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Australia post-study work

Australia 485 visa for Indian students: duration, age limit and English scores

The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) lets international graduates of Australian universities live and work in Australia after their course. Master's by coursework graduates typically get 2 years, master's by research graduates 3 years and PhD graduates 4 years. You must lodge within 6 months of finishing, be under the age cut-off, and meet the English requirement.

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Last verified October 2026 · Written for Indian applicants · AbroBot takes no university commissions

At a glance

Master's by coursework
About 2 years
Master's by research
About 3 years
PhD
About 4 years
Age limit
Under 35 (50 for research or PhD)
Lodge within
6 months of finishing

What the 485 visa is

The Post-Higher Education Work stream of the Temporary Graduate visa is for graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. No employer sponsorship, occupation nomination or skills assessment is required for this stream, so you can work in any job while you gain experience or look for sponsorship. It is the main post-study route that feeds into skilled migration and PR after an MS.

How long you can stay

QualificationTypical stay
Bachelor's2 years
Master's by coursework2 years
Master's by research3 years
PhD4 years

Studying in a designated regional area can add extra time. Durations and regional bonuses are updated by the government, so verify them for your course before you plan around them.

Eligibility: age, English and timing

  • Age: you must be under 35 when you apply, or under 50 if you use a master's by research or doctorate to meet the study requirement. Confirm the exact cut-off with Home Affairs.
  • English: a recent test result, taken within 12 months of lodgement. Commonly cited minimums are IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or PTE Academic 50 with no section below 36. Verify the current table before you book a test.
  • Timing: lodge within 6 months of completing your course, and hold a Student visa during that period. This window is strict.
  • Qualification: an eligible Australian degree from a CRICOS-registered provider, plus health and character requirements.

Do not let your English test expire. Results older than 12 months at lodgement do not count. Book your test close to graduation. See the student visa guide for the earlier stage.

What it costs

The main-applicant charge was widely reported at AUD 2,300 from 1 July 2025, with additional applicants charged less. Charges are indexed and can change, so confirm the figure on the Home Affairs site on the day you lodge. Add health cover for your stay and your English test fee to the budget. For the study-stage budget, see the Australia cost guide.

Step-by-step: applying for the 485

  1. Plan backwards from graduation. Book an English test within 12 months of your lodgement date.
  2. Check your age against the cut-off before you start.
  3. Confirm completion with your university and keep your final results ready.
  4. Lodge online through ImmiAccount within 6 months of finishing, with identity, health and character documents.
  5. Work and plan your next step: build experience in your field and explore skilled visas.

Choosing Australia for the post-study work visa?

AbroBot compares Australian degrees, regional options and post-study visa rules against your goals, then builds a plan from application to lodgement.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Australia 485 visa for a master's degree?

Master's by coursework graduates typically receive 2 years, and master's by research graduates 3 years.

What is the age limit for the 485 visa?

Under 35 for most applicants, and under 50 for those who use a master's by research or PhD. Confirm the exact cut-off with the Department of Home Affairs.

What English score do I need for the 485 visa?

Commonly cited as IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5, or PTE Academic 50 with no section below 36. The test must be recent, within 12 months.

When must I apply for the 485 visa?

Within 6 months of completing your course, and you must hold a Student visa during that period.

How much does the 485 visa cost?

The main applicant charge was widely reported at AUD 2,300 from July 2025. Confirm the current figure on the Home Affairs website.

Do I need a job offer for the 485 visa?

No. The Post-Higher Education Work stream does not require sponsorship or a nominated occupation.

Sources and how we verify

Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.