Masters in Australia
By admin 28/10/2026 21/10/2026
For many Indian students, the real value of an Australian degree comes after graduation: the chance to work full-time in Australia and build experience that can lead to skilled migration. That opportunity comes through the Temporary Graduate visa, subclass 485. The rules have tightened since 2024, and the application fee doubled in March 2026, so it pays to plan for it before you even choose a course. This guide explains the 485 graduate visa for Indian students: streams, stay periods, eligibility, costs and how to use the time well.
What this guide covers
- What the 485 visa is
- Streams and stay periods
- Eligibility rules
- Application fee and costs
- How to apply
- Regional study and extra time
- Planning your course around the 485
- FAQs
What is the 485 graduate visa?
The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international students who have recently completed an eligible Australian qualification live, study and work in Australia temporarily. You can work full-time for any employer, and your eligible family members can come with you. It is not a permanent visa, but the Australian work experience you gain can strengthen a later skilled visa application.
485 visa streams and stay periods
Since 1 July 2024, the 485 visa has two main streams
| Stream | Who it is for | Typical stay |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Higher Education Work | Graduates of a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree | Bachelor's: 2 years; master's by coursework: 2 years; master's by research and PhD: 3 years |
| Post-Vocational Education Work | Graduates of diplomas, advanced diplomas and trade qualifications linked to an occupation on the relevant list | Up to 18 months |
Stay periods can differ for some passport holders and for regional study. Always check the current periods on the Department of Home Affairs 485 visa page before you plan.
485 visa eligibility rules
- Age: you must be 35 or younger when you apply. Master's by research and PhD graduates can apply up to age 49.
- Recent study: your qualification must meet the Australian study requirement (at least two academic years of study in Australia) in the six months before you apply.
- Visa status: you must hold, or have recently held, an eligible visa such as a Student visa.
- English: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or an accepted equivalent, taken within one year before you apply.
- Health insurance: you need adequate health insurance for your stay.
- Health and character: you must meet the standard health and character requirements, including police certificates.
A common mistake is choosing a course that does not meet the two-year study requirement. A one-year master's on its own may not qualify, so check this before you accept an offer.
485 visa application fee and costs
| Cost | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant (from 1 March 2026) | 4,600 |
| Additional applicant aged 18 or over | 2,300 |
| Additional applicant under 18 | About 1,160 |
| Police certificates, health check and English test | Varies |
At about ₹57 to the Australian dollar, the primary fee alone is over ₹2.6 lakh. Include it in your total budget from the start, alongside tuition and the Student visa. Our guide to the Australia student visa for Indian students covers the Student visa fee and funds requirement.
How to apply for the 485 visa
- Check eligibility as soon as your final results are due.
- Book your English test early, because your score must be less than one year old.
- Arrange police certificates from India and any other country where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- Get your completion letter and academic transcript from your university.
- Buy adequate health insurance.
- Apply online through ImmiAccount within six months of completing your course, and pay the fee.
- Complete health checks if requested.
If you apply in Australia while your Student visa is still valid, you will usually receive a bridging visa that lets you stay while your application is processed.
Regional study and extra time
Graduates who studied and lived in eligible regional areas may qualify for extra time on their first 485 visa or a second Temporary Graduate visa, depending on the location and rules at the time. Cities such as Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Canberra and the Gold Coast have been treated as regional for migration purposes, while Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are not. These rules change, so confirm the current list before choosing a campus.
Planning your course around the 485 visa
- Choose a course of at least two academic years if post-study work is a priority.
- Pick fields with clear demand , such as engineering, IT, nursing, teaching and accounting.
- Build Australian work experience while studying, within the student work limit.
- Keep your English score high. A strong score also helps with later skilled visa points.
- Budget for the 485 fee as part of your total study plan.
Our guide to masters in Australia for Indian students explains which courses and universities fit these goals.
FAQs on the 485 graduate visa
How long can I stay in Australia on a 485 visa after a master's?
Master's by coursework graduates typically get two years, and master's by research and PhD graduates typically get three years. Check current periods on the Home Affairs website.
What is the 485 visa fee in 2026?
AUD 4,600 for the primary applicant from 1 March 2026, with separate charges for family members.
What is the age limit for the 485 visa?
35 or younger for most applicants. Master's by research and PhD graduates can apply up to age 49.
Which IELTS score is needed for the 485 visa?
IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each band, or an accepted equivalent, taken within one year of applying.
Can I apply for PR during my 485 visa?
Many graduates use the 485 period to gain experience and then apply for a skilled visa, if they meet the requirements at that time. The 485 itself does not lead to PR automatically.
Plan for post-study work before you enrol
The 485 visa can turn an Australian degree into real international work experience, but only if your course, location and timing qualify. Planning it at the admission stage saves money and stress later.
edbgo helps Indian students planning to study in Australia choose eligible courses and campuses, prepare Student visa files and plan ahead for post-study work. Contact our Chennai team for a personalised plan.
Post Tags: # 485 Visa # Post-Study Work # Study in Australia
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