Student & Graduate Visas – Study, Work & Settle in Australia
Start Your Australian Dream with a Student or Graduate Visa
Explore study, work, and PR pathways tailored for international students and graduates.
✈️ Why Choose Australia for Study & Post-Study Migration?
• World-class universities with global rankings
• Up to 6 years post-study work rights
• Pathways to Permanent Residency through skilled migration
• Multicultural, safe, and high-employment environment
• Support for dependents and partner visa pathways
📚 Visa Options for Students & Graduates
1. Student Visa (Subclass 500)
For international students enrolled in CRICOS-registered courses.
• Study at schools, colleges, TAFEs or universities
• Work up to 48 hours per fortnight (unrestricted during breaks)
• Include partners and dependents
• Streamlined visa process if enrolled in approved institutions
2. Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
For recent graduates of Australian institutions.
• Stay in Australia after graduation to live and work
• Up to 6 years stay for select degrees (STEM, regional)
• Pathway to PR via employer sponsorship or skilled migration
Streams:
- Graduate Work Stream (for trade/vocational qualifications – ANZSCO-listed)
- Post-Study Work Stream (for higher education graduates)
🧭 Post-Study to PR Pathways
✅ Popular Transition Options:
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
• State Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
• Regional Visa (Subclass 491 → 191 Pathway)
• Employer Sponsored (Subclass 186, 494)
📌 Key Requirements Snapshot
| Requirement | Student Visa (500) | Graduate Visa (485) |
| Age Limit | No | Under 50 |
| English | IELTS 5.5+ | IELTS 6.0+ |
| Health Cover | Yes (OSHC) | Yes (OVHC) |
| GTE | Yes | No |
| Eligible Course | CRICOS | 92+ weeks CRICOS |
🧾 Document Checklist (Quick Summary)
Student Visa:
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• GTE Statement
• Financial evidence
• English proficiency (IELTS/PTE)
• OSHC (Health cover)
Graduate Visa:
• Completion letter & transcripts
• AFP Police Check
• English language test results
• Health check
• OVHC (Health cover)
• Partner/dependent documents (if applicable)
🕒 Fees & Processing Times
| Visa | Government Fees | Est. Processing |
| Subclass 500 | From $710 | 1 – 3 months |
| Subclass 485 | From $1,895 | 3 – 6 months |
Fees updated as per Home Affairs.
🧠 Smart Migration Tips
💡 Want PR after study? Choose a regional institution and a skills-in-demand occupation.
💡 Apply for skills assessment while holding your 485 visa – it helps for 189/190/491.
💡 Graduates from certain STEM degrees get longer post-study work rights.
