If you wish to Study in Australia and Work afterwards, this guide will explain everything – from visa duration to benefits of regional areas, major cities, eligibility, and more.
Australia is one of the most preferred study destinations for international students. With its world-class education, high standard of living, and attractive career opportunities, it offers a dream life for students. But what truly adds value is the Post Study Work Permit Australia, which allows students to gain industry experience after graduation.
🎓 What is a Post Study Work Permit in Australia?
The Post Study Work Permit Australia, commonly referred to as the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485), allows international students to stay back and work in Australia after successfully completing a degree from a recognized Australian institution. There are two streams under this visa:
- Graduate Work Stream: For diploma/trade-level graduates with occupations listed on the skilled occupation list.
- Ideal for students who have completed Diplomas or Trade Courses.
- Requires the job to be on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Typically valid for 18 months (can be extended to 24 months in certain cases).
- Post-Higher Education Work Stream: For those with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- Designed for students who have completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate.
- Offers a stay duration between 2 to 6 years depending on qualification and location of study.
- Doesn’t require the occupation to be on the skilled occupation list.
âś… If your goal is to Study in Australia and Work after graduation, Subclass 485 is the golden ticket.
Major Cities: Where Opportunities Thrive
Studying in top Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane gives you access to leading global companies, internships, and an active job market.
- Sydney
- Australia's financial capital.
- Ideal for students from business, finance, IT, and healthcare backgrounds.
- Vibrant lifestyle with the highest number of corporate headquarters.
- Melbourne
- Known for its universities and R&D institutions.
- Ideal for engineering, data science, education, and hospitality.
- High cultural diversity and strong networking opportunities.
- Brisbane
- Fast-growing economy and lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne.
- Best for students from construction, healthcare, and logistics industries.
| Qualification Level | Typical Work Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 Years |
| Masters’s Degree | 3 Years |
âś… These cities are competitive but offer unmatched exposure. Many students opt to Study in Australia and Work in metro cities for quicker job placements.
Regional Areas: The Hidden Gem of Post Study Work Permit Australia:
Regional Australia refers to all locations like Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Gold Coast and Wollongong , The Australian government encourages international students to choose these areas by offering extended work rights and migration incentives.
- Extended Post Study Work Rights – 1–2 extra years on top of the regular visa duration.
- Affordable Living – Housing and utilities are significantly cheaper.
- PR Pathway Advantage – Many regional cities are part of migration programs with extra points for PR.
- Relaxed Lifestyle – Less crowded and more nature-focused lifestyle.
| Qualification Level | Major Regional City | Other Regional Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2+1 Years | 2+1+1 Years |
| Masters’s Degree | 3+1 Years | 3+1+1 Years |
Eligibility for Post Study Work Permit Australia
- Completed 2 years of full-time study in Australia.
- Graduated from a CRICOS-registered institution.
- Applied within 6 months of completing your course.
- Be under 35 years of age.
- Hold or held a valid student visa.
- Meet English language proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL).
- Obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or adequate health insurance.
- Pass health and character assessments.
âś… Conclusion:
Whether you're aiming for a short-term industry experience or permanent migration, the Post Study Work Permit Australia opens up a world of possibilities. Choosing the right city or region to Study in Australia and Work can shape your entire career. From Sydney’s skyscrapers to Tasmania’s mountains, Australia welcomes you to explore, learn, grow, and stay.
