Study, work and build your future in Australia
Australia offers internationally recognised qualifications, a diverse learning environment and opportunities for graduates to gain professional experience.
For eligible students, studying in Australia may also provide a pathway towards permanent residency through skilled migration or employer sponsorship.
Book your consultationAustralia Student Visa (Subclass 500)
The Student Visa (Subclass 500) allows international students to undertake full-time studies at an approved Australian education institution.
Students can enrol in eligible vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. Visa holders may also work part-time while studying, subject to their visa conditions.
Requirements
To qualify for an Australian Student Visa, applicants generally must meet the following:
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Enrol in an eligible course registered under the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Genuine Student Requirement
Demonstrate a genuine intention to study in Australia, with a clear explanation of the chosen course, academic background and future career plans.
English Language Proficiency
Meet the required English language standards through an approved English test or qualify for an exemption. Minimum scores: IELTS 6.0 overall or PTE 47 overall.
Financial Capacity
Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel and other applicable costs.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Maintain adequate health insurance for the required period.
Health & Character
Meet the relevant Australian immigration health and character requirements.
Conditions
Work rights
- Generally, students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session.
- Students undertaking a Master’s by Research or PhD are not subject to the standard 48-hour work limit once their course has commenced.
Study requirements
- Stay enrolled in an eligible registered course and meet academic progress and attendance requirements.
- Comply with your visa conditions; course changes may be restricted.
Bringing family members
Australia has introduced tighter restrictions on including family members in new Student Visa applications. Most new applicants cannot include their spouse or dependent children unless they qualify for an exemption.
Eligible family members must generally apply together with the primary student. Subsequent entrant applications are no longer permitted for most new applicants.
Onshore Student Visa applications
Most new Student Visa applications must be lodged outside Australia.
- Existing student visa holders may qualify for limited exemptions, including Higher AQF Progression or Doctoral Study arrangements.
- Applicants holding visitor, working holiday, temporary graduate and various temporary work visas are generally required to apply offshore.
How do you remain in Australia after your student visa? Subclass 485 allows graduates to work and live in Australia after their graduation.
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows eligible international graduates to remain in Australia temporarily after completing their studies.
This visa provides an opportunity to gain professional work experience, develop relevant skills and explore potential skilled migration or employer-sponsored pathways.
Requirements
Applicants generally must
- Be aged 35 years or below, with certain exemptions allowing applicants under 50 (Master’s or PhD).
- Have completed an eligible qualification from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- Meet the Australian study requirement, generally at least 2 academic years (92 CRICOS weeks), completed over a minimum of 16 calendar months.
- Hold an eligible visa and have held a Student Visa within the preceding six months.
- Apply within six months of completing the relevant qualification.
- Meet the required English language, health insurance and character requirements.
- Apply under the appropriate Temporary Graduate Visa stream.
Conditions
- Live, work and study in Australia without the standard Student Visa hourly restrictions.
- Travel in and out of Australia and include eligible family members, subject to immigration requirements.
- Comply with visa conditions and Australian laws.
Visa streams
Post-Higher Education Work Stream — for eligible graduates who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree. The length of stay depends on your qualification:
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s (Coursework)
Master’s (Research)
Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Post-Vocational Education Work Stream: length of stay of up to 18 months, for eligible graduates with an associate degree, diploma or trade qualification relevant to an occupation on the applicable skilled occupation list. Additional requirements include occupation eligibility and a relevant skills assessment.
Different visa durations or eligibility rules may apply to certain passport holders.
Pathways to Australian Permanent Residency
International graduates may explore several migration pathways depending on their qualifications, occupation, work experience and eligibility.
General Skilled Migration (GSM)
Australia’s GSM programme provides potential pathways to permanent residency for eligible skilled professionals through:
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
These pathways may allow eligible graduates to obtain permanent residency directly or through a regional skilled migration pathway, subject to meeting the relevant visa requirements.
Employer-Sponsored Migration
Graduates who secure employment with an eligible sponsoring employer may explore employer-sponsored visa options, including the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) and potential permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
From student to resident
The right pathway depends on your qualifications, occupation, work experience and eligibility. A temporary visa does not guarantee permanent residency.
Plan your study and migration pathway with GMS
Choosing the right course is an important decision, particularly if your long-term goal is to work and potentially settle in Australia.
Our Registered Migration Agent can assess your academic background, occupation, age and future objectives to help identify a suitable study and migration pathway.
Book a consultation©.
