How Long Can Graduates Stay in Australia After Study?

If you’re finishing your degree in Australia, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: How long can I actually stay after I graduate?

The short answer: It depends on your qualification and the visa stream you apply for. Most international graduates stay through the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) — commonly called the 485 visa.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1️⃣ Post-Higher Education Work Stream (Most Common)

This stream is for graduates with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD from an Australian institution.

Typical stay periods:

• Bachelor’s degree → Up to 2–3 years
• Master’s degree (coursework) → Up to 2–3 years
• Master’s (research) → Around 3 years
• PhD → Up to 3–4 years

Exact durations can change depending on government policy and qualification level, so always check the latest update on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website:
👉 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-graduate-485

This visa allows you to:

• Work full-time
• Gain local experience
• Improve English test scores
• Prepare for permanent residence (PR)

2️⃣ Post-Vocational Education Work Stream

If you completed a diploma or trade qualification linked to an occupation on the skilled occupation list, you may qualify for this stream.

• Stay period: usually up to 18 months

This stream requires a skills assessment in your nominated occupation.

3️⃣ Can You Extend Your Stay?

In some past years, certain degrees (especially in teaching, healthcare, engineering, and IT) received temporary extensions. However, these policies change frequently.

That’s why planning early is critical.

If your goal is PR, your 485 visa is really a bridge period — not the final destination.

4️⃣ What Happens After the 485 Visa?

Many graduates use this time to apply for:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)

Your strategy will depend on:

• Your occupation
• Your state
• Your work experience
• English score
• Points test result

This is where many graduates get stuck — they assume time alone will solve things. It won’t. You need a clear migration and career strategy early.

Practical Advice from Experience

From working with international graduates, here’s what I always recommend:

• Start checking your occupation list before you graduate
• Don’t wait until your student visa expires
• Focus on jobs aligned with skilled occupation lists
• Plan for English test re-sits if needed
• Understand salary requirements early

If you're unsure where to begin, our team at BRIGENAI helps graduates map out realistic post-study pathways — from job strategy to visa alignment. You can explore our career planning resources here:
👉 https://brigenai.com/

Final Thoughts

Most graduates can stay 2 to 4 years after study — but what truly matters is what you do during that time.

Think of your post-study visa as a launchpad. With the right planning, it can lead to permanent residence and a long-term career in Australia.