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When choosing a university in Australia, international students often compare tuition fees, rankings, course duration, entry requirements and career opportunities.
However, there is another important factor worth understanding before you enrol: your potential post-study work options.
这 Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may allow eligible international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies to live, work and gain professional experience.
What Is the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)?
The Temporary Graduate visa is designed for eligible international students who have recently completed Australian studies.
Depending on the stream and qualification, it can allow graduates to temporarily live, work and study in Australia after graduation.
The main streams include:
- 职业后教育工作流程
- 高等教育后工作流
- 高等教育后第二工作流
1. Your Qualification Level Can Affect Your 485
Not every Australian qualification leads to the same 485 pathway or length of stay.
| Qualification | Standard Post-Higher Education Work Stay |
|---|---|
| Bachelor degree, including Honours | 2年 |
| Master’s by coursework or extended | 2年 |
| Master’s by research | 3年 |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 3年 |
When comparing courses, don’t only ask:
“How long will this degree take?”
Also consider what post-study pathway may be available after completing it.
2. Your Age at Graduation Matters
Your age when you start university is not the only age you should think about.
For most Temporary Graduate visa applicants, the current maximum age is generally 35 years or younger at the time of application.
Different age provisions may apply to certain applicants, including eligible Master’s by Research and PhD graduates.
For example, consider a pathway such as:
Students following a longer pathway should consider approximately how old they will be when they graduate and become ready to apply for the 485.
3. Your Campus Location Can Matter
Two students can study similar degrees at different locations and potentially have different regional post-study opportunities.
4. Regional Study May Provide Access to a Second 485
Eligible graduates who studied in a designated regional area and later satisfy the regional residence requirements may be able to apply for the 高等教育后第二工作流.
| Example | Potential Additional Stay |
|---|---|
| Eligible Category 2 study and residence | Up to 1 additional year |
| Eligible Category 3 study and residence | Up to 2 additional years |
Studying in a regional area does not automatically guarantee a second 485.
Eligibility also depends on requirements such as where you live after graduation.
5. Check the Campus, Not Just the University
Some Australian universities operate campuses in several different cities or regions.
This means that simply knowing the university name may not tell you whether your study location is Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3.
Check the actual campus address and postcode where your course will be delivered.
6. Don’t Assume You Can Get a New 485 After Every Qualification
Students planning several qualifications should understand the 485 rules before deciding when to apply.
Don’t automatically assume:
Diploma → 485 → Bachelor → another 485 → Master’s → another 485
Previous Temporary Graduate visas can affect eligibility for another 485 stream.
If you intend to progress through several qualifications such as Certificate → Diploma → Bachelor → Master’s, consider the entire study and post-study pathway rather than waiting until each graduation.
7. Research Degrees Have Different 485 Considerations
Students interested in research should understand that a Master’s by Research 或者 博士 may be treated differently from a standard Master’s by coursework under certain 485 rules.
Master’s Coursework
Master’s Research
博士
However, students should choose a research degree primarily because it suits their academic, research and career goals, rather than choosing it only for a potential visa benefit.
8. The 485 Visa Is Not Permanent Residency
One of the most important things to understand is that the Temporary Graduate visa is exactly that: temporary.
Receiving a 485 does not automatically lead to Australian permanent residency.
Other skilled, employer-sponsored or permanent migration pathways have their own requirements and may change over time.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a University?
- ✓ What qualification will I graduate with?
- ✓ How old will I be when I graduate?
- ✓ Is the course appropriately registered?
- ✓ Which campus will I actually study at?
- ✓ Is the campus Category 1, Category 2 or Category 3?
- ✓ Which 485 stream may apply to my qualification?
- ✓ How long could my first 485 potentially be?
- ✓ Could I potentially qualify for a second regional 485?
- ✓ Does the course support my long-term career goals?
Plan Beyond Graduation
Choosing a university is about more than deciding where you will spend the next few years.
你的 qualification, course structure, campus location, age at graduation and future career plans may all become relevant when considering your post-study options.
You don’t need to have your entire future mapped out before beginning your studies. However, understanding the Temporary Graduate visa before enrolling rather than only discovering it at graduation can help you make more informed study decisions.
Don’t choose a university or course solely because of a potential visa benefit. Consider academic quality, career opportunities, cost, location and your personal goals together.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 485 Visa
How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa?
The stay period depends on your qualification, visa stream and individual circumstances. Under the standard Post-Higher Education Work settings, Bachelor and Master’s by Coursework graduates generally receive 2 years, while Master’s by Research and PhD graduates generally receive 3 years.
Does studying in a regional area give me extra time on a 485 visa?
Eligible graduates who meet the regional study and residence requirements may qualify for the Second Post-Higher Education Work stream, which can provide an additional 1 or 2 years depending on the location and circumstances.
Is Perth considered a regional area for the 485 visa?
Yes. Perth is classified as a Category 2 designated regional area for relevant migration purposes. Eligible graduates who meet the requirements may therefore have access to regional post-study opportunities.
Can I get another 485 visa after completing another degree?
No, you generally cannot get a brand-new primary subclass 485 Temporary Graduate Visa just by completing another degree if you have already been the primary holder of a 485 visa. The primary 485 visa is a once-in-a-lifetime grant.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
Most applicants generally need to be 35 years old or younger when applying. Different age provisions apply to some applicants, including eligible Master’s by Research and doctoral degree graduates.
Does a 485 visa lead to permanent residency in Australia?
No. The 485 visa is a temporary visa and does not guarantee permanent residency. Skilled migration, state nomination and employer-sponsored pathways have their own eligibility requirements.
Where can I get help choosing a course or university?
An AUG Education Counsellor can help you explore Australian universities, courses and study pathways based on your study goals and circumstances.
Visa requirements and Australian migration policies can change.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice.
Always check the latest requirements with the Australian Department of Home Affairs
or seek advice from a registered migration professional before making decisions based on visa eligibility.
