stream before booking or submitting a test.
You should generally apply within six months of completing your course and while you are in Australia, unless Home Affairs states that a different rule applies to your circumstances.
What is the Process for Extending a Post-Graduate Work Visa for Australia?
A Temporary Graduate visa is usually not extended by simply renewing the same visa. However, eligible regional graduates may be able to apply for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream. This stream can allow a further stay of between one and two years, depending on the regional location of the education provider that led to the first Temporary Graduate visa and the regional area where the applicant has lived.
Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, you generally must hold a qualifying Temporary Graduate visa, have completed a degree from an eligible regional Australian institution that led to your first Temporary Graduate visa, have lived in an eligible regional area for the required period, meet the age requirement, and satisfy all other Home Affairs criteria.
How Can You Find a Job in Australia as an International Student?
You can begin searching for a career in Australia as an international student or graduate by visiting company websites, online job boards, university career portals, and professional networking platforms. Networking with classmates, professors, alumni, and industry contacts can also help you find opportunities in your field.
Australia’s employment market is competitive, but official occupation shortage data continues to show demand across many professional, technical, and trade occupations, including areas related to health, engineering, information and communications technology, science, and trades. Demand can vary by state, region, and occupation, so research your field carefully.
Also consider internships, volunteering, and graduate programs to build local experience. Create a strong resume and cover letter tailored to the Australian labor market, and keep track of your visa conditions, work rights, and any changes affecting international students and graduate visa holders.
A post-study work visa can be a valuable opportunity for international students in Australia to gain work experience and strengthen their skills after completing their studies. It may also support future skilled migration or employer-sponsored visa pathways, depending on your qualifications, work experience, occupation, and eligibility. If you meet the criteria, review the official requirements carefully and prepare a complete application.
Hopefully, this article on how to get a post-graduation work visa in Australia was informative and helpful. You can also visit the Study in Australia and Available Programs for International Students pages for more articles about studying in Australia!
