Australia Post Study Work Visa

Discover the Australia Post Study Work Visa: your gateway to studying and working in Australia. Learn about eligibility, application processes, and benefits. Hey students! Did you know that Australia offers an incredible opportunity for international students? With a post-study work permit, you can stay and work in Australia for 7+ years after completing your studies. International students can avail Subclass 485 visa which allows you to stay and work for part-time or fulltime in Australia. It's a fantastic chance to gain valuable work experience and explore everything this beautiful country has to offer. Check out different regions and universities in Australia which offer the most generous post-study work permits and kickstart your career journey today!

Post study work permit shall be granted based on the university and particular region the university is located. Australia is divided into three major regions.

MSB

This zone contains major cities and urban centers such as Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. MSB areas are highly developed, with a lot of opportunities in various industries and sectors. Students who opt for universities in this zone shall get 2 years PSWP for bachelors courses and 3 years for master’s programs. However, due to their high population density and competitive job markets, visa options and incentives for international students and migrants may differ compared to regional areas.

Regional Areas

Regional areas cover towns, cities, and rural areas outside the major urban centers. Universities in this region offer 2+1 years of PSWP for bachelor courses, and 3+1 years for masters courses. These regions often offer distinct advantages such as lower living costs, a more relaxed lifestyle, and specific incentives to attract migrants and international students. The Australian government promotes migration to regional areas to address skill shortages, support local economies, and distribute population growth more evenly across the country.

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)

Universities located in these regions offer 4 years of PSWP for students who opt for bachelor’s courses and 5 years for masters courses. DAMA refers to specific agreements between the Australian government and regional employers or industries to address labor shortages in designated areas. These agreements allow employers in participating regions to sponsor skilled workers from overseas for positions that cannot be filled by local workers. DAMA aims to support economic growth and development in designated areas by facilitating targeted migration pathways for skilled workers.

Click here to view information regarding post study work permit details in Australia.

What is the Post Study Work Permit in Australia? +
The Post Study Work Permit (PSW) in Australia is a visa that allows international students to stay and work in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. It’s officially called the Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) under the Post-Study Work stream.
How long can I stay in Australia after study on a work permit? +
The stay period depends on your program:
  • Bachelor’s degree: Up to 4 years
  • Master’s by coursework: Up to 5 years
Who is eligible for a post-study work visa in Australia? +
You need to complete a CRICOS-registered course, hold a valid student visa within the last 6 months, meet English and health requirements, and apply for the 485 visa.
What is PSW in Australia and how does it help students? +
PSW allows you to stay and work in Australia after your studies, giving valuable job experience and improving your chances for PR (permanent residency).
Can I get a 3 years post study work visa in Australia after masters? +
Yes. Master’s graduates (coursework or research) are eligible for a 3-year PSW visa. Those in regional areas may get an additional 1–2 years.
What is the process to apply for a work permit in Australia after study? +
Complete your course, apply for the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) within 6 months, submit necessary documents including health check and police clearance, then wait for approval.
Is Australia PSW available after Masters for Indian students? +
Absolutely. Indian students who finish a Master’s program in Australia can apply for a 3-year PSW visa and gain international work experience.
Can I apply for PR after PSW in Australia? +
Yes. Many students use their post-study work period to gain skilled work experience and later apply for PR through General Skilled Migration or other PR pathways.
Can I bring my spouse on PSW visa in Australia? +
Yes, your spouse can join you as a dependent on your PSW visa and they are allowed to work full-time in Australia.
Whats the cost of applying for a post study work visa in Australia? +
The base application fee is around AUD 1,895 for the main applicant. Additional costs apply for dependents, health checks, and other documents.
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