How long can I stay in Australia after finishing my degree?

After completing your studies in Australia, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily. The length of stay depends on your qualification and where you studied.

Graduate Work stream (for students with skills in an occupation on the skills list):
- 18 months stay

Post-Study Work stream (for bachelor, honours, masters, or doctoral graduates):
- Bachelor or Honours degree: 2 years
- Masters by coursework: 3 years
- Masters by research: 3 years
- Doctoral degree: 4 years

Regional study bonus: If you studied in a regional area of Australia, you may get an additional 1–2 years on top of the standard duration.

Important requirements: You must apply for the 485 visa within 6 months of completing your course, have held a student visa, meet health and character requirements, and have functional English.

The 485 visa is a work visa — there are no restrictions on the type or hours of work you can do. Many students use this period to gain Australian work experience before applying for permanent residency through pathways such as the Skilled Independent visa (189), Employer Nominated Scheme (186), or state/territory nomination (190/491).

Applications take 3–6 months to process currently. Apply as early as possible after receiving your final results. A MARA-registered migration agent can help maximise your points and identify the best PR pathway for your occupation.