Post-Higher Education Work Visa Australia: Your Path to Employment After Graduation

Are you an international student wondering what’s next after graduating from an Australian university? The Post-Study Work Visa, officially the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), offers a fantastic opportunity to stay and work in Australia after your studies. However, with new rules kicking in by 2025, it’s crucial to understand how this visa works, who qualifies, and how it can lead to employment. This guide breaks down the latest updates as of February 2025, ensuring you’re ready to turn your Australian degree into a career launchpad!

What is the Post-Study Work Visa?

The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing a qualifying degree. The Post-Higher Education Work Stream (formerly Post-Study Work Stream) is tailored for university graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. As of 2025, this visa remains a key pathway to gain work experience in Australia’s thriving job market, from tech hubs in Sydney to healthcare roles in Perth. However, recent changes have tightened eligibility and durations, so let’s explore what’s current.

Who Qualifies in 2025?

Eligibility for the Post-Study Work Visa has evolved. Here’s what you need as of February 2025:

• Qualification: A Bachelor’s, Master’s (coursework or research), or Doctoral degree from a CRICOS-registered Australian institution, completed over at least 2 academic years (92 weeks). Note: Graduate Certificates no longer qualify, and Graduate Diplomas must follow a related degree within the same or next academic year (effective December 14, 2024).
• Age: You must be aged 35 years or under at application (down from 50), except for Hong Kong or British National Overseas (BNO) passport holders, who can apply up to age 50.
• English Skills: An IELTS score of 6.5 overall (or equivalent), with no band below 5.5, raised from 6.0 in 2024.
• Student Visa: You must have held a valid Student Visa (Subclass 500) for your studies.
• Health and Character: Adequate health insurance and a clean police record are mandatory.

These updates, including the age drop to 35 effective July 1, 2024, aim to target younger professionals with skills Australia needs.

How Long Can You Stay?

Visa durations have been streamlined since mid-2024, ending the extra two-year extensions for select degrees. As of February 2025:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s by Coursework: 2 years
• Master’s by Research: 3 years
• PhD: 3 years (reduced from 4 years in some cases)
• Hong Kong/BNO Passport Holders: Up to 5 years

Regional graduates can still access the Second Post-Higher Education Work Stream, adding 1-2 years if you studied and lived in a designated regional area. Check the latest regional lists, as this perk remains a drawcard for 2025.

Why It’s Your Employment Gateway

The Post-Study Work Visa opens doors to Australia’s job market in 2025. With no work restrictions, you can:

• Gain experience in high-demand fields like IT, nursing, or engineering.
• Build a resume with local credentials, boosting future visa prospects.
• Network for employer sponsorship or permanent residency (PR) pathways.

However, new rules since July 2024 prevent onshore switches back to Student Visas, nudging graduates toward employment rather than further study. This shift aligns with Australia’s goal to reduce “permanently temporary” migrants.

Top Tips for Success

• Job Hunt Early: Use Seek or LinkedIn to target roles matching your degree.
• Regional Advantage: Study or work in regional areas for extra time and PR points.
• Plan Ahead: With shorter stays, explore PR options like the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) during your visa term.

Disclaimer: Visa rules can change. Verify details with official sources before applying.