Post-Study Work Visa Australia (subclass 485): Indian Students' Guide

Understanding Subclass 485 Visa in 2026

The Subclass 485 visa Australia is the main post study work visa for global students who have finished an eligible course at an Australian institution. You do not need an employer support or job offer to apply. This gives you the freedom to look for a job, gain work venture or explore future permanent residency options after graduation.

The visa is managed by the Department of Home Affairs and allows degree holders to work without restrictions on hours, employers or industries. It is mainly used by students who have finished a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree as long as they meet the study requirements of Australia which generally means at least two academic years of study.

The biggest benefit of the subclass 485 post study work visa in Australia is its flexible nature. You are not tied to one employer or location and the type of work experience you gain can help with some future skilled migration pathways. Though the visa rules have become stricter since 2024 with further changes in 2026. Indian students must carefully check the latest age, study, English language and other requirements before applying.

What Has Changed for the 485 Visa in 2026?

The rules for the Subclass 485 visa have changed a lot. Here is some of the information you need to read before it is outdated:

Shorter Visa Duration

The extra extensions for Australia post study work visa duration that used to allow some bachelor’s graduates to stay for four years and master’s coursework graduates for five years have now ended. Now visa duration is mainly shorter and depends on your qualification. This means student must not depend on older details about four or five year post study work duration when planning their study and career in Australia.

Lower Age Limit

Most of the applicants must now be 35or younger. Though graduates with a Master’s by research or PhD can still apply up to the age of 50. This change is especially crucial for students who are planning to study in Australia later in their career as the age limit can affect their eligibility for the 485 visa after graduation.

Higher English Requirement 

Applicants mainly need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, at least 5.5  in each section or an equivalent approved test score. Your test score must also fulfil the current validity rules. One should plan their English test and make sure the result is relevant when they apply instead of waiting until the end of their course.

COVID Extensions 

The temporary extensions introduced during the pandemic are no longer available. Your visa length now mainly depends on your qualification and any applicable arrangements for your nationality.  Those who are using older articles or advice from the COVID period should cross-check their expected visa duration again under the recent rules.

Higher Application Fee

From 1 March 2026 the actual visa application fee increased significantly. It means students now need to include the higher visa fee in their total post study budget with other possible costs like English testing, health checks and document preparation.

In total the 485 visa is now more strict and requires better planning. One should check the recent rules before applying.

Which Subclass 485 Stream Is Right for You? 

The Subclass 485 visa has different streams according to what or where you studied.

1. Post Higher Education Work Stream: This is the main option for students who complete a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in Australia. Most Indian University graduates apply through this stream.
2. Post Vocational Education Work Stream: This is specifically for students who finish a diploma or trade qualification connected to an occupation on Australia's skilled occupation list. However, you may require a formal set of skills evaluation.
3. Second Post Higher Education Work Stream: This is meant for graduates who studied and lived in an eligible regional area of Australia. If you meet the regional need and you may be able to stay longer in Australia.

How Long Can Indian Students Stay in Australia on the 485 Visa in 2026? 

The visa duration mainly depends on your highest qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree or Masters’s by Coursework: 2 around
• Master’s by Research: 3 years
• PhD: 4 years

However the Indian graduates may be eligible for a longer stay under the trade agreement between Australia and India. However if you study and live in an eligible regional area you may also get extra time via the Second post higher education work stream. This can add around 1 to 2 years as per the location.

Thus a PhD graduate who studies in a regional area may be able to stay in Australia comparatively longer than someone with the same qualification who studies in a major city.

How AI-ECTA Gives Indian Graduates Longer Post-Study Work Rights?

Indian students have a benefit under the Australia India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) signed in 2022. The agreement offers Indian graduates longer post study work rights as compared to many other international students.

Under AI-ECTA Indian graduates usually get:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Up to 3 year consisting of eligible STEM graduates with first class Honours.
• Master's Degree: Up to 3 years
• PhD: Up to 4 years

This benefit can be particularly useful for students studying STEM and ICT related fields where Australia has a strong demand for skilled workers. 

You can also combine the AI-ECTA advantage with the regional study option. For instance an eligible Indian Master’s graduate who studies in a regional area may potentially get around 3 years under AI-ECTA along with additional time via the regional stream. It gives graduates more time to gain Australian work experience and create a professional network and explore pathways towards permanent residency.

Though AI-ECTA does not remove the requirement of normal 485 visa requirements. You still need to meet the relevant eligibility requirements before applying.

Eligibility For Subclass 485 for Indian Students

Now before applying one must meet multiple key requirements:

1. Age: For Australia post study work visa age limit most applicants must be under 35 years of age and graduates from Master’s by research and PhD graduates can apply up to the age of 50.
2. Academic Requirements: You must finish at least two academic years of eligible study in Australia along with holding a student visa.
3. English Language Proficiency: You mainly need IELTS Academic 6.5 total with at least 5.5 in each section or an accepted equivalent test.
4. Timing: You must apply within six month of completing your course program. And keep your essential documents ready as soon as your final results are available.
5. Health & Character: You must meet health and character requirements and have the required health insurance.

How Much Does the 485 Visa Cost in 2026 

The cost of applying for a Subclass 485 Australia post study work visa has significantly increased in 2026. From 1 March 2026 the base visa application fee has roughly doubled compared with previous years. Applicants must also remember that the visa fee is not the only expense as the English tests, health checks, policy clearances, insurance and professional fees may add to the total cost.

Applicant	Approx. Visa Application Fee
Primary applicant	AUD 4,600
Secondary applicant (18+)	AUD 2,300
Secondary applicant (under 18)	AUD 1,160

Besides following are the other expenses for which you need to pay:

1. English language test
2. Health examination
3. Overseas student health cover (OSHC)
4. Police clearance certificate
5. Registered migration agent fees and if you use one.

What Comes After the 485 Visa: Understanding the Pathway to Australian PR

It is now important to know that the Subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa and does not directly lead to permanent residency (PR). But it gives you valuable time to gain valuable Australian work experience, improve your English score, get a skill assessment and prepare for the appropriate PR pathways.  

Here are the most common pathways graduates consider after their 485 :

1. Skilled Migration (Subclass 189, 190 or 491): These are the visas that are based on points like your age, English level, education and work experience. The189 visa can provide you with PR without state sponsorship but it is very competitive. On the other hand, the 190 visa requires nomination from an Australian state or territory and can give you additional points. Moreover the 491 visa allows you to live and work in a regional area and may lead to PR via the 191 visa if you meet the specific requirements.
2. Employer Sponsored Migration (Subclass 482 to 186): If you get an eligible employer who is willing to sponsor you and you may be able to move from a 482 visa to an 186 visa and eventually get  PR as long as you fulfil the requirements.
3. Partner Visas: If your spouse is an Australian citizen or permanent resident you may be able to use the 820/801 partner visa pathway to apply for permanent residency if you fulfil the requirements.

Faqs-

1. How Long Is The Post-Study Work Visa In Australia For International Students?

For Bachelor’s or Master’s by coursework, three years for a MASTER’S by research and four years for a Doctorate. However some regional study areas may allow additional time if you meet the eligibility requirements.

2. Who Is Eligible For a Post-Study Work Visa In Australia After Graduation?

Generally you are required to have completed at least 2 academic years of study in Australia. Candidates must be under 35 years old and other requirements mainly depend on your occupation and visa stream.

3. Can Indian Students Get Permanent Residency (PR) After a Post-Study Work Visa In Australia?

The subclass 485 visa does not give you PR directly however it gives you time to gain Australian work experience and apply for skilled migration visas like Subclass 189 or190.

4. Which Australian Courses Qualify For a Post-Study Work Visa?

Your Australian qualification usually needs to meet the requirements for your chosen 485 stream. Some pathways also need your qualification to relate to an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate and some vocational qualifications may qualify.

5. Can I Work Full-Time On a Post-Study Work Visa In Australia?

You can work full time and without employer sponsorship for an Australian employer during the visa period.

6. How much does an Australian post-study work visa cost in 2026?

As of March 2026 main applicants need to pay AUD $4,600, additional applicants aged 18 or over have to pay AUD $2,300. Moreover additional applicants under 18 have to pay AUD $1,160.

7.What are The Documents Required To Apply For a Post-Study Work Visa In Australia?

The following are the essential documents required for a post study work visa in Australia:

• Passport
• Australian qualification
• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
• English test results
• Health insurance
• Police clearance
• Health examination

8. When Should i Apply For a Post-Study Work Visa After Completing My Studies In Australia?

You generally need to apply within 6 months of finishing your course, it is best to prepare your application as soon as your education provider confirms your course completion.

9. Can I Include My Spouse And Children In My Australian Post-Study Work Visa Application?

You can generally include your spouse/partner and dependent children as secondary applicants. However additional visa charges apply.

10. What Happens If My Australian Post-Study Work Visa Expires? Can i Extend It Or Apply For PR?

The 485 visa usually cannot simply be extended so before it expires you normally need to qualify for another visa like as a skilled visa or another appropriate pathway.